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Called to Be Creative
Read in 15 min.
Listen in 19 min.
Learn the key ideas of the book by Mary Potter Kenyon

Called to Be Creative

Rediscovering our long-lost creativity

“I don’t have a creative bone in my body”: this is often the first thing that people say when they are unexpectedly asked to tap into their creativity. Yet, scientists now agree that creativity is a basic element of the human brain, and that we are all creative. This denial of our creative abilities almost always goes hand in hand with a lack of awareness of the fact that expressing creativity is good for us; it gives our life purpose, it reduces stress and everyday anxieties, and it helps us overcome even the most difficult challenges. It is never too late to reignite our spark of creativity, because we can all pick up a pen, paintbrush, or any other creative tool, regardless of how old we are. It is important to bear in mind, however, that there is no need to become the next Nobel Prize winner or world-famous artist, because all we need to do is simply focus on enjoying our journey of creativity.

Called to Be Creative
Read in 15 min.
Listen in 19 min.
IDEA CHIAVE 1/13

Reconnecting with our creativity is a catalyst for happiness

Creativity is often seen as a skill in itself, which we tap into only when carrying out our hobbies or other pleasant activities that simply pass the time. Yet, creativity is actually a tool for happiness. Regardless of whether we adhere to a scientific, spiritual, or religious view, answering our creative calling stimulates our brain, and produces hormones that trigger a sense of well-being and fulfilment. It allows us to find our purpose in life, and brings out the ‘creative spark’ that, for those who believe, is a gift from God.

By tapping into our creativity, we are able to achieve self-fulfilment and happiness. While our purpose may not necessarily be to become ‘an artist’, creativity nevertheless enriches, and gives meaning to, our life.

The world is basically divided into two categories of people: those who recognise their creativity, and use it nearly every day of their lives; and those who, when they are ‘forced’ into finding a different solution, claim that ‘don’t have a creative bone in their body’. In reality, we are all connected to creativity, as it is one of our brain’s ‘basic’ skills. At the same time, however, creativity is not just about being adept at using a paintbrush, pen or sculptor’s chisel; it is a skill that can be used in any sphere of life. Our everyday, ‘normal’ life provides hundreds of opportunities to put our creativity into practice: from coming up with an ‘out of the box’ idea at work, or preparing a home-made meal, to how we organise our children’s lives, or how we present ourselves during a business meeting.

  

The key ideas of "Called to Be Creative"

01.
Reconnecting with our creativity is a catalyst for happiness
02.
We are born creative, but it gradually diminishes during the course of our life
03.
Using our creativity every day allows us to reach a state of flow
04.
Useful tools for reconnecting with our creativity
05.
Thinking outside the box requires creativity
06.
A tidy house fosters creativity
07.
It is important to learn from the restrictions life imposes on us
08.
Gratitude connects us to our creativity
09.
Expressive writing helps guide us to discover our creativity
10.
No man is an island: we need other people, in order to ignite our creativity
11.
Connecting with our creativity becomes easier as we get older
12.
Quotes
13.
Take-home message
 
 
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