I am not creative
I’ve heard myself whispering, “I am not creative enough.” As I recall the occasion, it was mostly spoken over me at work. Though I was in an environment where creativity seems extravagant. But I was often challenged by my team. Sometimes I find myself un-talented given my young experience in the industry.
As I am, I did not give up easily. I visited the library (lol back then no Pinterest no Instagram) more often to absorb as much as I can through books. Don’t you love seeing someone’s art and thinking, if only I am as creative, or talented?
Not sure when, but I’ve managed my time and took myself out of the equation that I am not good enough. Probably, God already knows what I’ll be doing today (slowlivecreate). If I have not grow to be this advocator of change and creativity, I’d probably delay the opportunity to be here.
Why do I strongly believe every single one of us is creative?
Let’s first look at what the dictionary has defined it:
creative: relating to or involving the use of the imagination or original ideas to create something.” change unleashes people’s creative energy“
talent: natural aptitude or skill.
aptitude: a natural ability to do something.
skill: the ability to do something well; expertise.
Did you catch the difference? Yes, we do carry a natural gift; maybe an athletic, a mathematician or just a nurturing nature etc. Thankfully God gave us to each according to his/her own ability — we are each significant in our own ways. If each of us can multiply fruitfully the gifts that God has given us, can you imagine where this world can be? In Matthew 25, the parable of the talents, mentions reaping what you’ve sown. If you’re given talent but do not use it, it will eventually be a waste. The opposite is to recognize your talent and multiply it.
Do you also read that creativity empowered the above? A creative heart is to empower the gifts we have, that we may have focus and strength to become better at what we already have.
Esther Wojcicki, a journalism teacher and author of the book “Moonshots” says, “[Creativity] cannot be taught in a traditional classroom that is focused on doing everything right. It can only be “empowered” when kids are not afraid to take a risk and when they believe in themselves. Children are innately creative, and it is educated out of them.”
Loveeeeee how it declares, children are innately creative! That’s simply because we are made out of the most Creative Creator! I am sure if you’re a parent yourself, you would have learned way too much from them. They have a creative glow that we have no idea where it comes from. Yet, through their imagination, they are able to express and create surprises.
It is evident that we have the ability to express creativity when young, what happened when we grew up as adults?
We know that the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. If he can destroy your child-like dreams, he can destroy who you can become. Thus, in a certain culture, we have been limiting our talents by becoming chained to jobs (we may not love). Grew weary to create because we are constantly trying to pay bills. Not forgetting, bearing the responsibility to give our children the best.
How many of us fell into the trap and feel regretful once in a while thinking, if only.
What if there is a solution to this regret?
Now, creativity as explained empowers our talents. So how do we empower our creativity?
Don’t deny it.
I understand sometimes we may feel we dont have the luxury for more. But not denying your creativity means you’re allowing yourself to grow. Simply because, eventually to become, we have to change.Find a person that will ignite your creativity
Choosing who you talk to about your ideas is important too. That’s where the community comes into play. Surrounding ourselves with people that believe in you can help ignite your creativity. Through conversations, these thoughts can stir up a deeper desire for more.We speak into it!
Declaring that you’re creative is powerful.
With desire, you have to declare it to amplify it over your life. Say, “I am creative! I just need to recognize my talents again, and build it.”
Change is the HARDEST. Not many of us like change because it gets uncomfortable. As if we have to start all over again.
The fear of catching up and falling back in the line will creep in. But every creative goes through the journey by faith and also with some fear. I’ll unpack more about this in my next writing. For now, I hope I’ve brought some light about creativity.
Don’t be fooled because YOU ARE MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD TO CO-WORK WITH HIM. And God is ready to empower you for more, just as you are.
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.
19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord,
and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
PSALM 139:14-24
