Creating, not consuming.

I’ve had a great revelation during my time writing this year.

That revelation is about how I spend my free time. You see, I’ve always been involved in creative pursuits, specifically music, since I was very young. I sung in choirs, played lead roles in school productions, and (most importantly) started playing guitar when I was 15 – an instrument that played a large role my teenage years and my early twenties.

The thing about music is that whenever you step up on that stage, jam in your room, or bust out “Where do the Children Play?” at a party, you’re creating something. I used to spend hours perfecting my guitar technique, learning and improving my craft. As my late twenties rolled around, I found myself doing less in this area, and spending more time relaxing mindlessly on the couch. The flow-on effect of this was a strange “flattening” in my creative energy.

This year, I decided to start writing a blog. It was mildly successful, and I found myself enjoying writing. On the spur of the moment, I decided to write a short story. As I wrote my first story, I found that my creative spark had returned. I came to realise how much time I’ve spent playing video games, surfing the net, and scrolling through social media.

So here’s the heart of my revelation: There’s a difference between creating and consuming, and it’s easy to only ever be a consumer of content. In our consumption-based Western society, we find ourselves constantly invited and encouraged to consume – be it movies, music, or social media. I’ve found that connecting with creativity again has restored life in me – we’re meant to be creative creatures, and there are so many ways to express that.

For me, it’s writing. I’m blessed with the opportunity to write, and I’m loving it. Long may creative thought flow my mind onto paper, because in that I’ve rediscovered part of my soul, and I’m richer for it.

So, how are you being creative today?