For most of my life, I believed art was reserved for the talented few—the “right-brained” individuals or children who seemed to possess an innate creative spark. I was neither. I didn’t identify as artistic, and for years, I stayed far from anything that resembled creative expression. But as I’ve grown older, I’ve discovered something profound: art isn’t about talent. It’s about expression, mindfulness, and, most importantly, the joy of creating.
Even now, as I’ve embraced art in my life, I sometimes struggle with a familiar voice in my head whispering, “This isn’t good enough.” That feeling, that need for perfection, can steal the joy out of creating. But over time, I’ve realized something even more powerful—art isn’t about the end result. It’s about the process.
The Pressure to Be Perfect
This obsession with perfection doesn’t just apply to art—it seeps into so many areas of life. Whether it’s work, parenting, or even hobbies, I’ve often caught myself striving to “get it right.” Art, though, has been a great teacher. It’s shown me that imperfection isn’t just okay; it’s beautiful.
When I sit down to paint or write, I remind myself that what matters most is how I feel during the process. Art has become a space where I can let go of expectations and just create. And every time I pick up a brush, pen, or even a rolling pin, I remind myself: this is for me.
Exploring Art in Everyday Life
Art isn’t confined to a canvas or a sketchbook. In fact, some of the most fulfilling moments of creativity in my life have had nothing to do with traditional art forms.
- Baking: Experimenting in the kitchen, from decorating cupcakes to trying out new recipes, has become one of my favorite ways to express myself.
- Photography: Capturing small, beautiful moments on my phone helps me see the world in new ways.
- Journaling: Writing my thoughts, adding doodles, or splashing watercolor over a page feels like therapy.
Recently, I even tried exercises from a book called 100 Art Therapy Exercises. One simple activity stood out: just letting colors flow across a page without worrying about what it looks like. It felt freeing to create without rules or goals.
The Link Between Art and Mindfulness
Engaging in art has become my form of meditation. When I’m creating, whether it’s doodling in a notebook or kneading dough, my mind slows down. I stop thinking about what I need to do next or what’s on my to-do list, and I’m fully in the moment.
Research backs this up: art has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and even boost brain connectivity. For me, it’s a way to process emotions that I can’t always articulate. It’s also a chance to embrace vulnerability—a reminder that life, like art, isn’t meant to be perfect.
Letting Go of “More”
Art has also helped me shift my mindset about material things. I’ve often felt overwhelmed by the “more” in life—clothes I don’t wear, gadgets I don’t use, or that treadmill gathering dust. But when I create something, I’m reminded of the beauty of simplicity.
Sitting down to paint or bake clears my mind in a way that scrolling through social media or buying something new never could. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and just be.
Sharing Creativity with My Kids
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been sharing it with my children. They love experimenting with paints, crafting, and even baking alongside me. I’ve learned to let go of the mess or the imperfect results and instead focus on the joy we’re sharing.
By embracing creativity together, I’m showing them that art isn’t about being “good” at something. It’s about expression, fun, and letting their unique personalities shine.
How You Can Start
If you’ve ever felt like art isn’t for you, I want to challenge that belief. Creativity doesn’t have to mean picking up a paintbrush or learning a new skill. It’s about finding joy in the process of making something, no matter how small or simple.
Here are a few ways to start:
- Doodle Freely: Grab a piece of paper and start drawing random shapes, lines, or patterns. No rules—just let your pen flow.
- Play with Color: Take watercolors or markers and let yourself splash colors across a page.
- Try Something New: Bake a recipe you’ve never tried before or rearrange a small corner of your room.
- Join Your Kids: If you have children, sit down with them and create something together. Their lack of self-judgment can be contagious!
- Keep a Creative Journal: Combine writing, doodling, and even collaging into one space where you can express yourself freely.
Embrace the Journey, Not the Destination
Art has taught me to let go of perfection and embrace the joy of creating for its own sake. It’s a way to slow down, reconnect with myself, and live more intentionally.
If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your creative side, I encourage you to give it another try. You don’t need to be “good” at art. You just need to start.
Let go of expectations, pick up whatever materials you have, and create something that’s uniquely yours. Trust me, the process is more rewarding than you can imagine.
What will you create today?
Love this approach!