This is the question that plagues many of us—must we be creative? Must we have some hobby, creative or otherwise, to be a fulfilled member of society? Is there something wrong with us if all we prefer to do is look after our families and home?
Think about the pros and cons of your creativity.
Pros:
– Enjoyment
– Fulfills a need inside…I write because if I don’t I emotionally and intellectually explode. Writing is that form of my personality that has to escape.
– It either helps our income or is our income
– Its our meditation, our recharger
– New friends
– New ventures
– Keeps us mentally and emotionally sharp
Cons:
– time
– not everyone understands why we do what we do
– its not what anyone else considers creative or necessary…maybe that goes with the point above
– cost
– frustration…especially when we hit that blank wall.
– it’s not making money
I’m sure you can add your own Pros and Cons; these are just a few that have cropped up in my life over the past few years.
But, still, do we need to be creative? The simple answer is—No.
What we do need to be is happy, content, and here in the present and presence of our lives.
If this is fulfilled by taking care of your home and family, fantastic. If this is fulfilled by knitting, fantastic. If this is fulfilled by writing, fantastic. If this is fulfilled by swimming, fantastic.
If you don’t know what fulfills you, relax we’ve all been there and I know I’ve revisited that frustration and will again. Close your eyes, breath, and go do something that always needs doing (mine is dusting and killing dust bunnies) and soon enough you’ll hear your own voice then all that’s needed is to listen.
Chris, when one pushes her Muse to be creative nothing gets accomplished. When I sit down by the computer and simply allow a thought to enter my head and then type away freehand, I get more done than outlining and thinking it to death.
This doesn't work with all writers, naturally, but it's one that eliminates stress in my life.
Lea, same here. I tried writing something for Examiner and it would not come. As soon as I switched thought the words just flowed. Some reviews are harder though, mostly if I enjoyed the book.
I just need to write…it's all those voices in my head.
Thanks for dropping by
I'm afraid, in my case, I have a pathological need to irritate editors by submitting manuscripts to them. This way, I receive more rejection slips for my collection which is the real reason I write. I've thought about seeking professional help with this, but, unfortunately, everyone I've consulted seems to be under the misaprehension that I want to improve my writing which would defeat the whole purpose.
Great article and great comments. Relaxing is a main objective for a writer. With too much stress, the muse gets drowned.
Thanks for dropping by, Walt and Cher. Walt I love how you think. Cher, relaxing is a key lesson. I know when I'm stressed as to finding the right word I get little done.