Words of Wisdom 014: On a creative habit

Do you make time to make things?

We live in a culture of consumption. It's so easy to fall into the habit of taking in information, posts, updates, news, and noise. Not to mention buying things we could make. Consuming isn't wrong but can grow out of proportion to the time we spend creating.

Make time to be creative. Make time to build something. Have a side project. Whether baking, woodworking, or drawing, it's good to be creative.

If you don't practice creating something regularly, think back to your childhood and what kinds of ways you enjoyed playing. That can be a direct or tangential way to connect to starting a new creative habit today.

If you spend much of your time as a knowledge worker, not working with your hands, this time for creativity and making something is critical.

Creating something is an act of courage, love, and beauty. Setting out to make something requires curiosity, concentration, and joy.

Having a creative habit helps you practice courage rather than being pushed around by fear.


Don't make the mistake of optimizing your life merely to maximize productivity. Prioritize creativity to grow joyfully.

Quotes

"You are never lonely when the mind is engaged."

Twyla Tharp

"So this, I believe, is the central question upon which all creative living hinges: Do you have the courage to bring forth the treasures that are hidden within you?"

Elizabeth Gilbert

Questions

What can I make?

What is your first creative memory?

Endnote

Thanks for taking the time to read this little labor of love, the Words of Wisdom newsletter. It has become a delightful creative habit for me this year, and I hope you find it helpful and encouraging!

If you want others to get tiny seeds of wisdom each Wednesday, send them here.


Your life is art. Craft it wisely,

Josh

Continue reading

A woman thoughtfully holds a glowing orb.
Our newsletter

Do you hear the call of wisdom?

How you respond to the call of wisdom determines the direction of your life.

Get the Words of Wisdom email every Wednesday: brief reflections on wisdom to help you grow in the skills of virtuous living.