Creativity And Art Are Valuable.

Creativity, including making things and painting as well as creating new ideas and ways of doing things, provides numerous benefits.  Scientists have found creativity develops improved mental well-being, problem-solving skills, and adaptive thinking, as well as increasing self-expression and confidence. By choosing to take part in some creative activities that you enjoy, you may begin to feel more fulfilled and happy.

“Crocuses” Watercolor Painting.

Everyone has the ability to be creative, yet there are people who use their creativity and people who don’t. Many of us have struggled at times to find a free moment to pursue and fit in painting, art, or crafts. We have felt guilty spending time on activities that we might enjoy but that we have been told are not necessary or are frivolous. We’ve been encouraged instead to please others, with little regard for our own self-care, to be responsible, to not be selfish or express our own needs or opinions. 

Yet spending time ice skating, or playing golf, or watching football or soccer are not usually thought to be selfish activities, but instead to be relaxing and enjoyable recreation. Why should art also not be valued, seen as relaxing, to be enjoyed just for pleasure? I’ve been told creativity and art are frivolous, not worth attention, but I just don’t buy that idea anymore. I believe art and creativity to be valuable.

“Primroses” Watercolor Painting.

I believe thinking creatively is a conscious choice, a mindset, a way to look at the world. It’s not something to set aside until you have a spare moment to get to painting. Creativity is an attitude, a way to go through your life, looking to become the kind of person you want to become. Yes, I may want to get into the studio to paint more often, but everything I do can be pursued creatively. I can develop a way of thinking and being in the world that sees many opportunities to be creative rather than problems to distract me. I can stop complaining and resenting that my responsibilities so often take me away from the painting I want to do. I can evaluate how I choose to spend my time, perhaps think about my priorities, what I could stop doing, reschedule, or delegate; in that way, I can make more room to be creative. I want to value what nourishes me.

“Tulips” Watercolor Painting.

Perhaps only twenty minutes a day is available for your art. Try reframing, and look at that time as a gift instead of “only twenty minutes” where nothing much can be accomplished. Celebrate the small win with a grateful thought. Break a planned project into small steps to more easily take advantage of small chunks of time. A project does not have to be “finished” in one go. (A writer can write a novel in a year by writing just one page a day.) Do a little at a time. It’s okay to start small and not expect perfection. 

Being creative is not about effort, or forcing yourself to do “more,” or wishing, or “not having the time for.” It’s about finding the activities that nurture and satisfy you and also caring enough about yourself to make room for them. 

“Forsythia House” Watercolor Painting.

You deserve to enjoy your time and feel fulfilled, not weighted down and pressured only by duties and responsibilities. Be kind to yourself. Make the choice to work towards the life you want. Don’t put off or postpone your creative time. Start where you are with what you have.

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