Susan Joy

Creativity is something that is in all of us. I truly believe we are all artists in our own way and simply have to tap into it. With all that is happening in the world right now, this is the perfect opportunity for all to explore their inner creator. Most of us certainly have the time, for the next few weeks at least.

Lately though, I’ve lost that thing that motivated me to make art for art’s sake. I’ve been waiting for that aha, epiphany, choir singing moment to hit because I’ve lost it.

See, I’ve had it before, so I know what I’ve lost. It’s been years and that spark hasn’t reignited.

Could it be that I am creative for work – for my day job as a graphic designer. Creating all day, working on other people’s visions leaving me without the energy for personal artistic expression? Could it be that I am business-minded and always think “I could sell that” whenever I make something which puts too much pressure on myself to create something perfect that others will like? Could it be fear that what I actually create won’t hold a candle to what I envision in my mind?

It’s probably a good mix of all three.

All of this has led me to believe that maybe I simply don’t know what my passion is, though I thought I did. Because after all, if I had one, I couldn’t live unless I did something to fulfill it everyday, right?

So in times like these, I turn to books. I’m not embarrassed to admit that I love a good self-help book!

I’m currently reading Beginner’s Pluck: Build Your Life of Purpose and Impact Now by Liz Forkin Bohannon.

I heard the author being interviewed on a podcast and liked what she had to say. She had a different take than the typical motivational advice you hear from a lot of authors.

She sticks it right to you, point blank, no sugar coating.

She basically says, that you’re never going to “Find your Passion.” It isn’t hiding under a rock waiting, ready to pop out at you and once you find it, then you are off and running to the races and nothing can stop you. It doesn’t work like that.

You don’t find it, you build it.

Start small, do a little at a time, and keep going even once the adrenaline wears off. She says to stay open-minded, brave, and curious and see where that curiosity takes you. Be open to change direction if new information comes to you. When you approach your interests and life like that, you are always in the beginner’s mindset. And the perk of the beginner’s mindset is that you are up for anything, anytime, because you don’t know anything yet. This in turn gives you that beginner’s pluck.

Pluck (n): Spirited and determined courage

So with this new knowledge, I need to spark that curiosity to reignite my innate creativity. Below are some books to help me do so. I’ve read a few, but most are on my to-read list.

Reading List: