A Love Affair with Creativity

Over the years, I have written blogs on the process of writing. Some posts felt uncertain, others untrue, and now years into this, I now write a new post that feels right for this moment. I have come to respect Creativity. Because that is what writing fiction is for me. I respect it. I understand that we are walking down the same road together. Wherever that road takes both of us, intentional or not, I love and respect every minute of it.

Writing is not a fast thing, there is no magic wand that will make it come at you faster. It’s a process, it takes and gives. Demands of your emotions, hard work, your thoughts, your very self. I’m not the same writer I was when I first started. Those days I wanted it all out fast, wanted it to make an impact, and suffered when it didn’t. Now, I find myself being more deliberate in my writing. I’m not looking for fast ends, but an exploration of the journey. It’s easier to write now because I’m not seeking approval, simply writing what feels right. And for that, I’m much happier with what I do.

Most important, I have learned to respect my creative side, in the same way I value my closest relationships. Without that respect, I don’t think I would like myself very much.

Of course, there are days when I struggle. Yes, I struggle, you struggle, we all struggle. When I do, I seek out thoughts that inspire me. Thoughts like this one:

We feel guilty for all that is authentic in ourselves – our salary, our opinions, our experiences, our hidden desires, the way we speak – we even feel guilty for our parents and our brothers.
And what is the result? Paralysis.
We grow ashamed of doing anything different from what the others are expecting.
We do not expose our ideas, we don’t ask for help.….
And how can that be changed?
Have faith. Believe that it is possible, and all the reality around you will begin to change.

Paulo Coelho – Feeling Guilty

Feeling guilty – I loved reading this post because at the time of not writing, or being without that charge or spark, it’s often because I’m dealing with external pressures. Dealing with external pressures/forces means I haven’t given myself a chance to sit and dedicate the time allotted to my work. My desire, my needs. So, I have to take a step back and survey what’s causing that feeling, and is it very important that I stop myself from doing what I really want to do. If it is, find a solution to make it work around my writing. If it is not important, then how do I stop caring so much, and return to my writing. One thing that’s always true, I have deep faith in my creativity. The muse is never gone, she’s always there, waiting for me to solve my external bullshit, so that I can get back to work.

So, I watch videos like this:

In this short amazing conversation on creativity, this sentence alone stood out so much, that I think it’s my year’s new mantra.

Creating because it brings you joy.

Marie Forleo’s channel

If it’s not making you happy, don’t do it! If it’s not bringing you joy, stop. The best philosophy for everything in life, most importantly, I get pleasure from writing. When something is pulling me away from that happy place, I make a conscious effort to get it out of my life. The same way I will deal with anything negatively impacting my relationships with Hubby or my friends. It’s the only way to grow, and discover where your creativity will take you. Don’t demand from it more than it promises, instead, enjoy the ride it gives you. This is why I loved listening to the conversation between Elizabeth Gilbert and Marie Forleo. So much of what they say is true, and it felt good to hear it aloud. It brought me to a great head space.

I’m on a journey, that feels like a love affair with my creativity. Ups and downs, astonishing moments, and truly wrenching ones. I’ve come to embrace them all, and look forward to more.

If you haven’t already, download The Assassin and explore a different love affair with Daven and Kian.