Every Body has a Creative Bone

Feel like you don't have a creative bone in your body? Discover three simple ways to make time for rattling it every day!

You've probably heard someone say or even said it yourself, "I don't have a creative bone in my body." People tend to think of creativity as binary — either you've got it, or you don't. In reality, however, we all possess it. Everybody is creative — the difference is how we interpret it, individualize it, and ultimately express it.

According to photographer, author, and Zen Buddhist rōshi John Loori: “Creativity is our birthright. It is an integral part of being human, as basic as walking, talking, and thinking.”

The assertion that creativity is inherent to the human psyche pretty much dispels the myth that a person could exist without a creative bone in their body! However, it's essential to acknowledge that although it may be a 'birthright' and a process that anyone can embrace, creativity is also a learned skill. As such, creativity is something at which you will get better through practice and repeated use.

Three Simple Ways to Make Time for Rattling Your Creative Bone Daily

[ No. 1 ] Celebrate Creativity

Everybody has a creative bone in their body, and your bones are no different from anyone else's. So, the next time self-doubt creeps in and has you thinking, "I'm not creative," take a deep breath and remember that everybody is creative. Take stock, give yourself credit, and pat yourself on the back for all the ways you have been creative — most likely without even giving creativity a second thought during the process. Perhaps it was preparing a meal, planting a garden, organizing a closet, problem-solving at work, writing a love note, dancing in the kitchen. These simple, daily events can be legit expressions of creativity. So, resist the notion that you don't have a creative bone in your body — it's simply not true. Tell yourself, "I AM CREATIVE!" Say it out loud — scream it from the rooftop if you must — but remind yourself every day!

[ No. 2 ] Say Yes to Inspiration

Everybody is creative, and therefore everybody experiences creative inspiration. It's just that some of us tend to ignore it. Make sure you answer the door when creative opportunities come knocking — as you would have done in childhood. Remembering how you received and reacted to creative impulses as a child — rather than focusing on how you've learned to suppress them as an adult — will tickle your creative bone. Rediscover and embrace inspiration as you allow your imagination to fuel more of your actions. Once you find creative inspiration, you'll be amazed at how quickly your creativity blooms and how it enhances your day-to-day life.

[ No. 3 ] Schedule Creative Time

Life can be crazy-hectic — we all get that. But creativity is like anything else in your life; if you don't make time for your creative self, you can't expect to flourish. Those who successfully express their creativity do so intentionally by making time throughout their day to nurture it.

You might be able to squeeze creativity in first thing in the morning by waking up just 30 minutes earlier than usual. Devote those 30 minutes to painting, meditating, writing, taking a walk, baking bread — whatever activity gets your creative juices flowing. Start your morning with creative intent, so it won't be the first thing to go when life gets hectic. What could be better than creativity to set a positive vibe for the day?

If you absolutely can't devote a solid 30 minutes to creative activity, try to set aside a few smaller chunks of time throughout the day dedicated to creative thought. Perhaps you can squeeze those thoughts in while waiting in line at the grocery store, riding public transportation, hanging around at your child's soccer game, twiddling your thumbs at the doctor's office. You catch the drift — there are plenty of moments throughout the day when your mind can easily wander to planning creative activities for a later time.

Perhaps you can even try to incorporate a little creativity into the mundane tasks of the day. Do you make lunches for your family? Adorn them with little love notes and illustrations. Does the bathroom need cleaning? Put on your favorite tunes, then sing and dance the chore away. Are you faced with a dilemma at work? Put on your creative thinking cap, and problem solve your way to a promotion. You see, there are lots of ways to schedule time for creativity — so no excuses!

Acknowledging that every body has a creative bone helps you recognize your own creativity — and affirming your own creativity is half the battle!

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