Art Is for Everyone - Creative Life Series (1)
“Creativity is not a competition or a profession—it’s an essential part of being human.”
There’s a persistent myth in our culture that creativity belongs only to a select few. That to be truly “creative,” one must be a painter, a poet, a dancer—someone chosen by the muses and blessed with talent.
But the truth is far simpler—and far more beautiful: Creativity is for everyone.
🌸 Everyday Acts of Creativity
Whether you're arranging flowers in a jar, planning your garden, journaling your thoughts, or making up silly songs with your kids—you are engaging in the creative process.
These small acts may not hang in a gallery, but they are rich with meaning.
They shape the rhythm of your life and bring joy, connection, and even healing.
You don’t need to sell your art—or even share it—for it to matter.
You don’t need a studio or fancy tools.
You just need a willingness to play, to experiment, and to make something that wasn’t there before.
🧠 Creativity Isn’t About Talent—It’s About Being Human
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”
— Pablo Picasso
Creativity doesn’t disappear as we age—it just gets buried beneath expectations, busyness, and self-doubt. But it’s still there, waiting to be noticed, nurtured, and let loose.
Even Albert Einstein, not known for painting or sculpture, said:
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.”
His genius wasn’t just formulas—it was also his ability to imagine, to wonder, and to approach problems from unexpected angles.
That is creativity, too.
🔓 Reframing Creativity: Not Just to Make Things, But to Make a Life
When we let go of the belief that creativity is only for the “gifted,” we open a door.
A creative life might mean:
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Cooking a meal from scratch
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Designing a cozy nook in your home
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Writing a letter to someone you love
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Mending a quilt
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Restoring an old chair
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Organizing your morning to better start your day
These are creative acts.
And they are worth celebrating.
🪡 A Personal Note
I am an educated artist. I went to art school. I have a master's (and a half) degree in Illustration. The only thing my teenage daughters have is an artsy mama who encourages them to never stop creating. I’ll give you one guess who lives a more effortless life full of meaningful and joyful creating? THEY DO. And they love making more than just traditional art. They make so much stuff I have bins and bins of precious creations that I have to secretly throw away after a year of being forgotten. You don’t need classes or an education. All you need is encouragement.
📚 Want to Explore More?
If this idea resonates with you, here are a few of our favorite reads:
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Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert — A warm and thoughtful invitation to trust your curiosity and make peace with your fear. I recommend listening to the audiobook version of this read by the author. Her excitement is inspiring!
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The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp — Practical tools and rituals for weaving creativity into daily life. As a dancer in my youth, this book spoke to me.
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The Art of Noticing by Rob Walker — A gentle guide to finding inspiration by slowing down and truly seeing the world around you.
(You’ll find these books and more on the Erstwhile Muse Bookshelf.)
✨ Try This: Your Creativity Homework
1. Notice the wonder
Take ten minutes to journal what you notice today. Maybe it’s the light on your coffee mug, the way your child mispronounces a word, or the rhythm of your neighborhood. These are sparks of inspiration.
2. Honor what you make
The next time you set the table, fold the laundry, or rearrange a shelf—say it out loud: "I am an artist."
Let your life be the canvas.
3. Make one thing
Draw a doodle. Try a new sandwich combo. Stitch two scraps together.
Creativity doesn’t require a masterpiece—it just needs a beginning.
💌 What’s Next?
Thanks for reading the first post in our Creative Life Series!
Next time, we’ll explore how creativity lives in everyday actions—from how we make dinner and rearrange a room to how we tell stories and comfort those we love.
Creativity doesn’t need a gallery wall to matter.
It just needs you.
Warmly,
Becky