Creativity for Yourself and No One Else: The Liberation of Self-Expression
A favourite story of mine is the one where a group of students at Xavier High School in New York City were assigned to write their favourite authors and try to persuade them to visit the school.
One of the authors they chose to write to was Kurt Vonnegut, the author of satirical sci-fi classics such as Slaughterhouse-Five, The Sirens of Titan, and Cat’s Cradle.
Although he chose not to visit the school, he took the time to write the students a letter.
Dear Xavier High School, and Ms. Lockwood, and Messrs Perin, McFeely, Batten, Maurer and Congiusta:
I thank you for your friendly letters. You sure know how to cheer up a really old geezer (84) in his sunset years. I don’t make public appearances any more because I now resemble nothing so much as an iguana.
What I had to say to you, moreover, would not take long, to wit: Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what’s inside you, to make your soul grow.
Seriously! I mean starting right now, do art and do it for the rest of your lives. Draw a funny or nice picture of Ms. Lockwood, and give it to her. Dance home after school, and sing in the shower and on and on. Make a face in your mashed potatoes. Pretend you’re Count Dracula.
Here’s an assignment for tonight, and I hope Ms. Lockwood will flunk you if you don’t do it: Write a six line poem, about anything, but rhymed. No fair tennis without a net. Make it as good as you possibly can. But don’t tell anybody what you’re doing. Don’t show it or recite it to anybody, not even your girlfriend or parents or whatever, or Ms. Lockwood. OK?
Tear it up into teeny-weeny pieces, and discard them into widely separated trash recepticals [sic]. You will find that you have already been gloriously rewarded for your poem. You have experienced becoming, learned a lot more about what’s inside you, and you have made your soul grow.
God bless you all!
Kurt Vonnegut
Creativity is often associated with external validation, recognition, or commercial success. However, a profound and often overlooked dimension of creativity exists — the act of creating solely for yourself. The “Creativity for Yourself and No One Else” approach can be a liberating and transformative experience.
When you create solely for yourself, self-expression precedes external expectations or outcomes. It becomes a means to explore and articulate your inner thoughts, emotions, and ideas without the pressures of conforming to external standards.
Creativity driven by intrinsic motivation rather than external rewards, can lead to deeper satisfaction and a more profound connection with your craft. When the primary goal is personal fulfilment, you can explore without limitations.
Indulging in creativity for yourself is a journey of self-discovery. It encourages introspection, self-awareness, and a deepening understanding of your own thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. Each creation becomes a reflection of your evolving identity.
When you create for yourself alone, you can experiment without fear of judgment. You can explore unconventional ideas, techniques, and styles, pushing the boundaries of your creativity.
Creativity for yourself encourages you to embrace mistakes and imperfections as part of the creative process. You learn to see them not as failures but as opportunities for growth and learning.
Engaging in creative activities solely for enjoyment can be incredibly relaxing and stress-reducing. It offers a respite from the demands and pressures of daily life, fostering a sense of tranquillity and mindfulness.
The Journey of Self-Creative Expression
1. Set Aside Time for Yourself — Allocate specific time in your schedule for creative pursuits purely for your enjoyment. Treat it as an essential part of self-care and self-discovery.
2. Let Go of Expectations — Release the need for external validation and expectations. Allow your creativity to flow freely, unfettered by concerns about how others perceive your work.
3. Explore a Variety of Mediums — Experiment with different creative mediums and techniques. Whether painting, writing, music, or any other form of expression, diversifying your creative outlets can provide fresh perspectives and insights.
4. Embrace Playfulness — Approach your creative endeavours with playfulness and curiosity. Recapture the joy and wonder of childhood exploration.
Creativity for yourself can foster self-acceptance and self-love. You develop a deeper connection with your inner self as you create without judgment or expectation.
Engaging in self-directed creativity has been linked to enhanced psychological well-being. It can reduce stress, improve mood, and contribute to a more positive outlook on life.
Creativity for yourself becomes a source of personal fulfilment and contentment. It provides a sense of purpose and a meaningful connection with your innermost thoughts and feelings.
Interestingly, creating for yourself and nurturing your inner creative voice often leads to more authentic and impactful external creative endeavours. Your work becomes more genuine and resonates deeply with others because it’s grounded in your authentic self.
Creativity for yourself and no one else is a profound journey of self-discovery, self-expression, and self-fulfilment. It is a path that allows you to explore your inner world without inhibition, embrace the joy of unrestricted creativity, and find solace and tranquillity in the act of creation. In this profoundly personal and liberating approach to creativity, you discover that the most profound art is the one that reflects your true self, created for the pure joy of self-expression.
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