It’s my birthday today, so I am thinking about gifts. We get so many gifts from our parents and ancestors. It’s up to us to use the these gifts, so we can continue and build upon the legacy we’ve been given.
From my parents, I received creativity, rebelliousness, and tenacity. They taught me a love of nature, of plants, gardening and cooking. They gave me a sense of style and taste that differed from the norm. My parents worked hard to make a beautiful life for us.
Our home wasn’t a place of creative projects or writing. But the way they lived, with their innovative taste and willingness to do things differently, showed me how we can carve out our own paths and live according to our values. I’ve been able to turn those gifts into a livelihood that allows me to express my other gifts for writing and art. Big gratitude to all my parents have given me and all the support they have shared for my unconventional life path.
What happens when we don’t use those creative penchants? It might seem benign to shelve our creative dreams, but I see otherwise. When we don’t express our gifts, when we don’t heed the call, they become a burden. Our project ideas linger in the space of fantasy. If you don’t become a creative doer, you’re not honoring the gifts. That brings pain, lack of integrity, and suffering.
And, another way to look at it – not using your gifts is holding back from the rest of us who might truly benefit from what you create. Don’t hoard your gifts!
Don’t be stingy with your gifts. When you express your creativity, you give yourself the joy and pleasure of creating. Let the challenges you face when doing your creative work empower you. But it’s not all difficult! Gifts are meant to be given. You are the first recipient of your gifts. Give yourself the satisfaction and joy of your gifts and see where it leads you.
What creative gifts have you been hoarding or ignoring? How can you honor them more this month? Share your thoughts in a comment below.
My participation in “The Devoted Writer” in October 2018 gave me the courage to submit an article and photos to Textile Fiber Forum about the work I do with my husband, Marc Jenesel. We made the cover! Here’s a link, in case you’re interested: https://www.artwearpublications.com.au/product-category/magazines/single-issues/textile-fibre-forum/
Writing has had to take a back seat to the creation of artwork, but I still have my special place to write and I have been collecting blank journals that are begging to be filled and pens that will be fun to use. Thank you, Silvia! I’ll be back for another dose once the dust settles.
That’s fantastic, Karen! Good job!
Writing can be a real ally for an artist’s business. I am delighted that you reached out to that magazine. Good job!
Keep writing when you can. We convene again in October!