The Fill Your Cup Theme for March is Creativity. What was your first reaction? Did you think “Yes! I love being creative! It is my nature and it allows me to express the magnificence of who I am.” ? Or did a less optimistic and uplifted message pop in like “I’m not creative” or “I’m not good at blah-blah”? That’s ok. It happens AND it’s not the Truth of who you are!  You are creative. You create everyday. Maybe you received and believed a false idea somewhere along the line that being creative has to look a certain way - like making art, or music, or some kind of work that other people value or pay you for. This idea that other people can decide if you are creative or not is a fallacy. It is simply not true. You are creative because you create - whatever you create! Your creativity is not determined  by the value others put on your creations. Honestly, your creativity is not even determined by the value you put on your own creations! You are creative.

Let’s drop the idea that we have to make something aesthetically pleasing (as determined by whom?) in order to be considered creative. We all create and that is good. We get to decide what and how we create. Let’s focus on the joy of creating rather than the perceived worthiness (again, by whom?!) of our creation. That’s right. I said it. Create for the joy of creating. Create because you can. Let the creative process take you and your creation wherever it wants to go! Be present in the process. Enjoy it. Embrace it. Give over to it. Give up control of what you will create and how it will end up. Creativity is not about control. Creativity is about flow and movement and release and vulnerability. It is about expression and we need it! It feeds our soul. There is stuff in you that wants out! It wants you to express it - give it form - however you feel called. You can write, compose, sculp, draw, paint, assemble, film, arrange, glue, plant, build, sew, bake, design, stack, trim, dye, weave, tie, knit, crochet, pour or cut. What am I missing? There are infinite ways to create and you get to decide. 

Are you still unsure how to get started? Here are 3 easy ways to begin your creative journey. This will be so fun!

1. Doodle. So simple, so elemental. So fun! There is really nothing to it. Just grab your writing utensil of choice, a piece (scrap even) of paper and go to town. You can start with simple shapes, squiggles or forms - things that don’t need to look like anything - and then move on to people, animals, things or places. It doesn’t really matter what you draw - just draw - and don’t judge. Have fun. Let your pencil fly! See the CourTool on Doodling for more inspiration, techniques and benefits of doodling!

2. Watch a YouTube video. What’s that creative thing you always dreamed of doing? Google it! Look for some videos of people doing it and start to imagine yourself doing it as well - and then give it a try! Again, release all judgment or expectation and just do the thing. Maybe take an actual class at a community center or local college, particularly if you require special equipment or more guidance to take it to the next step. But try not to get wrapped up in grades or opinions about what you create. That is surely not the point!

3. Host an art party. Invite your friends over, order pizza or Indian food, play some great music and let everyone do their preferred art. Share what you make or share techniques. Have fun, create in community! Make it a judgment-free space.

We hope you will embrace your creativity this month and moving forward. You have so much richness to add to your life and you deserve that! Maybe start with an affirmation like “Today I embrace my creativity.” Speak it aloud a few times and see where that takes you! Have some fun - let your creativity fly!

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