Catriona Makes

“Creativity takes courage.” – Henri Matisse

Being creative takes courage. We need courage as a way of going inward and discovering who we are. We also need courage to share our creativity with others. Beyond courage there is the intrinsic need to simply create, experiencing the beauty, joy, freedom and healing power of creating.

When we create, we reflect on who we are. We explore our unique thoughts, feelings, memories and hopes – our stories. We discover that our creativity is an embodiment of who we are and how we relate to the world. It may be daunting but also liberating – enabling us to grow in wisdom, confidence and self understanding. It can deepen our capacity for compassion, empathy and strength. It leads us to create art that invites viewers to engage with us in meaningful ways.

When we share our art there is the potential for connection, conversation and inspiration. But when we do share we open ourselves up to judgement, criticism, and the possibility of being misunderstood. Whether our creativity portrays something deeply personal or makes a statement about society, culture, or the environment – whether it comes with commentary, a story, or silence – the choice to share our creativity with the world requires strength, trust and courage. 

Beyond the courage and the fear of creating and sharing, we find and experience that need to create – to delve into our ideas and emotions. We find ourselves in a place where we can experience a state of creative ‘flow’ – where we can revel in the enjoyment and fulfilment of simply making. 

When we move beyond fear we can find ourselves in a place of creative freedom, a place where we listen to and express our own inner voice, our inner wisdom. And while the fear may not ever disappear and we may always feel the need to be courageous, our inner truth is always there as an invitation to be explored and expressed whenever we are ready. 

Do you feel the fear of creativity and engage courageously and fully anyway? I would love to hear your thoughts.