Yesterday, I found myself musing over what it really means to be creative. I wondered how I could write a book that would blow readers away—something completely fresh and mind-boggling. It felt a bit like trying to design a new perfume that’s both calming and energizing at the same time. Then it hit me: all the ingredients I need are already out there. We don’t have to invent everything from scratch—we just mix what we know in a new, quirky way.
Think of creativity as having a giant box of crayons. The colors are all there; it’s up to you to decide how to blend them. Sure, sometimes you might end up with something that looks like a melted rainbow, but hey, even that can be art! I took a deep breath, relieved that I don’t have to start from zero every time. All I really need to do is present my ideas from a different angle, even if that angle is slightly skewed—like a funhouse mirror reflection.
Now, I know what you’re probably thinking: “That’s all well and good when you’re lounging in your favorite chair with a perfect cup of coffee in hand.” And you’re right. There are days when the most creative thing I manage is doodling on a napkin, imagining what it would look like if a cat got tangled in a spaghetti bowl. Not every idea is a masterpiece, but every quirky misstep is a step forward. Even Picasso had his off days—although, let’s be honest, even his doodles were on a whole different level.
The funny thing about creativity is that there’s no secret manual or downloadable “How to Be Creative 101.” It’s more like a scavenger hunt where all the treasures (or ingredients) are already hidden around you. Your job is to pick a few, mix them together, and see what kind of magic you can whip up. Sometimes that magic is a hit; other times, it’s hilariously off-key—and that’s perfectly okay.
So here I am, taking another deep, comforting breath, ready to embrace my own quirky creative journey. I encourage you to do the same. Look around—your palette is full of colors waiting to be mixed. Don’t stress about having to create something entirely new from nothing. Instead, have fun, experiment, and enjoy the unexpected surprises along the way.
Where are you on your creative journey? Share your hilarious missteps and brilliant breakthroughs—I’d love to hear them!