We can find creativity in unexpected places and situations. I recently found it in Chicago and on my front door step.
I have a favorite double-tipped royal blue marker I bought in New York City 11 years ago at a three-story art store. One end has a fine point blue tip, and the other end has a wide point blue tip. I use this double-tipped marker only on special occasions, and just placing it in my hand inspires creativity.
This week, the marker dried up. We are in Chicago this weekend for the marathon. Fortunately, our hotel is right next to a Blick Art Materials store. When you open the doors to the store, you leave a black and white world and enter into vivid technicolor. Inspiration and creativity line the shelves, are on the walls and in the air. I was on a mission for a new double-tipped royal blue marker and the store did not disappoint.
This quote by Henri Matisse gave me pause.
Creativity take courage. - Henri Matisse
Matisse was right. To create something new or different does take courage. It is safe to keep doing what you are doing.
But to create something new . . . could have life-changing repercussions.
To encourage you to be creative, get your own double-tipped marker (or whatever inspires you when placed in your hand), arm yourself with inspiration and go create.
Creativity Shows Up Through Compassion
It seems logical that complete freedom stimulates creativity. But it can be paralyzing to have too much freedom. Constraints and limitations have been shown to anchor and boost creativity. So, the next time you’re feeling a little stuck and in search of a creative solution, give yourself some limitations. Consider a time limit, having limited materials or colors and see what creative solutions blossom.
The most unusual, yet touching time I’ve experienced being shown creativity was when it was combined with sympathy and compassion.
If you have a furry member in your family, you understand that families are made up of both humans and animals. While humans have many strengths, one of the strengths of animals is that they exhibit an unconditional love and tenderness. In our family, two cats have been bringing us joy and companionship for over 15 years.
One of our cats, Buttons, has been experiencing health problems for months. Recently he passed. Our family received an outpouring of compassion and kindness in both tangible and intangible ways. We thank everyone who shared memories with us and offered condolences.
One example of sympathy and compassion was so creative and thoughtful that it made me realize I had boxed creativity into only times of growth and happiness. But, creativity can be found in all areas of life, at all times, and in helping people find solutions to whatever ails them.
So, enjoy this expression of creativity and realize that creativity can be used for inspiration, but it can also be used to comfort. Maybe that is one of the best uses for it.
This was left outside my front door after Buttons passed.
Thank you for reading.
Wishing you beauty and joy, kindness and compassion, and creative super powers.
A picture of joy for you.
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About Super Powers
We break the year down into 12 areas of balance. You will achieve greater growth and life balance by intently focusing on one area at a time. This month’s Super Powers focus is on creative life. Next month is about community life.
See the full year’s schedule.
Our goal with the Super Powers newsletter is to guide you with small, easy steps to improve many areas of your life. Over time these small changes add up to significant growth and improvement. You will be amazed at how far you have come when you look back at all your progress.
Do you need a positive boost each day?
Read a weekly positivism on our website.
Here’s one:
I didn’t come this far to only come this far.
It’s time to start building your Super Powers!
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We will help you make small changes in 12 areas of balance by intently focusing on one area at a time. You will achieve greater growth and life balance and develop Super Powers.