“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is deciding which ones to keep.” -Scott Adams

“There is no doubt that creativity is the most important human resource of all. Without creativity, there would be no progress and we would be forever repeating the same patterns.” -Edward de Bono

Creativity is a natural extension of our enthusiasm.” -Earl Nightingale

“Make visible what, without you, might perhaps never have been seen.” -Robert Bresson

“If you are willing to do something that might not work, you’re closer to being an artist.” -Seth Godin

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” -Pablo Picasso

I hope these creativity quotes inspire and encourage you to believe in your creative powers. I recently felt creative and was able to write a poem which I have not done in over a year.

Salute

by Lucy Jo Bowman

I put on my makeup like war paint.

The day with five children is my battle and my honor.

Monotony is the enemy and can always replenish his forces.

I change the diaper and then the stench arises.

The meal is served and then the stomach growls.

Laundry is folded and then soiled by dirty hands.

Dishes are sparkling clean and stacked neatly and then the food spreads.

Enemies believe they will win, but they do not know my secret plan.

I will fight with laughter and patience; I will surround the tasks with my love of home and family.

I am victor.

Just as the foe believes they conquer,

Five adults standing tall, 

gracefully wielding wisdom and wit, 

girdled with faith, 

Call me Mother. 

Learn Creativity from Children

It feels really good to write poetry. It has been much longer than it should be. For my master’s thesis I wrote a collection of poetry about motherhood and womanhood. I gathered insight from as many women as I could and gleaned from my own experiences. At the time I only had one child and I was working as an adjunct instructor at BYU-Idaho. I loved the time I was able to spend writing, researching, reading great poetry and feeling inspired and expressed. Something I have learned from my children lately is that creativity is not forced. I watch my children create art, block formations, chalk art and dramas all in one day and all of it is spontaneous and truly beautiful at times. My children have the time and safety to create purely for enjoyment. The poem I share above was written in my mind over a period of a few days and I let it come slowly. I took notes in my mind and then the last parts came quickly.

I have learned that content creation can be both parts planned and organic. For example, I can plan to create content about home, but I let my real life problems and experiences help me determine what to create in that category. So, take note from your creative children on their process. Consider these questions and then take action to cultivate your own creativity.

Set the Tone

Do they set the environment before they create?

Is is quiet or is music playing?

Do they create best during a certain part of the day?

Pay attention to what is around you when you are feeling the most creative.

Consistency

How often do your kids create? The answer is EVERYDAY and that should be your goal too!

Devotion over Discipline. Luciano Pavarotti said: “People think I’m disciplined. It’s not discipline, it’s devotion, and there’s a great difference.” I am devoted to my Creator Manifesto. You can read mine and create your own to guide you.

Inspiration

What are they taking inspiration from? Be picky about what you let into your life. Seek light, beauty, knowledge, positivity. Avoid anything that brings you down.

Curiosity

What kind of questions are your children asking you and themselves? Ask questions and try to find the answers to kickstart creativity.

Judge less, and later.

When my kids use their creative genius, they are NOT picking out all the flaws every five seconds. They immerse themselves in the process and take a closer look later. They love the process and usually like the results because they are judging it based on what they love and not on what they think others will like. Of course there are guiding principles when you create, but after you use your knowledge, be kind to yourself and enjoy each step. Mastering anything is about consistency and a love for what you are doing.

An example with writing poetry is the practice that I learned called Brain Flow. I will write whatever comes to my mind without any judgement or stopping for a set time, usually about 5-10 minutes. It usually comes out like stream of consciousness, but many times beautiful words, phrases and ideas will come as I do this exercise. Be patient and kind to your process and you will discover lovely things!

Rest Sparks Creativity

“Distraction and busyness are the greatest enemies of creativity.” –Morgan I remember hearing from a well-known author that she came up with her best ideas while she was soaking in the tub letting her mind wander. I have since found that when I rest and allow myself the time to create in my mind without too many hard deadlines, I feel the most ready to create authentically.

Happy Creating!

I hope you will enjoy creating something that is meaningful to you and could bless and uplift others as well. We are born to create so don’t discount your desire to do so. Truly, your children will teach you.

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” -Picasso

Best,

Lucy Bowman