Good News About Creativity and Aging

Here are 12 reasons why creativity and aging make great partners:

1. You may have more time to create after raising kids and/or retiring.
2. If you're a grandparent, this wakes up your creativity as you see it in the little ones and as you use it yourself to entertain and communicate with them.
3. You are clearer about your wants, needs, values, and preferences and how you want to express them in your art.
4. Your self-esteem may be stronger and can hold up better to criticism and stereotypes.
5. You probably feel more free to be who you really are, and that will come through in your work.
6. You may be in a better financial position to support the launch into the creative field of your choice.
7. You may have a clearer mission (see last week's post) about how you want your art to serve the world.
8. You may have more time for fun and relaxation, both of which open you up to the creative process!
9. Wonderful technology to support your creative and marketing efforts is available now that was not around when you were younger.
10. Mentoring and/or being a role model for younger people can be very rewarding. Even others in your age group may be inspired to follow your lead.
11. Being creative is a great way to keep your mind active and healthy as you age.
12. Your experiences and personal growth have enriched your potential for creative output.

So don't say, "Oh, I'm too old to start painting (or writing, throwing pots, etc.). Instead, say "My age is adding a whole new dimension to my work!" Plant your creative seeds in the rich soil of your life experience, and see what emerges!

Still not convinced? Email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to set up a complimentary trial tele-coaching session so we can apply these points to your specific situation.

Wishing you fulfillment always,

Susan

Mission and Motivation

Tying your art to a mission will liven up your motivation and creativity. It'll add a whole new depth to what you're doing, no matter what form your art takes!

Rafael Bejarano, Multi-Cultural Ritualist and Educator, Musician, Artist, and Healer

I saw this amazing guy perform last spring. His mission is to help with the care and feeding of the sacred music traditions and instruments of the indigenous cultures of the world. He has won the respect of those cultures through his sincere interest, and they have taught him what he needs to know to carry out this mission. What a new world this has opened up for him and his audiences, both children and adults alike!

Here's a quote from Rafael's brochure: "Through the use of indigenous instruments from around the world, I feel I become an 'instrument' myself...a messenger for the ancient ones....Together we can co-create a better world for ourselves and our future generations." What an inspiration for the rest of us who are holding missions close to our hearts! You can check out his website at www.soundsofcreation.org.

And What About You?

Of course only you can decide what mission you are passionate about. But for the sake of an example, let's say your mission is to keep the arts alive and fun in the schools. Maybe you win a grant that allows you to run a program in your local schools. You've added another dimension to your work by becoming an important role model for young people!

With that example in mind, take a look at your passions and clarify a mission that will expand the world for yourself and others. If you already have a mission that feeds your creative motivation, please tell us about it in the comments section!

Thanks,
Susan

P.S. Need help clarifying your mission? Email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to set up a complimentary trial coaching tele-session, and I'll help you get started sorting it out.