“Use what you have to run toward your best.” – Oprah Winfrey. 

“Visualize this thing that you want. See it, feel it, believe in it. Make your mental blueprint, and begin to build.” – Robert Collier.

Creative opportunities are everywhere – from how we style our rooms, design our gardens and arrange our bookcases. Even the most self-identifying “unimaginative” or “unoriginal” person would likely be surprised to learn just how creative they are.

Creativity could be problem-solving in a work environment, cooking at home with the kids, designing fashion, directing film or performing in theatre productions. Often when starting, we start from scratch and make something from seemingly nothing. 

Other times, we tap into our pre-existing resources or seek something new to help give us a boost. For example, I have a box in my cupboard I’ve filled with free magazines. I use them periodically to create word lists that relate to the themes in my fiction novel, A Love Once Lost. The word lists help me build on character development and assist with scene enhancement. 

Creativity can be shared through collaborative teamwork, bouncing ideas off one another or exchanging accountability for our creative goals. 

Computer programmers often must name many things for a small program or application. Programmers harness their creativity when choosing concise names that convey what something is or does. 

Autistic individuals often self-express by stimming and self-regulating when engaging in sensory experiences. ADHDers create when they think outside the box and write down “that random idea they don’t want to forget”.

Gamers can create through character design (The Sims, Skyrim, D&D). Many gamers build and devise strategies or tactics within in-game areas to enhance their gameplay (Minecraft, Stardew Valley, Age Of Empires). 

Musicians express feelings, thoughts and imagery when they compose tracks. Artists create when they draw and paint. Authors paint stories and concepts from words.

New ideas can strike in the shower, at the gym, during church, while cooking, or out walkabout.

There are no rules about how to be creative – and the benefits that can come from giving it a go can range from improved mental health to enhanced self-expression and increased problem-solving skills. 

Count me in. I’ll take a round of that!

Most importantly, if you’re like me and have ADHD… then you’ll most likely agree that the world needs dopamine, and creative ideas are some of the biggest dopamine thrills; think of the latest blockbuster movies!

Creativity happens at the computer at 2 am when everyone else is sleeping.

Creativity happens when next doors dog barks in the key of A and someone writes a song.

Creativity is repurposing old furniture to make something new.

Creativity is using a sentence in a magazine as a prompt to write an original story.

Creativity is merging all of those ideas into one.

Creativity is taking a step back and heading in a completely different direction.

Creativity is trying something new until something works or feels right.

Creativity itself is limitless.

It does not depend upon talent, experience, gender or background.

Creativity offers opportunities and asks for nothing in return.

It simply exists.

There is no right or wrong way to create.

Creativity is not a gift – it is a right of being.

Creative opportunities are only as endless as we believe.

Creative ideas have the potential to change the world.

People create.

Creativity connects people.

I think we all have some potential to make something from scratch.

I see it all the time as an Early Childhood Educator. Children make meaning using pipe cleaners, glue, sticky tape and cardboard boxes. Cut-up magazines turn into papier-mache masterpieces. 

Children express themselves through wearing dress-ups, telling stories and assuming different roles in home corner.

Play-based learning experiences should be accessible and unrestricted for all ages. 

You never know when creativity could hit. One suggestion is to have a notebook handy in most areas where you know you might think of ideas. (I keep scraps of paper and a pen in my bathroom – ideas always strike when showering!) 

So if you feel ready, pull out your canvass, grab your notebook, charge your camera or open your music software or that game that brings you so much joy. 

Your limitations are only as creative as you make them.

What are you waiting for?

The world is your canvas.

Release your dreams and take action. 

What will you create today?

Let me know below in the comments!