Tag Archives: creativity

We are all participants in creation

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“We are all participants in creation, co-authors of the universe, contributors of consequence.”

—Stephen St. Amant, Founder of the Savenwood Blog

Image from Unsplash by Ravi Pinisetti

Each of us is more than an observer of life — we are participants in creation itself. Each choice, thought, and action adds a brushstroke to the vast, unfolding of existence.

We are not isolated spectators but co-authors of the universe, shaping reality though our presence and contributions. Even the smallest gestures ripple outward, influencing others in ways unseen.

This awareness brings both humility and responsibility: what we create matters, regardless of scale.

To live with this truth is to embrace the power of consequence, to honor the gift of being able to add to the story of all.

The universe is not complete without your part in it.

EXERCISE:

Spend ten minutes in nature or a public space, silently observing interactions and changes.

Reflect on how every element, including yourself, contributes dynamically to the living ecosystem.

FRIDAY REVIEW: CREATIVITY

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FRIDAY REVIEW: CREATIVITY

What place does creativity have in your life? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

 

“Always create before you consume.”

 

 

 

 

 

“Optimism is a performance enhancing drug that’s both legal and free.”

 

 

 

 

For creativity to flourish, you need to allow yourself to break rules, defy convention, and color outside the lines.

 

 

 

 

Working with your hands nourishes your mind and your mood

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Working with your hands nourishes your mind and your mood

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Nadya Spetnitskaya

Engaging in hands-on activities — whether woodworking, gardening, baking, or even simple repairs — provides real and measurable benefits for both mind and mood.

Research shows that working with your hands can reduce anxiety and lower cortisol levels, the body’s stress hormone. Manual work often creates a state of “flow” where hours can pass without notice, offering nourishing mental breaks from screens and notifications.

It also fosters a sense of accomplishment, as you see and hold what you’ve created. Moreover, the tactical experience can uplift spirits and spark creativity, offering an accessible way to unwind and reset.

EXERCISE:

What are some practical ways you can incorporates manual tasks into your daily routines?

What are some creative activities that connect your hands to your heart that you can pursue to further nourish your life?

Conversation enriches the understanding

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“Conversation enriches the understanding, but solitude is the school of genius.”

—Edward Gibbon, 18th Century British historian

Image from Unsplash by Emma Simpson

Today’s quote captures the profound truth about creativity and growth.

Conversation exposes us to new ideas, challenges our assumptions, and sharpens our thinking through dialogue and debate.

It’s through sharing and listening that we expand our understanding of the world.

True genius often requires solitude — a space free from distractions where original thoughts can flourish.

History’s greatest minds, from writers to inventors, have valued time alone to reflect, create, and pursue their unique visions.

While conversations build knowledge, solitude is where inspiration and innovation are born.

Embracing both allows us to learn from others and ultimately discover our own genius.

EXERCISE:

In what ways do conversations enrich your understanding?

How can spending more time alone unlock more of your hidden genius?

“Being in the same room with people and creating something together is a good thing.”

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“Being in the same room with people and creating something together is a good thing.”

—Robin Williams, late American actor and comedian

Image from Unsplash by Clay Banks

In today’s digital age, remote collaboration is common, but nothing quite matches the energy of being in the same room with others.

When people gather physically, ideas flow more freely, creativity sparks, and connections deepen.

Shared spaces foster spontaneous conversations, rapid problem solving, and genuine teamwork that virtual meetings often lack.

Being together allows for immediate feedback, body language cues, and a sense of camaraderie that fuels motivation.

Handshakes, knowing smiles, and embraces to celebrate successes also do much to build and keep our tribes working together.

EXERCISE:

Consider reading The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups by Daniel Coyle to enhance group collaboration and create more good things in your communities.

For creativity to flourish you need to allow yourself-to

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For creativity to flourish, you need to allow yourself to break rules, defy convention, and color outside the lines.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Glenn Diaz

In the world of creativity, rules are meant to be broken — or at least bent into a pretzel!

Think of Picasso painting with his feet, or Einstein solving math problems in his pajamas.

To be truly innovate, you need to defy convention and color outside the lines. So, ditch the coloring book and grab some crayons!

Draw on the walls, write with your non-dominant hand, or compose music with kitchen utensils. Many of the most brilliant ideas often come from the most unlikely places — and a few scribbles outside the box.

EXERCISE:

Check out Josh Linkner’s book Big Little Breakthroughs: How Small Everyday Innovations Drive Oversize Results.

 

Optimism is a performance enhancing drug

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“Optimism is a performance enhancing drug that’s both legal and free.”

—Shane Parrish, author of the Farnum Street Blog

Image from Unsplash by Ahmed Dayan

Optimism isn’t just a mindset—it’s a catalyst for breakthroughs.

Like a well-timed spark, it ignites resilience, creativity, and collaboration.

When you choose to see challenges as opportunities, you unlock potential that doubt would bury.

This “drug” costs nothing, requires no prescription, and has no side effects — except results.

EXERCISE:

Start today by identifying one small win you desire.

Amplify it mentally with your powers of positive thinking, and consider partnering with a coach or mentor to tackle even bigger wins in the future.

Emotions are a form of creativity

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Emotions are a form of creativity. How can you apply the good ones even more successfully?

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Олег Мороз

What does your emotional landscape look like? Consider the list below to see how they create your reality as you journey through your days.

  • Happiness        Sadness          Fear          Disgust          Surprise
  • Anticipation       Loneliness      Trust         Jealousy         Shame
  • Grief                  Pride              Regret       Envy               Embarrassment
  • Guilt                  Gratitude        Worry        Joy                 Love
  • Hope                 Serenity          Awe          Inspiration      Curiosity
  • Excitement        Contentment  Affection    Enthusiasm    Relief

EXERCISE:
Separate the list into positives and negatives, and add some of your own. How can you maximize the positive and minimize the negative to lead a more fulfilling and creative life?

Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way

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“Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way.”

—Edward deBono, 20th Century Maltese physician and commentator

Image from Unsplash by Vedrana Filipović

The other day, I was walking with a neighbor who also loves to cook.

In our discussion, I learned that his career is that of a food chemist, and that he often uses varied approaches to make his meals — especially his desserts.

Although there are many times it is appropriate to follow specific recipes to the letter, he was particularly animated when our conversation took a turn toward adjusting one’s approach — particularly when certain ingredients are not available.

EXERCISE:

Where and how can you think and operate outside your cookbook of success to whip up some new and creative recipes to spice up your life?

“Always create before you consume.”

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“Always create before you consume.”

—Rich Litvin, co-author of The Prosperous Coach

Image from Unsplash by Alyson McPhee

During our time in Florida as snowbirds, we eat out at least once — and sometimes multiple times — each day.

When we are not sharing meals with friends, we are usually tired and find ourselves eating leftovers from our excursions.

Although it’s easy and nice to have food prepared for us, I find even greater pleasure and satisfaction eating the foods we prepare at home with our own hands.

Somehow each dish just tastes better with the added love and attention that went into it.

EXERCISE:

Where in your life do you enjoy the creative process before you consume?

How does doing so add more sweetness and flavor to your world?