Unleash Your Inner Artist: Why It's Time to Embrace Creativity Now

Have you ever wondered why we stop playing and creating as we grow older? Celebrated author Young-ha Kim challenges us to rediscover our inner child and embrace the artist within. It's time to break free from the constraints of adulthood and tap into the boundless creativity we all possess.

The Artist Within: Born Creative

As children, we are all artists. Whether it's drawing on walls with crayons, dancing to our own beat, or singing at the top of our lungs, children express themselves freely and without inhibition. These acts of creation are not just play; they are a fundamental part of who we are.

• Children engage in art without external motivation.
• They find joy in the act of creation itself.
• This inherent creativity is a natural part of childhood.

The Power of Storytelling

Even lying, often frowned upon, is a form of storytelling. When a child tells a tall tale, they are exercising their imagination and creating a narrative. Instead of scolding them, parents should encourage this creativity by engaging with their stories and asking questions.

• Lying is the beginning of storytelling.
• It's an exercise in imagination and narrative creation.
• Parents should encourage this creativity.

The Loss of Artistic Freedom

Somewhere along the way, this artistic freedom is stifled. As we grow older, we are told to focus on practical matters, to conform to societal expectations, and to abandon our creative pursuits. School, homework, and extracurricular activities leave little time for artistic exploration. The joy of creation is replaced by the pressure to perform and compete.

Societal Constraints

Society often discourages artistic expression, especially as we age. Acting "artistically" can be met with resistance and even ridicule. The pressure to conform and behave "appropriately" can stifle our creativity and lead us to believe that we are no longer artists.

The Imprisonment of the Inner Artist

This suppression of our artistic selves can have negative consequences. Our desire for self-expression doesn't disappear; it simply manifests in other, often less healthy, ways. We may become envious of others who are able to express themselves freely, or we may seek outlets in unhealthy behaviors.

Reclaiming Your Artistic Self

So, how do we reclaim our artistic selves? The answer is simple: start creating, right now. Turn off the television, disconnect from the internet, and engage in some form of artistic expression. It doesn't matter if you're not "good" at it; the point is to rediscover the joy of creation.

Overcoming the Inner Critic

The biggest obstacle to our creativity is often our own inner critic. This voice tells us that we're not good enough, that our work is not original, and that we'll be ridiculed for our efforts. To overcome this critic, we need to silence it by creating without judgment.

• Don't overthink the process.
• Focus on the act of creation itself.
• Let go of the need for perfection.

The Importance of Play

Remember the joy of playing as a child? Art should be approached with the same sense of playfulness and freedom. Don't be afraid to experiment, to make mistakes, and to simply have fun. The goal is not to create a masterpiece, but to express yourself and connect with your inner artist.

The World Needs Your Art

The world needs your art, in whatever form it takes. Whether you're a taxi driver who moonlights as a Shakespearean actor, a banker who paints in their spare time, or a golfer who writes poetry, your creative expression enriches your life and the lives of those around you.

Martha Graham's Wisdom

As the legendary dancer and choreographer Martha Graham famously said, "Just do it." Don't wait for permission, for inspiration, or for the perfect moment. Start creating now, and unleash the artist within.

Embrace Your Inner Artist Today

Don't let the constraints of adulthood stifle your creativity. Embrace your inner child, silence your inner critic, and start creating. The world needs your unique voice, your unique perspective, and your unique art. So, go ahead, be an artist, right now!