Creativity can be a little capricious at times and inspiration is not always available on demand. However, the worst thing to do when the creative juices stop flowing is to stop creating. It's all a bit of a chicken and egg thing...to be honest I didn't much feel like blogging today. I didn't think I had anything to write, or that I was 'in the flow'. However, letting the day pass with nothing written would feed my inertia, while forcing myself to write regardless, feeds my creativity. The more I write, the more I feel like writing and the more naturally and quickly I tap into the flow of inspiration. It is exactly like anything else in life, natural inclination alone will not provide the discipline or backbone to press on when things are going badly. Making a clear choice and sticking with it carries one through despite the struggles. (Every wedding is followed by a marriage!)
Having been suicidal as a teenager, I know the appeal of the desire to just give up. It just looks so much easier. But my perspective as an adult with a fulfilling and happy family life is entirely different. Had I given in to the desire to end my physical life, I may have missed a number of painful experiences, but I would also have denied myself the many joys and pleasures which far outweigh them.
Suicide is an extreme example of giving up, but we can commit spiritual, emotional, mental or artistic suicide by giving up any one of those aspects of who we are when they become difficult or challenging. It is always a mistake to give up a facet of what makes us human. It is always a good choice to push through the trials into a new place where those things can be seen from a different angle.
We were created to be creative and we have been gifted the privilege of working to bring our creations into being. The work is important, the discipline is important and the character they both help us to develop is even more important.
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