Have you ever read the book called The Artist's Way, written by Julia Cameron? If not, you should. It's amazing! Her belief is that everyone is an artist, everyone is a creator. But the world beats it out of us from a young age, receiving discouragement from teachers and parents who have no idea the harm they are doing. The good news is that everyone has the capacity to reignite their creativity, no matter how old they are or where they are in their lives. All it takes is practice and consistency, and the flood gates will be opened! Everyone's "art" is different, and you shouldn't box yourself in, putting limits one what constitutes art. Any creative endeavor you have is art. For me, it's writing. I had a blog in college, I wrote over 300 posts. I loved it so much. And then I lost myself for a decade or so, but I am beginning to encounter glimpses of that old soul who experienced so much joy from writing and consequently from life. They go hand in hand. So lately I've been trying to be more consistent at writing every day. I'm not perfect at it, but certainly getting better. And that's all it takes, is trying to be a little better today than we were yesterday. Part of the innate joy of creativity is sharing it with others, even if it's just with 1-2 friends or family members. Creativity longs to be shared and cultivated as it naturally inspires creativity in others. Like begets like, joy begets joy, love begets love. I've been sharing my writings lately with a special friend, one who was also lost but now is found. Interesting how certain people work their way back into your life, even after so much time has passed. She has been a wonderful support and has encouraged me to share my writings with the world! So, I've recorded myself reading them, and that's what I'm posting here. I really enjoy hearing myself read my own writing because I feel like I learn so much more from it. I also plan on posting the actual words on a blog or something as well. I still haven't figured out that avenue yet. My old old blog was on blogger, which it's still there. Then 5 years ago I created a new blog on wordpress, but that is now old and I was a different person 5 years ago. So I feel like I need another new blog, maybe on substack? I don't even know how that works. I have a patreon account, but also don't know how it works. I am recognizing in myself a strong craving for attention and recognition in the form of praise from strangers and monetary increase. I observe that craving, and I let it go. Similar to what Elizabeth Gilbert says in her book, Big Magic (Another fantastic read that I highly recommend), creative ideas want to express themselves in the world. If you don't do it, someone else will. So this is my attempt at getting my creativity into the world. Do what you will with it, I have done my part. Adieu.
