Making Time for Creativity

One of the things I’ve enjoyed most after leaving my corporate job a couple of months ago is the sense of joy and fulfillment I’ve found in returning to creative pursuits. For decades, I had largely neglected the arts and creativity, participating mainly as a spectator, and didn’t really think of myself as a creative person. But looking back on how I spent my time growing up, I realized that a lot of it was actually devoted to artistic activities.

As a kid, I played piano, went to ballet classes, and sang in a children’s choir. I learned to make pottery in the after-school enrichment program and learned the basics of knitting and sewing from my mom – enough that I could make outfits for my Barbies out of fabric scraps. These early experiences were more than just hobbies; they were my first taste of how creative expression could allow me to communicate something about myself, developing my imagination and ability to generate ideas.

During my sophomore year of high school, we had weekly writing assignments in English class that allowed me to explore a multitude of themes and build confidence in my abilities. I discovered the joy of writing, the power of crafting narratives, and communicating through my words as a unique form of creative expression.

For as long as I can remember, I loved singing.  I joined a children’s choir in grade school; in high school I was in the mixed chorus and madrigal group. I sang in all of the school musicals, and though I didn’t act, I was often part of the crew for plays, doing design and makeup. 

This vibrant creative landscape of my youth, however, began to shift as I entered college. I turned my focus to my studies and didn’t spend much time on other pursuits. This was in part because I usually had an intense course load with time-consuming assignments, but also because I felt I lacked the talent to be a great singer. I auditioned for a couple of a cappella groups on campus but didn’t make the cut. 

After college, I had few opportunities to sing and, consequently, got out of practice. My creative expression was mostly channeled through cooking and, in recent years, starting this blog.

When I reflected on all the things I would have time for during my year of exploration, I knew that I wanted to go back to doing more creative things, not just as a pastime but as a way to find that flow state I’d missed, where I could truly immerse myself, let go of stress, and reconnect to my inner voice.

I wanted to get back into singing. I also thought it would be fun to take a pottery class or something similar. Around this time, I read Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, which inspired me to lean further into my creative side. Gilbert sees creativity as a human need, emphasizing that the act of creation itself can be more important than the final product. This resonated deeply; she gave me permission to go ahead without worrying whether my ideas were novel or unique, or if others would like what I created or interpret it as I intended. The act of creating was enough, allowing me to trust my intuition and truly express who I am.

So, I took singing lessons for a couple of months and recently started learning to play the harmonium to sing yoga chants – a way to express myself through voice and body. I took a leatherwork workshop and made an original tote bag that I absolutely love, giving me the satisfaction of creating something tangible with my own hands. I even signed up for my first writing retreat this summer, continuing to seek avenues for personal expression.

This ongoing journey has led me to continually look for ways to express myself and share who I am through everything from yoga sequences, cooking for a potluck, music playlists, and more. For so long, I believed creativity was a special gift reserved for a few, but I've learned it's a fundamental human need, a source of peace and discovery accessible to us all. You don't need lofty ambitions or a lot of free time to begin. Even small moments of creative indulgence—whether it's doodling, singing in the shower, or trying a new recipe—can bring immense joy and a renewed sense of self. I encourage you to find what lights up your own creative spirit and let it enrich your personal journey.