Because it’s Saturday morning. Because my friend just sent these to me. Because these bring a smile to my face, and hopefully to your face, too. But mostly because I’m a mom who is over-the-top proud of absolutely everything her kids create.
I’m not debating whether creativity comes from struggle or whether we are simply a tool to give voice to creativity. I believe we are all born with creative talent. Most of us forget that.
We get older. We lack encouragement. We forget how fun it is to create. We compare what comes from our minds and hands to others and we feel that we come up short. We become too critical of ourselves.
Creativity thrives in an environment where someone (Mark) isn’t telling us that the sun is always yellow, the grass is always green, trees always have leaves and we must always stay in the lines.
I do know that creating something is a healthy way to temporarily escape the stresses and difficulties that life may put in front of us. When we paint or draw or sing or write, our brains get a chance to quit stewing about issues. When we create, we allow our brains a little vacation from being grown-up and responsible.
Creating something is a way to prove our existence to the world, or maybe even that one person who just doesn’t see us.
When my kids draw or paint something they are saying…
I’m here.
I have a voice.
I am unique.
I matter.
**These drawings were created on an iPad. (I want one!) The giraffe and dog are Jenny’s. The trout and landscape are Will’s. I humbly attempted a still life of flowers in a vase. (See? There I go – getting embarrassed and wanting to make excuses for my creativity.) I included mine to make a point. It’s my voice. I matter, too.
;)
Tags: child of narcissist, humor, life, love, survive
I loved your drawings. All of them. They are amazing. Thanks for reminding me to get my two-year old coloring and painting. Nurturing her creativity is a gift I can give her everyday.
You are so right about becoming older and too critical of ourselves to create!
Sue
Sue,
I find that I sit down to ‘create’ a lot more since having kids – great quality time together.
Had a great day creating with you today…. You say it and you live it!!! I like that honesty….
Dee,
We had a blast with you and your tribe. Lots of great ideas flying around. All that creating generates some wonderful energy.
;)
Hey, what program on the iPad? These are awesome! I love the trout! That is created by a kid who has been up close and personal with a few TROUT in his day! The coloring is dead on! And I love the dog… we have a winking dog… I used to say it was “unplanned” winking, but now I like to think she has a little secret she’s sharing with me… :o)
Susan,
I think the app. is called ‘Brushes’.
You and the girls would have a blast.