I believe we are all born creative.
And over time, life beats it out of us. If we allow it to.
As kids, we were happily and courageously creative because we didn’t care what people thought of our creations. Remember when you didn’t care what people thought about your creative gifts? Your masterpieces? Your works of art? Your singing? Your dancing?
Me either.
From the moment we could move, make a sound, bang a drum, splash paint, dig sand, throw food and hold a crayon, we were creating something. It was who we were. What we did. We didn’t really understand the world, so we created our own story. Perhaps it was through a song. Or a work of art. A musical masterpiece with our very excellent guitar. It might have been a sandcastle. A cubby house. A tent in the living room. Or should I say, a fortress.
An impenetrable fortress. A monster-free zone. You remember monsters right?
And sometimes, the only thing our boring, sensible, uncreative parents could see was a mess. A problem. Something else to clean up. Pity.
There was a phase of our existence when we hadn’t (yet) learned about concepts like talent, judgment, criticism, approval and rejection. At that stage of our journey, embarrassment was something we were still to learn. Neither had we learned to over-think things. In fact, we didn’t think much at all. We just did because doing was such fun.
So we created. And we created. For fun. We danced, sang, painted and explored our way through life. We were happy.
Ever seen a dancing, singing, painting, creating kid who’s miserable? Me either.
We didn’t wonder if our creative output was good enough. Or how it compared. Ever.
Then sadly, one day we began to learn about the importance of things like artistic ability. And comparisons. Apparently, there’s good and bad art. Who knew? And we learn about singing in tune. What’s tune? We learn about dancing in time and knowing the right steps – apparently freestyle is now out. Pity; that was my specialty. And apparently, there are wrong steps? The grown-ups begin to judge our work and now we get rewarded for colouring inside the lines. There are lines? We learn that some colours just don’t go together (but I love the blue-green combo) and we also learn that creating purely for enjoyment, is only for the little kids. Now I have to be creative for a reason. A reason other than fun. And if I’m going to express myself creatively, then I need to work at ‘getting better’. To improve my skills. Now I’m confused.
Maybe it’s because I’m six.
Along the way, we are taught (consciously or not, intentionally or not) that spelling, mathematics and science are more important than the creative stuff. Most education systems teach us this ‘truth’. Not all, but most. Obviously, we’re never gonna get anywhere dancing, painting, singing and writing. Of course.
Then one day we wake up and we wonder:
What ever happened to the singer? The dancer? The poet? The painter? The storyteller? The builder of sandcastles? The happy kid who allowed herself to create purely because it made her happy? The kid who didn’t need approval, permission or a trophy? The kid who just needed some crayons?
About ten years ago, I began to reconnect with my creative self. In a big way. I went in search of the fearless six year-old. I wanted to discover who I was and what I could create when I left my ego, my lack of confidence, my poor self-esteem and my over-thinking, over-rationalising, fearful mind at the door. For years I had allowed my logic (self-doubt) to stop me from getting to know and understand my creative self.
As it turns out, I really like my creative self. He’s nicer than my logical self.
And much more fun than my educated self. My educated self is a dick.
Sometimes.
Allowing myself to see ‘me’ as a creative person was one of the turning points of my adult life. A major breakthrough even. I discovered that I was a creative being. I discovered that there was true joy and fulfillment in my creative expression. If people liked my creations that was a bonus, but to be honest, their approval (or lack thereof) didn’t matter to me. Even right now (as I type this sentence), I love the process of writing. I don’t write because it’s my job; I write because it gives me pleasure.
If nobody has encouraged you to go in search of your creative self, then today, consider yourself encouraged. So, stop pigeon-holing yourself and stop wasting your creativity, your talent and your potential.
Let me know your thoughts on this post by leaving a comment. Even you Scaredy Cat first-timers. 
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So creative, you are right we really do make our own map! Its just people are so scared to be who they are! Or rather as you said the judgements create fear in us.
I lived this way for so long, stuffing down what I loved, trying to be others, trying to be conservative and controlled and I just got to a point where I couldn’t do it anymore!
Even when I decided that… people still told me you’re not skinny enough to be an instructor, you’re not a cyclist and for god sake Kate you get to carried away with all this RPM stuff!
Well you know what I am glad I have an extra loud voice as it comes in handy when the mic doesn’t work, I am glad I can loose control and get carried away with the class and most of all I am glad we can all have fun!
I am not there to be Lance Armstrong (although I have the utmost respect for him), nor can I dance …but I dont need to be!
Recently I was approached to ‘well create something and sell it’ and straight up… it all comes back Im not pretty enough, Im not thin enough simply Im not good enough! God they will think im crazy!
But then I realized I wont ever be those things but I sure am pasionate and creative! So I might just take your post Craig as permission to give it a go, NOW I just how to find the how!
I just absolutely loved this, Craig.
But I’m wondering where you got the photo of me as a kid?
kinda spooky
Yeah those were the days. It was so much fun just to BE. Love ya Craig. xo
Thanks dude. You’re absolutely right.
I’m doing everything I can to preserve the artist in my daughter. And I’m working hard to bring back the artist I used to be.
Hi other Lisa, lol, it looks like one of us couldn’t stop commenting
That’s ok, we both love Craig!
It’s Lisa over-load! Too funny. Thanks for the love girls.
Here’s some back ( ) ( ) – that’s a hug each.
Go for it Kate
Hey Cdn friend – welcome Dude
Hi from the other side of the world
Found this site by accident and I’m lovin’ it! I’m in the process of re-discovering the artist in myself – currently trying writing, card making, salsa dancing, photography and now the clarinet (something I’ve wanted to learn since childhood). It is great fun!
Other people have commented on the cards – they love ‘em. That’s a bonus. People started telling me when I was 18 that I should write because I’m great at it. They said that one day I’m gonna write a book that will inspire others. Then I stopped doing it. I stopped because Life happened. Also because I got stuck in that whole “fear of success/fear of failure” cycle.
Now I’m trying again. I’ve found myself a mentor who has written screenplays and short films. So far I’ve sent him 3 things to check and the feedback was positive for all of them. If anything comes of it in the future then great. If not? It doesn’t matter. I’m doing something I love AND learning as I go.
Hey there,
If I stopped my creative side I would lose the soul of who I am. Whenever I am lost or in need of direction I draw upon listening to music singing out loud, while using paint to express what is going on in the head.This is the cheapest therapy I know! lol
Celebrate your inner child as you just might remember how much fun that can be.
Kisses M x
Hey Craig !! Sort of goes with the photo I sent you last week… of the gazebo my DH said was an impossible figment of my imagination !
Also made me think of a card that I bought to give to my niece for her birthday a couple of years back, because it seemed so appropriate for her.. and then I decided to keep it because I love it so much. It has a beautiful picture of a little girl crouching on a beach, scraping her fingers through the sand, and the wording goes….
When we were little, we were all great artists, graceful dancers, storytellers. We composed little songs, created paintings, invented games that were really fun. We didn’t think about it– we just made things up as we went along, improvising whenever we got stuck. And deep down, we are still creators at heart, improvisers, inventors who find magic in everyday things– who dream big and beautiful dreams. To live fully, laugh often and enjoy all of life’s simple pleasures– all that and more is what you are wished on your birthday and always.
It loses a bit without the picture and the design, but you can probably imagine it. (Hallmark card… best give credit so I don’t get sued !!)
I’ve always stayed in touch with my creative side, and even though I’ve sometimes been lacking in self confidence, I find that I can do whatever I really set my mind to.
{{HUG}} Tina
love, love, love seeing you in my in-box! I always know i am in for a treat! Why oh why MUST we all colour within the lines – i love to dance on coffee tables, sing into my hairbrush, colour outside the lines AND colour tree trunks the WRONG colour, but all done of course while in the company of my children! I hereby give my self permission to do all of the above and more, while home alone! Life is too bloody short to take ourselves too seriously!
hugs from andrea in australia!
Yes indeed, we are all creative and uninhibited when we are kids. It is easier for a toddler to start learning a new language than for an adult, babies swim on instinct while adults have to take swimming lessons and so on, but there is a big caveat here: There is a big difference between being creative and being truly talented for certain things. Keeping your creative spirit as a habit is okay, and as Nietzsche said, you become an adult when you recover the seriousness that you had as kid while you played. But being the case that we are not equally talented in all fields, while it makes sense to stay creative by exercising that capability, we also need focus to concentrate on what we can do in a truly gifted way.
Hi Helen… welcome back to the world of writing and getting to know your creative self. Again. Thanks for saying hi.
Enjoy the ride
And kisses for you Mares… x
I’ve seen some of your work Tina – so I know how creative you are..
Hi first-timer Andrea… nice to meet you. Keep singing into that hairbrush baby!
Hi Pablo – thanks for sharing…
Re your comment:
“we also need focus to concentrate on what we can do in a truly gifted way.”
Why do we “need” to and what if doing that doesn’t bring us any joy or happiness? Is it about how gifted we are at something, or is it about how much joy it brings us?
Just a thought
If I stayed as prolific (and not care what people thought) as I was when I was 5,6,7 and 8, no telling what artistic levels I could have reached by now, not to mention the body of work. For me, the biggest creative block can be lack of flow — and self-doubt, self-judgement, you name it. But when I get into the flow I can almost feel like I’m 5 again. Imagine the problems that could be solved if adults approached matters the same as they did as kids — with a completely open unfettered creative mind. Thanks for a terrific post, Craig.
wordy, craig
please remember that painting — or dancing – within the lines bears importance as well as creativity….
Only if we make it so Mike….
Oh… all right.
You’re welcome Kristin
Hi Craig,
Thanks for the food for thought.
We sometimes undervalue creativity – believing it to be something a little bit self-indulgent, time-wasting or maybe a teensy bit wanky.
However, aside from the immense value that art has simply in the joy it brings, a creative mind is essential for invention. Bloom’s Taxonomy (you know that triangle thing which shows the various levels of thinking – eg: remembering, understanding, evaluating etc) has recently been revised to include ‘creating’ at the top. That is, being able to create or invent is viewed (by many) as being a cognitive function of the highest order.
Which makes sense, really. Scientists, engineers and other very clever people whose jobs are completely beyond my comprehension need to look beyond what they know in order to discover new ways, solutions and inventions. They use their imaginations and their creativity all the time. Every new invention is formed in the creative mind before it ever reaches a blueprint or a computer.
Pretty cool, huh? And a very good reason to value and nurture our creative minds.
Christina xxx
Hi Craig, thank you for a joyous post!
For me at the moment, creativity is what brings me closer to every human on the planet, the more I use it the more I see my relationships growing – with family, friends, strangers. From creating a dinner party to working out with friends to creating time to read a book, to creating a space for someone to stand beside me at the busstop. I absolutely love all the subtle forms creativity comes in, and the brilliance that we are all using it every day
Hiya Craig,
My creative self has just been given a great boost by reading your post !! I’m so glad to hear you say that you love writing – I often wondered why you didn’t call yourself a writer (okay, it does say ”author” somewhere on this page ! ) but then I remember how many different hats you wear and that defining yourself as one thing or another is not what you’re about.
Still, I think of you as a writer – an inspiring, prolific one who has cultivated the skill of writing freestyle and I love it ! The best thing about your ‘style’ is that it always sounds like it was a breeze for you to write – but I know how much time and energy you actually put into each post/article. Still I always admire ‘the flow’ of how it comes out. Does that make sense ??
Perhaps better work on my own ‘flow’ !! I agree about our creative selves often being dormant and I myself am working hard on letting mine OUT !! Still working on an ebook, but now perhaps looking at print as well.
Have a happy day….
Mon ( )
Hi Craig,
I must say learning to be “little” again is my most difficult challenge to date. After 25 yrs of abuse being married to a musician who told me I had a belly full of music but a bad road out, I discovered that I had forgotten how to dream, creativity had shrivelled up and just become a dry seed lying in the distant memory banks of my past. In my pursuit of creativity I went to see Avatar this weekend just so that I can be inspired by what goes on in other peoples minds – sometimes we all need a kickstart in creativity – I may have to get out the crayons this coming weekend
Here’s to a creative challenging week !!!!
Cheryl ( )
As always Craig, just wonderful. I love your htoughts, and you really change my world. Thanks.
Mikki, Northern Ireland
oh ok…you got me….normally I am a bit of a stalker…read you emails and not comment but this time I HAD to.
I can relate to this so much (am amazed that I am in a group that also feels the same) as I loved writing when I was a kid, even teenager to a point that I wanted to be a journalist. My mum always asked what I was “scribbling at” and never really took the time to read anything that I had written. When it came to choosing my VCE subjects (way back when) I wanted to do everything that would gear me up for a career in journalism….well I didn’t get my way. She insisted that I do subjects that would get me a job that would pay the bills and the writing could be a side thing – a hobby – if I wanted to.
Here I sit 19 years later, in a desk job that I hate and yep, pays the bills but I still haven’t done anything about that “hobby” and now wondering what I have done in my life….yep, mid life crisis at the age of 35!
Thanks for always challenging my thoughts and making me believe that things outside the lines are achievable.
Thanks Christina, Megan, Mon, Cheryl and Mikki (love that name).
And to Kayley: (1) stalk no more! and (2) imagine if that ‘hobby’ one day replaced your job! Get busy.
If only I read this post when I was 6 years old!
Maybe when parents read this now, they can encourage the wonderful creativity in their children, maximizing their potential at such young impressionable ages!
Thanks Craig for the wonderful value you give everyday!
That was an amazing read, Craig. As per usual. haha
I love your attitude and do my best to probe paradigms like these into my head every moment of every day. One lesson I feel that’s always been very important to me is the significance of utilizing the creative mind.
3 years ago when I was studying Art, I was demoralized to the point where I stopped drawing and pursuing my interests in design. But one thing I never stopped doing is writing. I’ve been writing since my youth and even though many people in my life either don’t know about it, or don’t read any of it. It’s important to me, and perhaps one day I can publish some of it. I’m just thinking that maybe I don’t commit as much time to that hobby as I should.
Thanks again Craig.
Hi Craig, just a quick note to say how much this article resonated with my personal perspective. Our creative nature is so obvious when we are younger. That should send each of us a powerful message about our potential. We never lose the ability to create and we never stop creating. Sadly though, that ability can become encumbered and weighed down by all the things you mentioned. We can only have the reality we want if we exercise our creative abilities consciously and purposefully. Thank you for encouraging all of us to do exactly that.
Brilliant! And so true! Ok: I don’t have kids (need to find a guy who would put up with me first!), but that means I get to be Mad Lou with my friends kids. And the thing with being the number 1 babysitter is, you get to act like a crazy person, and the men in white coats don’t come to take you away!
I do “silly dancing” with the kids, and I’ve actually started to do it sometimes when I’m in the house on my own. Everybody should do it, seriously, you just throw your body around in the most ludicrous way, and you end up giggling like a loon! But still, although my friends will laugh, and say they love how I get down on the kids level (cos I am just a big kid inside, really), they won’t do it themselves – even in private!
But it means I still kind of have contact with the inner kid in me, and learn to let go of stuff when I’m doing silly things with them. I honestly think children are born with genius, and adults; teachers, parents, etc., spend their whole childhoods trying to strip that genius away. So I’m absolutely all for trying to regain some of it!