The creative soul: Are you letting it shine?
Creativity is like a mischievous friend who shows up when you least expect it. One day, you’re just staring out the window, and suddenly you’re mentally painting constellations in the clouds or crafting a new twist for a forgotten recipe, or a spark suddenly ignites, and you know how to formulate that strategy. For me, it’s the little things that spark creativity: the way morning sunlight scatters across a messy desk or how peeling paint on an old building tells a story I’m itching to sketch. This blog is my ode to the unpredictable joy of being a creative thinker and artist. More than that, it's a reminder of why letting your creativity shine is not just fun—it's essential in every walk of life, no matter what your passion is.
What Does It Mean to Be a Creative Thinker?
Being a creative thinker is not just about painting a canvas or writing poetry. It’s about approaching the world with a unique lens, noticing connections others might overlook. For me, it means seeing patterns where others see chaos. For instance, a toppled jar of pencils isn’t just a mess; it’s an unintentional color palette. I once accidentally dropped a lit torch amongst a tangled web of fishing line. The end result? A painting that indicated the movement of light.
However, creativity isn’t restricted to “artsy” endeavors, either. It’s in how you solve a problem at work, how you convince your cat to stop sleeping on your laptop, or how you turn leftovers into a meal that deserves a Michelin star (at least in your own head). Life is the greatest canvas of all, and everyone has a splash of artistry inside them. So, the next time you find yourself daydreaming or doodling during a meeting, take it as proof: your creative juices are alive and well.
The Downside of Ignoring Creativity
But what happens when you bottle up that creativity? At times, I’ve experienced this dark side more often than I’d like to admit. There’s a particular weight in suppressing the urge to make, think, and imagine. Over time, it feels like living in grayscale while your brain yearns for the vivid colors it once enjoyed.
Psychologically, ignoring creativity can lead to stress, stagnation, and even burnout. Studies show that engaging in creative activities releases dopamine, the “happy hormone.” Denying yourself that outlet can mean missing out on a simple, effective way to reset your mind. For me, it’s those days when I’ve ignored my sketchbook too long. I’ll suddenly find myself inexplicably irritated by... everything: my coffee’s too bitter, the keyboard clicks too loud, even my dog’s tail wagging seems unnecessarily enthusiastic. And yet, 20 minutes of creative expression—whether it’s doodling, brainstorming ideas, or designing something—brings back balance like nothing else can.
Let’s not forget the dreaded “creative block.” It’s both terrifying and hilarious—sitting there, willing your brain to produce ideas while it defiantly hums elevator music. The key isn’t to force it. Instead, step back and trust that inspiration thrives in unexpected spaces, like during long showers or while debating whether pineapple belongs on pizza (it does) or whether that process you follow, really does work.
How to Think Creatively
Thinking creatively isn’t some exclusive talent. It’s a skill that anyone can nurture. Start by feeding your mind with curiosity. Try asking, “What if?” about everything: “What if this mundane object had a secret purpose?” or “What if dogs could talk?” Playing with possibilities trains your brain to look beyond the obvious.
Journaling is another powerful tool. Write down random ideas without judgment. Some might seem ridiculous, like designing ergonomic chairs for armadillos (imagine the marketing campaign!), but every silly idea helps build creative momentum. Collaboration, too, sparks brilliance—the meeting of minds can turn simple concepts into groundbreaking ideas.
One of my favorite methods is stepping outside of my comfort zone—both mentally and physically. Switch up routines. Take a different route on a walk. Explore a new hobby, no matter how unrelated it seems to your current work. I once picked up crocheting, which, shockingly, improved my attention to detail.
Lastly, embrace imperfections. Creativity isn’t about perfect execution; it’s about daring to try. Messes, mistakes, and absurdity are all part of the magic. That abstract swirl you painted might not be “good,” but who says it wasn’t meant to be a conversation piece?
Whether you’re an artist with paint-stained fingers or someone who’s never picked up a brush, creativity belongs to you. It’s the spark that keeps life exciting and meaningful. Suppressing it can dull your joy, but nurturing it unlocks a world of possibilities.
Here’s my challenge for you: Find one small way to be creative today. Sketch, sing, reimagine a problem at work, or simply dream up a wild “what if” scenario. Remember, the world doesn’t need another you—it needs your perspective. Don’t be afraid to share it. After all, isn’t the best part of creativity sharing it with someone else?