For many creative people, especially if you started making art, writings, music, or other things as a child, creativity has always been a part of you. But one interesting question to ask yourself is, “Where does creativity begin?”

I think we all have the capacity to be creative, but sometimes that trait gets trained out of us. We may not always feel encouraged to create; for example, creativity tends to fade if we grow up in an environment where getting the perfect answer for a test is more important, or if people in our lives dismiss or judge our creations. We may push away our creative side as “the real world” becomes the focus.

But one thing I’ve noticed in myself is that creativity is a part of my life I can’t let go. In one way or another, I always want to create something or use my imagination to invent new worlds and ideas. Whether it’s through writing a story or singing a song, I really love the creative process itself, whether people respond to it or not.

Even so, I did have the hope that I could share my work and publish it one day. I just wasn’t sure exactly how I would do it. I would plan things out, but I didn’t know when those plans would become a reality for sure.

I’ve Come A Long Way!

Sometimes I surprise myself by how I’ve stepped out of my shell and shared my art. Earlier this year, I took part in an exhibit at West Windsor Arts with Art Against Racism. It was called “Not Afraid!”, and many other wonderful artists presented their work, too. We shared art about overcoming our fears, even when we face hate and terror in the time we live in. It’s particularly relevant to what we’re experiencing in the world today, but I also think that experience taught me to overcome my own fears to share my work with others.

Nowadays, I’m less afraid of rejection, and I’m reaching out to more opportunities for sharing my creative work. Even if I don’t get accepted, I’m still glad I tried. And rejected work isn’t a lost cause: I can always self-publish it if I really believe in it and want it to be shared.

Where Does Your Creativity Begin?

Today, I want you to try looking back at where your creative side began, and I encourage you to get back in touch with it. Before you were told you couldn’t be an artist, or your work wasn’t good enough, how did you feel when you created things you cared about? Try to return to the pure joy of creating, and I think that spark will come back. It’s never too late to get started again!