Almost a year ago, I wrote a post called “craving creativity.” I discussed my desire to reconnect with my creativity, and the importance of doing so. This is part II of that story.
I haven’t come quite as far as I hoped with this journey, but I have definitely made some progress. One thing that I have really immersed myself in is crochet. I technically learned to crochet when I was very young, like nine or ten, but it is only in the past year that I have started to make things. My mom taught me a few things last summer, and then, over winter break, I suddenly decided I wanted to sit down and make something. So I did- a yellow pouch. I sewed a heart on the front that I knitted (also a win, since it was my first time knitting something non-rectangular.).
Since then, I’ve explored several different kinds of crochet projects, and had a lot of fun doing it. I went with my roommate to a few meetings of my university’s crochet club, and crocheted with some of my friends, but probably my favorite person to crochet with has been my mom, who has been doing it for many years, as her mother and grandmother did before her. My grandmother on my father’s side was also a crocheter. So, not only is crochet fun, but I also enjoy knowing that I am carrying on a tradition from the women of my family. I love coming up with different crochet projects, even ones without patterns, and I have found some that I will hopefully be able to share soon.
I have also been reading a lot more, and in doing so, I’ve been feeling the urge to start writing again. For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of writing a novel, and I have been toying with the idea of actually buckling down and writing one. I’ve pulled out all the writing books I;ve acquired, and started rifling through my old ideas. I don’t necessarily want to have a hugely successful writing career, but I have always enjoyed writing and the thought of having my creation out there for people to read is particularly enticing. Right now, writing this blog is helping me work on my writing skills and keep myself in the habit of writing, which they say is important for aspiring authors.
One thing that has been on my mind recently as I dive headfirst into creative endeavors is the idea that creativity is vitality. I think that being creative is an incredible asset in one’s life. It is not only about doing cute little arts and crafts- though I would argue that those are vital as well for some of us- but also the ability to transfer that creativity to other aspects of your life. To problem-solve and find creative solutions to the inevitable bumps in the road that come with life. Creativity is how humans have survived for so long, and found meaning in our existence. Creativity is what separates us from AI, because it may be able to think, but it cannot actually create. To create is more than just amalgamating things one has learned or seen. Creativity requires life.
Being in my 20s has been absolutely surreal. Since graduating from college, I find myself overwhelmed by the many diverging paths I could choose to take my life on. One thing that I think is key, though, is continuing to prioritize creativity- as catharsis, as innovation, as life itself. It’s like a muscle that has to be used to get stronger- the more time and energy I devote to creative projects, the more ideas I find flowing into my mind. It’s like I only had to open the floodgates. The hardest part is having to choose to create in a society that only wants us to consume. Capitalism wants to force-feed us nonsense, and for us to swallow it without questioning it. The last thing it wants is for any of us to forge our own path, a new path. To reject the status quo and refuse to conform.
I’ve been dealing with some other mental health issues lately, and I find myself wondering if I’m even still human. If human is something that I want to be. If it has any meaning or value at all. But witnessing, beholding and partaking in creative endeavors is a huge comfort and the best reminder than humanity is real, beautiful, and worthy, even when we feel disconnected from sometimes.
On my journey to reclaim my creativity, I have learned so much about what it means to embrace creativity as a practice, rather than seeing it as an innate quality that some have and others do not. I have started to notice all the different ways that humans express creativity, some of which I never expected. I want to continue to choose creativity over consumption as much as I possibly can, and I think that the more I do, the more human I’ll feel. I hope that you are finding new ways to be creative in your life, and that it is fulfilling and meaningful for you, too.