Two of my biggest goals for our new life here in our little beach town were 1) to be more active and 2) to be more creative. The active part is going well. I’ve taken up running in addition to my other workouts, we do family bike rides, play at the beach, and the kids enjoy biking and skating on our quiet street.

I haven’t done as well with creativity. I have succeeded in allowing myself more time for creativity, which is an important step — but I haven’t done much in the way of actually creating. That’s led me to rethink what creativity really is.

When I set my goal of being more creative, I specifically meant I wanted to learn to paint, to make things like jewelry and seashell windchimes, and to have Kathryn teach me to crochet. I haven’t done any of that (yet!) so it’s easy to feel like I’m not doing well at this goal so far.

Maybe I need to expand my definition of creativity.

Creativity is painting and drawing and photography. It’s sewing, crocheting, cooking, home decorating, jewelry-making, woodworking. It’s writing: journaling, blogging, poetry, just about anything that puts words to paper (or computer).

However, it’s more than that, too. Creativity happens any time we create, even if there is no tangible hold-in-your-hand result.

If I sit quietly on my front porch with a cup of tea and the company of birds at the nearby feeder, or sit on the beach and listen to the waves, I’m creating space for my thoughts.

If I make workouts that continue to challenge me, I’m creating a strong body. If I get out and run, even though it’s still hard, I’m creating self-discipline.

If I kayak in a quiet river, I’m creating a new appreciation for nature, even for the geography of my area.

If my life models these things, I hope to create in my kids an appreciation for the world around them, for a healthy lifestyle, for downtime in a world that likes to rush.

Of course I still want to learn to paint and all those other things on my creative wish list, but in the meantime, I’ll appreciate the creating I’m already doing.

What have you created lately? I’d love to know!

Jamie

Wife, mom, J-ma. Introvert who enjoys good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand – unless it’s lost yet again in the microwave. Read more »