For whatever reason, lately I’ve been feeling creative. I decorated a wreath for my front door. I knitted some scatter rugs. I want to make some valances for my enclosed porch windows (been wanting to do this since 2001 when we bought this house, but for some reason finally have motivation to work on this project). I have a few other little projects in mind to create or repair around the house.
I’ve realized just how good it feels to be creative! Not only do I feel productive, I feel free by making things I enjoy making, & doing them however I want to do them.
Creativity is a gift from God. Not only does it help humans survive by giving us new & creative ways to deal with abuse or survive when finances are tight, but it gives us a way to feel good & enjoy life. There is something very fun & rewarding about seeing a new, functional & creative way to do something.
Do you give yourself time to enjoy this creative part of you? Or, are you like so many people- too busy to be creative?
If you’re too busy or have another reason for not indulging in your natural creativity, then I urge you to make time to be creative. Is there some fun project you can do around your home to make it more appealing? Paint a room a fun color, or even just an accent wall in a bold color or wallpaper. Being creative doesn’t necessarily mean going big or spending a small fortune. My wreath cost me all of about $5. I had the wreath (I may have paid $.50 at a yard sale for it- I don’t remember for sure) & bought pretty flowers & butterflies for it at a local dollar store. My scatter rugs? The knitting needles were a gift from a good friend & I found the yarn on a buy one skein, get one 50% off deal. I used one skein (half a skein per rug) & have another left over.
Have you heard, like me, that your ideas are stupid, a waste of time, etc.? My narcissistic mother said those things & more to me. I eventually realized she was jealous- I can do some things she can’t (like knit) so she envies me for having that skill she never was able to develop. Also, our tastes are very different. That doesn’t mean my taste is wrong! The same is true for you! If someone says you have bad taste, that doesn’t mean it’s true. Chances are, your taste is just different than that person’s. Different doesn’t equal bad. So why not take a chance? Go out on a limb & do something creative that feels good to you.
If you’re lacking ideas for expressing your creativity, that isn’t a hard problem to tackle. Wander a craft store. Guys, craft stores aren’t just for ladies- there is plenty of inspiration for you there as well! Model kits, slot cars, scale trains, woodworking- chances are you can find something to enjoy. Ladies, there are crafts for everyone at a craft store, so just go- something will strike your fancy. And, many big craft stores offer plenty of good coupons on their website so you can try a new craft cheaply.
Drawing, painting, needlepoint, crocheting, model building, radio control cars, decorating your house or apartment… there are so many ways you can express yourself in a creative way. So many ways can be productive as well. Why not try being more creative?
Cynthia Bailey-Rug, Christian Author 