The many chapters of creativity

I have been creative my whole life, but I have been through many chapters. When I was a kid, I didn’t even know that it was a chapter. I just did what I enjoyed. I learned to draw horses from my dad, made puppets, tried to crochet. In college I created out of necessity. My first Christmas at college, I had no money for presents. I went to the craft store, bought a few small cross stitch kits and made those for presents. In my 20’s I started my first creative business, making crafts and selling them. Then in my late 30’s I found mixed media. Each of these chapters has been in a different location, at a different age and for a different purpose. The one constant is me feeling the most like myself when I am creating something.

This latest chapter started when my son was little. I was a new-ish mom and wanted to get back to doing something for me. I found out about a class on lettering and doodling about an hour from me. That class was a big turning point for me. I had spent a few years really focused on my family, but this class reminded me how much I loved creating. So many of us give to everyone else around us, but neglect ourselves. I decided that I would be a better mom, wife, human if I made time for my creativity. I started with a few supplies and allowed myself time at night after everyone was in bed. Over the years the amount of time and number of supplies has multiplied. When my creativity became a business again, my purpose split….better human and sharing my art with others.

As I look forward, I see a new chapter coming. My son has two years left in high school and then will be moving into his next chapter. About the same time, we are hoping my husband can retire and then we will be moving. Will my next chapter be the same, just in a new location, or is there another metamorphosis coming. Who knows, but I do know that creativity will be with me wherever I am.