Since my teenage days, I’ve never really considered myself a creative person. I couldn’t draw to save myself. I always looked on with envy at those who would just grab a pencil and flow with it over the paper. Indeed, I know some of you fall into this category. Decades later, I realise I am creative. And in this post I talk about unlocking creativity and the journey it can take you on.
Not the creative type
By the time I reached my twenties, I was focused on my career and I never gave it any more thought. I had already defined myself. I wasn’t one of those creative people who could draw or make something. What I was good at was getting things done. I was a problem solver, delivering results, achieving targets. And this just reinforced my own belief that I wasn’t ‘the creative type’. And it’s a belief I held for a very long time.
Unlocking begins
Then, much later in life, I started blogging and using a camera. I started to observe and appreciate more than I had done in the past. I started getting comments about some of my photos. Then, I realised something. I quite enjoy doing this, I might like to learn a little more, I might like to try and develop some skill. And so, in recent months, I’ve joined an online photography club and with the monthly challenges, I am pushed to experiment a little, to create more interesting photographs.
What I’ve learned
And, in doing so, I’ve realised that there is a creative streak in me somewhere. It was always there. I’ve realised that creativity comes in all shapes and forms. I just needed to find the outlet, the medium that was right for me, to unlock it. Even more importantly, I’ve learned that spending time with my creative self – taking photos, faffing with flowers, creating pretty pictures, absorbs me. I get lost in the process. And that this is, for me anyway, a critical part of looking after myself, of self care. Unlocking creativity unlocks more creativity.
And now that I’ve found it, I just need to go with the flow, enjoy it and not hold back for fear of, well for fear of what I’m not sure…
So, the lesson is this. Let’s try not to limit ourselves, to put ourselves in a box, to allow our negative self beliefs or what we perceive are our shortcomings to hold us back. Life is simply too short. We are capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for. The important thing is to start the journey and see where it takes you.
Thanks for stopping by,
Paula
Useful Links
Conscious Creativity: Look, Connect, Create: Amazon.co.uk: Stanton, Philippa: 9781782406341: Books
Other content from Typewriter Girl to enjoy:-
Photography Tips for Beginners
Exploring Candle Photography: A Creative Day with Wick and Fern
Love this post. I often think that we’re our own worst critics and labelling ourselves as “not creative” or whatever limits us rather than encourages us to keep trying, and as we get older many of us shy away from the school subjects or activities that we’re not naturally good at. I’ve always considered myself creative, even though most of my crafts look like a child made them, but I do it anyway because I enjoy it. X
Oh thank you. Yes, totally agree with you about being our own worst critics. It can really limit our potential.
I absolutely love this post. We seem to be very hard on ourselves. It’s a blessing to get to a point in life where we find our niche or find we are not holding ourselves back. Your pictures are so beautiful. I have always enjoyed your blog and your IG is something I look forward to daily. Your creativity is wonderful!
Oh thank you Lisa. I really value your comments. I agree it is good to find your niche..even if it did take me a bit longer to find mine. You of course are naturally creative 😊
I agree with Lisa. I only discvovered and embraced my creative streak in my mid 40s. It has been truly life changing. You are a very talented photographer and writer Paula, don’t doubt it.
Yes it’s quite powerful isn’t it…once you embrace it. U r too kind 😊
We are our own worst critics, aren’t we?! Another late arrival to creativity but enjoying it no end now I’m here!
Good to hear …I’m enjoying it too 😊
Great post!! It’s true we all have our own little bit of creativity we just need to find it!!
Ah thank you. ….😊😊
It’s nice to discover new aspects of ourselves This is possible at any age and you are a good example. Obviously, you’ve always been creative but today you spread your wings through your blog. Your photographs are beautiful and your writing just as much. It’s a pleasure to read you. Have a lovely and creative week ahead.
Ah thank you so much. You are too kind. I hope you have a lovely week ahead . I’m sure you will do it in style 😊
With my cold and runny nose I doubt that very much but I’ll try… 😊 Thanks for visiting and commenting.
Oh, you’re so right! I think a lot of us grow up equating creativity with the way we learn art at school, and that doesn’t cover half of what’s out there! I hated school art and dropped it at the first opportunity, and it was only when I started knitting again in my mid-twenties that I felt that I’d found the creative outlet I’d been missing. I’m happy you’ve found yours too… Your passion for photography shines out of every picture!
Oh thank you. Yes I think you are right…school plays a huge part in how we form assessments of ourselves 😊
Totally! Plus I would have happily swapped out PE for extra sewing or a class on how to fill out my tax return 😆
I’m so glad you’ve found your creative mojo! As an art teacher, I’ve always believe there’s a little creativity in all of us. Sometimes it just takes awhile to find our creative calling. I’m so glad that you’ve found yours. 💕
oh thank you Gerri..totally agree it can takes us a while to find out what works for each of us. It can come in any shape or form…
Good for you for developing your creativity – I’m a strong believer that we’re all creative – it just comes out in different ways in each of us.
Thanks Andrea..that’s very true 😊
I love this post and the message that it sends. Everyone is creative – we are born to be able to make new things, just have to discover how we enjoy doing this the most! Thanks for sharing! I am a Creative Life Coach with a passion for poetry and have a blog in case you also have time to look? Today’s post is about being present. I also connected with you on Instagram (I am #coachingcreatively) Have a good Monday! Sam 🙂 https://peacockpoetryblog.wordpress.com/2019/01/21/getting-better-everyday/
Thank you very much for your kind comments. It was a post written from the heart based on my experience and many people seemed to have identified with it !
The best kind of writing comes from the heart 💕
Lovely post, so full of positivity! 🙂
Thank you very much 🙂🙂