Creative Pursuits

Summary

The article emphasizes the intrinsic value of engaging in creative activities for personal joy and fulfillment, regardless of financial success.

Abstract

The author argues that society's narrow definition of success, often equated with wealth, undermines the true value of creative pursuits such as singing, dancing, and writing. They suggest that the healthiest and happiest individuals are those who engage in their passions daily, regardless of financial gain. The article encourages readers to embrace and share their creative talents, proposing that these gifts are vital for individual well-being and collective happiness. It challenges the notion that one must be wealthy or famous to be considered successful in their creative endeavors and instead celebrates the personal and communal joy derived from artistic expression.

Opinions

The author criticizes the societal expectation that creativity must lead to wealth to be deemed worthwhile.
The concept of success should not be solely measured by financial achievement; personal fulfillment and the impact on others are also important.
Engaging in creative activities is essential for maintaining physical and psychological health.
The article refutes the idea that those who teach or share their talents without seeking fame are less successful, citing this as a misguided view.
It is highlighted that some of the most talented individuals may not be wealthy or famous but still profoundly affect those who experience their art.
The author believes that society's focus on monetary success overlooks the tribal nature of humans, which includes sharing and enjoying creative expressions together.
The author encourages readers to reconnect with their creative sides, suggesting that doing so can provide respite during tough times and inspire future endeavors.
The article concludes by urging readers to continue pursuing their creative passions and to not let societal pressures diminish the value of their artistic expressions.

Capture Your Joy

Unsplash-Jacqueline Munguia

If I had a penny for every person who asked me why I still sing, dance & write, I’d be unbelievably wealthy. Somehow, in our modern society, we have come to equate money as the only measure of success. If someone hasn’t made millions from whatever creative pursuit they’ve been involved in, the suggestion is they should give it up because they didn’t “make it”.

The concept of success is defined differently, depending on who’s defining. Isn’t is short-sighted & silly to think we are not successful when singing beautifully, or writing powerfully, simply because we weren’t paid a fortune? The expression that leaps into my thoughts is the disparaging remark “Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach.” George Bernard Shaw’s condescending comment is so far off the mark as to be absurdly dismissive of anyone who either wasn’t lucky or simply had a different value system. Or that some prefer quietly enjoying & sharing their gifts instead of seeking the limelight.

Why or when did we become a society that decides if you’re not rich by 30, whatever you’re doing is worthless? The healthiest & happiest people I know do what they love every day. Some are financially solvent, most are not.

The current state of everything seems to be the perfect moment to revise these antiquated ideas that prevent people from enjoying their gifts, & not only using them to stay physically & psychologically in shape, but also to share with others in a pleasurable ride-along. Really-has anyone ever had a rotten time in a karaoke bar with their friends?

Two examples to prove my point: we make stars out of people with no creativity. And yet, the best singer I ever heard in my life(apart from Patti LaBelle who can sing anything!) was a waitress working at a Pizzeria Uno in Chicago. She won’t have the reality stars’ money…but they will never alter the chemistry in a room singing Bonnie Raitt’s “Girl, You’ve Been In Love Too Long”. It was a life-altering experience.

There’s a Sling commercial that denigrates animals because they don’t revere money. Supposedly appreciating money makes us smarter. Ahem-we have forgotten we are tribal by nature. If we spent more time with our visceral selves; singing, dancing, painting, sculpting. hiking, gardening- we’d be so much better off, individually & collectively.

Maybe I just see things through a broader lens. I’ve been everywhere on the financial seesaw. And I know that what has always saved me in the roughest times, are the gifts the gods gave me. No matter how upsetting my life has ever been, taking a long walk along the water with my dog, dancing to a great uptempo track to get sweaty & let go, singing songs that carry me from despair to dreams- I wouldn’t have made it without indulging my senses instead of constantly looking for “success” in society’s terms. Besides, enjoying my creativity has always given me the respite needed to inspire my next profitable venture.

If you love to sing but haven’t in a few years-join a local choral group. Set up a Zoom get-together, & dance the night away. If you haven’t picked up your guitar in awhile- go get it & play along with this happy little boy.

It doesn’t matter what your gifts are. They were given to you to use, enjoy & share. Don’t put them away. Keep them on hand so you can reach out anytime you need a lift. And, don’t let anyone tell you, because you didn’t become a star-that your creative pursuits are meaningless. Capture your joy.

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