Unleashing Your Creativity: A Journey Back to You

We all have a spark of creativity within us. But somewhere along the way, fear and practicality can dim that flame. We start creating for the sake of getting things done, not for the joy of it. This blog post explores how I rediscovered my own creativity and offers a path for you to do the same.

The Wellspring of Creativity

Maya Angelou once said, “Everybody born comes from the Creator trailing wisps of glory. We come from the Creator with creativity.” One of my earliest memories – a mesmerizing pile of wooden blocks – reminds me of my earliest creations. My resourceful grandparents, products of the Depression, saved everything, transforming scrap wood into a universe of construction possibilities. My sisters and cousins and I often gathered around this pile on Saturday afternoons and played for hours.

Music was another creative outlet. As a child, I played the cello by ear, eventually adding an arsenal of instruments to my repertoire. College was a time of songwriting and forming bands. Creativity flowed freely, even continuing through marriage and parenthood.

Then, at thirty-two, my life took a dramatic turn. A career change required we move across the country, leaving behind the familiar comfort of community. We left everything in Orlando and found ourselves in the rainy Pacific Northwest. The next year was a whirlwind of launching a new business venture that became successful, but something was missing.

Survival Mode and the Stifling of Creativity

When our family entered survival mode, the music stopped. The spaciousness for creativity vanished, replaced by the pressing needs of providing for my wife and children. While I enjoyed my work in the corporate world, it wasn’t the core of who I was. Nevertheless, I channeled my creativity into my business, leveraging my leadership skills.

But success couldn’t fill the void. Around thirty-seven and again at forty-four, I reached breaking points. I realized I am more than just my “competencies.” We all have a deep-seated desire to live and work from a place of passion. For me, writing became the onramp back into creativity.

Reclaiming My Creativity

A few years back over a holiday, my whole family got sick and we had to cancel our holiday plans. With time on my hands, first I watched ALL the seasons of Yellowstone. But once that was over I thought, now what? So I walked to my basement and started writing down everything I’d learned about business. In five days a business book materialized, followed by another the next year. The dam had broken.

Through self-reflection, I began creating spaces for activities that brought me life. The guitar reappeared, and my corporate presentations became more creative. I started enjoying films and music with my family again and the growth continues.

A Path to Rekindle Your Creativity

While my journey may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, it offers a framework that might resonate with you. I did these things for years before the creativity came back:

• Investigate the Past: Delve into your personal history. Revisit significant moments and locations, both positive and negative. This exploration can unearth forgotten experiences that might be influencing your current creativity.
• Grieve with Acceptance: Acknowledge and process losses, big or small. Writing about a difficult experience, like when I wrote about the death of my mother, can help you work through your grief and ultimately lead to a more fulfilling life.
• Nurture Quiet Time: Make time for solitude that goes beyond utility. Instead of using this time to catch up on work or plan social events, use it for rest, reflection, and nurturing your creativity. Embrace this quiet space for spiritual connection if that resonates with you.
• Inquire from Mentors: Seek out guidance from experienced individuals. These relationships with mentors can offer valuable support, stability, and a space where your creativity can flourish. Consider the wisdom you gained from your mentors and how it could open up new doors to creativity, life direction, and clarity of vocation. I wrote about the relationship with my mentors in my book, Executive Retreats for Busy Business Leaders.
  
  

Unexpected Rewards & ANNOUNCEMENT

This journey has led to some incredible surprises. In late 2023, I met a seasoned author, and a co-writing opportunity emerged. Our unexpected move to Tennessee became the inspiration for my next book, “Jumpstart Your Midlife” (working title). This project has been picked up by a literary agency, opening doors to a future as a writer.

The Invitation

This blog is the foundation of davidachata.com, a platform where I’ll share insights gleaned from my life, faith, and business experiences. Sign up for my email list to stay connected and be the first to receive updates.

The key message? Don’t create out of obligation. Create for the sheer joy of it, regardless of the outcome. If you feel stuck, try the four ideas listed above and see what opens up.

Thanks for your support and following the journey.