Encouragement

People are expected to create throughout their lives, starting at birth. We create physical milestones, language, memories, connections, knowledge, solutions, and relationships. These all center around the act of creation. So therefore, do humans have an innate desire to be creative? Of course, my readers who hate art and crafts are probably shaking their heads with an emphatic NO. But if you look at the definition of creativity, you may change your mind: “the ability to produce or use original and unusual ideas.” (Cambridge English Dictionary) Synonyms include imagination, vision, inventiveness, ingenuity, and originality. I’m sure you can relate to at least one of the synonyms, which then proves my point- we are created for creativity!

This is my first summer off in about a decade, so I have been wrestling with the curse of extra time on my hands. That’s when my desire for creativity is fueled by rest and relaxation. My brain is ready to create something new. I’ve been spending every morning in the desert, trying to find new trails to capture through photography. Then the late mornings are spent editing the photos. Luckily I was given a writing gig through my school district, so I’ve been spending the afternoons writing curriculum for various projects. Since I enjoy writing, it’s a good outlet for my creativity as well.

But would I be so driven to photograph the beauty of the desert and write about it without being encouraged by my friends and family? I doubt it. It’s taken years of compliments and positive feedback on my photography and writing to be intrinsically motivated to do it without a specific purpose. My innate desire to be creative is sparked by encouragement.

So that goes back to my original statement about creativity: “We create physical milestones, language, memories, connections, knowledge, solutions, and relationships.” Would a baby easily learn to walk without the boost from parents and siblings? Would a toddler learn to speak with correct grammar without the praise from family? Would a child learn to build positive relationships, knowledge, and solutions without the support from teachers and mentors?

I’m thinking encouragement is the key to producing sustainable and life-altering creativity. Who have you encouraged lately?