When I was that age, exploring my own creativity, what I most craved was freedom. What I most desired was encouragement to be who I was at my core, and to let that truth shine through creation.
I read this today on my screen porch during a thunderstorm. Your words moved me. Thank you. Now I’m savoring the sight of wet black dirt in my little garden, with little green plants sprouting. Flowers, tomatoes, cantaloupe and sweet potatoes. The hope of renewal and new life.
Thank you Elizabeth. I have only just found the joy and importance explored by your creativity in the past 20 years. I just was never encouraged.nor was it even discussed when I was growing up. Either at home or at school. Growing up in a strict but lovinv home home creativity was never mentioned . No one ever encouraged it or discussed it at school either. And thinking back, I guess this was the start of a struggle with depression also. Well, it’s an issue that runs in our family. I wonder if exploring one’s creative side would’ve helped over the years. perhaps that’s where my joy of sewing has developed to projects that I do for enjoyment rather than those that I do out of necessity. Wow! Consider by mind blown with your help. Now to find some time to explore this or maybe just to go and see a quilt.
Joyce! Thank you for sharing. I truly believe that being creative - and there are SO many ways to be creative, from gardening to cooking to singing in the shower to sewing - is crucial to engaging with and experiencing joy. I think we were all meant to be expressive in whatever capacity is true to who we are. I remember being told that this thing was art and that thing wasn't art, when in reality, there is art in almost everything we do if we allow ourselves to be expressed through it. I hope you can continue to give yourself time to be creative in whatever way brings you joy. It's easy to tell ourselves there are more important things to do, but I think creativity is nourishment for the soul, and we need a healthy soul to withstand life's challenges. Many of our souls are anemic, so to speak. Love discussing this with you! Sending big hugs.
Hi Elizabeth,
I read this today on my screen porch during a thunderstorm. Your words moved me. Thank you. Now I’m savoring the sight of wet black dirt in my little garden, with little green plants sprouting. Flowers, tomatoes, cantaloupe and sweet potatoes. The hope of renewal and new life.
~ John
I love this! Thanks for commenting John!
Thank you Elizabeth. I have only just found the joy and importance explored by your creativity in the past 20 years. I just was never encouraged.nor was it even discussed when I was growing up. Either at home or at school. Growing up in a strict but lovinv home home creativity was never mentioned . No one ever encouraged it or discussed it at school either. And thinking back, I guess this was the start of a struggle with depression also. Well, it’s an issue that runs in our family. I wonder if exploring one’s creative side would’ve helped over the years. perhaps that’s where my joy of sewing has developed to projects that I do for enjoyment rather than those that I do out of necessity. Wow! Consider by mind blown with your help. Now to find some time to explore this or maybe just to go and see a quilt.
Joyce! Thank you for sharing. I truly believe that being creative - and there are SO many ways to be creative, from gardening to cooking to singing in the shower to sewing - is crucial to engaging with and experiencing joy. I think we were all meant to be expressive in whatever capacity is true to who we are. I remember being told that this thing was art and that thing wasn't art, when in reality, there is art in almost everything we do if we allow ourselves to be expressed through it. I hope you can continue to give yourself time to be creative in whatever way brings you joy. It's easy to tell ourselves there are more important things to do, but I think creativity is nourishment for the soul, and we need a healthy soul to withstand life's challenges. Many of our souls are anemic, so to speak. Love discussing this with you! Sending big hugs.
Love you💜