You are creative!
Justin Solomon
Alright, this entry is going to be a tad bit different from the others, as I want to bring everyone into my thought process. I want this blog to be real, insightful, and empowering to everyone.
As I am listening to my podcasts (yes, I'm highly addicted now... thank you cousin Kelsey and best friend Carl), I hear so many impactful things that can help me in the real world, whether it be motivating, helping others, or in my pursuit to build my business to create happiness for others. But one topic hit home yesterday that I could not shake:
We are all creative.
Let that sit in for a second.... read it aloud 3 times.... okay, let's continue.
All of us can think of some time in our childhoods, whether it be in elementary school, junior high, or even high school where someone discouraged us to stray away from our artistic side. "Shame" us into thinking we cannot be creative. Bully us into doing something we do not love because of someone else's opinion.
But why? Why does this have such a huge impact on the way we are now? Those little traumatic items completely changed the trajectory of our lives, whether we realize it or not. Let me give you my example....
When I was a kid, I loved to create things. I loved to sing (cue the embarrassing home video of me standing on the picnic table belting it out into my Mickey Mouse microphone). I loved to draw. Heck, I would pull my mamaw's pots and pans out of the cabinets, set up a drum set, and bang until I could not bang on them anymore. Drawing was awesome!
But it only took one person in elementary school to tell me that this stuff didn't matter anymore.... one person that created the mindset that I would be poor and meaningless if I didn't become a doctor, lawyer, or teacher. It completely devastated me, and I stopped. No more drawing, no more music, nothing.
Now, luckily I self-motivated myself to pick up an instrument again. I gained support in my first real job to create and inspire kids to dream big through creating programs and events that blew their minds. But not everyone is so lucky....
Think of it this way.... What is science without using creativity and art? Creating new theories, researching the unknown, and making the world a better place... is that not art?
What I am trying to say is this: Don't limit yourself to someone else's opinion. It doesn't matter unless it is someone you truly care about. I heard a quote this week that changed my life going forward, and I hope it changes yours too.... so here it is: