A Sign of Creativity That's Often Overlooked

Did you have imaginary friends as a child? If so, chances are you've grown into an intelligent, creative adult! Imaginary friends are not a prerequisite for high IQ and creativity, but they are one way that children express these traits.

We use imaginary friends to help us navigate our unfamiliar worlds: the one inside our heads and the one around us. As we get older, the friends sometimes show up as entities such as "Kitty", to whom Anne Frank wrote her journal.

I often use journaling as a way to dialogue with my subpersonalities, or "masks." It's amazingly effective! In Gestalt therapy, a similar technique is employed orally, with the client changing seats each time the speaker changes. It gets to information that we can't can't access while thinking in our everyday patterns, which is why we go into therapy in the first place!

Also as adults, we tend to pick role models that we haven't even met, and ask ourselves, "What would Oprah do?" or "What would Bill Gates do?" Writers of fiction know they've hit the mark in character development when the characters start to take on what seems like lives and minds of their own. My guess is that this is made possible by our subpersonalities, too.

The ability to imagine others and/or others' responses in given situations should be celebrated! It's a wonderful gift from the muse and from our inner healer that can serve us well throughout life!

Be well,

Susan

P.S. Whether you live around the globe or around the corner, you can email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com for a complimentary trial tele-coaching session!

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

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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