On my podcast RUN THE LAYERS with Creative Bobbie, I ask my guests six questions surrounding the topic of creativity. One episode featured my friend Torrence, who described creativity as a way of solving a problem or providing a service. His response inspired me to write this blog post about seeing creativity as an act of service for the greater good of others.
Seeing creativity as an act of service takes you out of the center. Instead of the focus being solely on how you can express yourself, it shifts to investigating the positive effect you can have on others through the manifestation of your gifts. Educators use creativity to teach us and expand our minds beyond our current level of understanding. Writers use creativity to tell stories of the human condition and present ideas that affect us mentally, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. Designers and artists help translate emotions and messages through the visual medium for the sake of clarity, communication, and connection. Musicians move all of us through auditory expression and create pieces that can serve as the soundtrack of every moment of our lives. Those are just a few examples of how creativity acts as a crucial service. Some may be surprised by just how many ways creativity shapes their everyday lives.
One of the main purposes of my podcast is to show that no one profession owns the exclusive rights to creativity. All human beings have the capacity to bring to life that which did not exist before. What comes from within you has great potential to motivate, cultivate, and illustrate greatness. We each have been given gifts and the opportunity to learn skills that will bring forth purposeful pieces of craft. Even the process of creativity itself serves a very important purpose.
And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we’re liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.
From the poem “Our Deepest Fear” by Marianne Williamson
The act of creativity itself shifts you from being just a consumer to a producer. Having the courage to put yourself out there to deposit something into this world unlocks something in those witnessing you. The community within your sphere of influence needs your gift. Your skills, passion, and creations can serve as inspirations for those who see you. You can also serve as a motivator through directly encouraging others to tap into their creativity.
In conclusion, dig deeper to discover the gifts you have within you. Ask yourself how can these gifts serve others and what do you need to learn to most efficiently serve others through these gifts? You are in the service industry. Your audience is waiting with bated breath for what you can uniquely provide.
~b.