We can all live a creative life even if we believe we’re not creative.
I figured out how to live in two different states. Ninety or so percent of the time, I live in Arizona with my husband and sweet Golden Retriever, Merlin.
The balance of my time is spent in California. I resided here for over 40 years, and it's where my two sons were born and raised. I have a deep love and connection to this part of the country. There is no way I would permanently forsake it.
Fortunately, the two states are less than a two-hour plane ride away from one another. Flying back and forth is an easy transition.
When my sweetie and I reconnected after many years and decided we wanted to marry, the decision of where to live arose, of course.
Since I had previously downsized from my house and moved to a small apartment and hubby had a large home in Arizona, the decision was an easy one.
This is creative living manifested. Both of us loved our states of residence. Bill’s house is large, spacious, and comfy — plus a pool for our large dog to swim and a yard to roam and explore.
I had free reign — more or less — to bring in my decorating style so his home would feel like our home. More creativity in action.
I am keeping my lovely apartment that is filled with art I have created and decorated with love.
Bill doesn’t care to travel to California with me often as he feels a bit confined as it’s small. That works for me. I am free to visit my family and friends while he is comfortable at home in Arizona.
This is creative living for us.
As Henri Matisse said: “Creativity takes courage.”
For 20 years or so, my dear friend Jennifer was a chef with a thriving catering business.
Jen’s husband is a photographer with a large studio where he taught classes and engaged in all types of processing and workshops. He also led field trips to various countries for emerging and established photographers. Their life was full and brimming with artistic pursuits.
Now they are reassessing life and tossing ideas to one another as to their next step.
Jennifer retired from catering and the responsibility of running the show. Now, rather than being the boss, she supports friends in their businesses when help is needed. She can continue to keep her hands in the food industry she so loves. Generous and smart creativity.
The considerations for the photography studio are: downsizing — moving to a smaller place and cutting back on classes, etc., or perhaps going online exclusively.
Jen and Sam are considering renting out their home to be able to travel. The Airbnb income would give them funds to support their trips.
Their prospects are exciting and creative.
As Pablo Picasso so eloquently said:
"Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist."
I began writing for Medium in January of this year. It’s my new artistic outlet.
Prior to Medium, I wrote and still do on my blog — publishing every Thursday since December 2018 — never missed a week.
Before writing, I designed collages, and before that — painting landscapes and still lifes were my interest.
What do you love to do? Where is your imagination taking you?
You’re not creative, you say? Of course, you are. If you are breathing — you’re creative.
I love what Elizabeth Gilbert says in her book Big Magic:
"Are you considering becoming a creative person? Too late, you already are one. To even call somebody “a creative person” is almost laughably redundant; creativity is the hallmark of our species. We have the senses for it; we have the curiosity for it; we have the opposable thumbs for it; we have the rhythm for it; we have the language and the excitement and the innate connection to divinity for it."
Try writing, pottery, take a class in flower arranging, a sculpture workshop — the choices are endless. You were born curious — rediscover what excites and motivates you.
Creativity is inherent within you. Find it, release it and go forth to design a life that is as individual as you are.
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