Episode 123. Today's solo episode is all about my thoughts about Creativity. I've been thinking about this topic a LOT lately. And it's been incredibly fun. I read this book recently and already am re-listening to it. It's Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert and I've found it really inspiring. I have really been slowing down to think about how I can add creativity into my personal and professional life and how others can do the same. So this podcast episode is all about my thoughts on creativity, including how I've evolved to use creativity as a psychologist and also in my personal life. I can't wait to share it with you! Words of Wisdom Quote from Elizabeth Gilbert: "You're not required to save the world with your creativity. Your art not only doesn't have to be original, in other words, it also doesn't have to be important. For example, whenever anyone tells me that they want to write a book in order to help other people I always think 'Oh, please don't." Do it for Yourself? That quote actually really makes me laugh out loud. So much of what I've learned in the online marketing world is about knowing your audience and speaking to their pain points. In my training as a psychologist, I was taught to always focus on the other person and their needs, helping them to conceptualize their struggles, and from there, give suggestions to help. None of these suggestions are bad, and yet, none of them teach us how to listen to our own bodies as we are marketing or delivering therapy. And the more I do both of those things, the more I think that's actually the most essential skill to learn... "I'm not a creative person." I've said this so many times. I still sometimes say it. But now at least I'm catching myself. We all have creativity in us. It maybe got shoved down, but it's there. And re-engaging with it can be deeply healing. In IFS it is said that when we can notice and get space and separation from our Parts, the 8 C qualities of self emerge: Creativity, Curiosity, Connection, Courage, Calm, Clarity, Compassion, and Confidence. There are also 5 P words that can emerge, including, Presence, Persistence, Perspective, Playfulness, Patience. Play and creativity are essential for how kids learn and I for one am excited to continue to rediscover this as an adult. Why We Should Care About Creativity “A creative life is an amplified life. It’s a bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life, and a hell of a lot more interesting life. Living in this manner – continually and stubbornly bringing forth the jewels that are hidden within you – is a fine art, in and of itself.” -Elizabeth Gilbert I'll be perfectly honest, I want to convince you that creativity is important. I went online and started searching in Google Scholar. There are definitely some articles to support this. Liz Gilbert's book has more ideas on this. I come from a heavily science and math focused background. My dad was an engineer, and my mom taught math, and later computers, and then taught technology to other teachers. I can't say that I grew up truly understanding the immense value of creative works. When I did art at school, perfectionism was majorly on the scene. If it wasn't perfect, I'd freak out (internally or externally, depending on my age). Dancing as Creativity My main exposure to the arts and creative expression was the fact that I danced from age 8 to 18, and the again for a few years in college on a college Pompon team. I witnessed creativity, but I never felt creative. I struggled with choreography. I would just put together tricks I already knew, do a double turn into an axel jump, then jump forward and do a kick and a leap. Ways I Engage in Creativity Today Podcasting Blogging Thinking of new ways to engage clients and therapists in innovative ways to heal themselves (while, creatively, healing myself too - see what I did there?