I have two sisters who are very creative. For years I thought I was too practical. I cooked because we needed to eat. I sewed because my children needed clothing. I painted the walls of my home. I played the radio. I couldn’t find a place where I thought of myself as a creator. My sisters on the other hand we quite creative. It wasn’t until I began to explore who I was and what truly made me happy that I discovered I was creative. I do have creativity in me. It’s just not in traditional ways. I’m glad for that.

Perhaps if we leave more room in our Mormon culture for creativity we won’t giggle when someone wears an outfit a bit ‘out of the ordinary’. Or shows up at church without their children’s hair in bows. We should leave room for each other to be creative = different. If we each truly follow our hearts into creativity our world would be much more diverse and wonderful!

Also, although I feel a little dorky to admit it, writing blog entries is a creative outlet that’s very satisfying to me lately.

And also, now that I’ve read the comments I’ve discovered I’m in the company of not just sisters in the general sense but also in the more specific sense. Hi, Lili!

I am one who does consider myself very artistic & creative, but the part in his talk about finding even small ways to be creative still really resonated with me, because right now in the midst of my big, main creative project of raising a bunch of kids, I can’t find much time for the kinds of big creative projects I love doing — so I loved the reminder that making time for even small acts of creativity was both possible and could bring the same kind of satisfaction as larger projects.

I am an artist- so of course I love to create- it keeps me refreshed and renewed and passionate- even if it’s just stealling away for 20 min before I crash into bed at night. I try to encourage women around me to try new things. We can all find ways to be creative in so many domains (even those you don’t think you have skills in) I try to be a good example for my children and encourage them to create.

I am a firm believer in the creation on “tone” and “spirit” in a home- this is a great power to be honed. There are so many ways we can create- small simple things that change the world each day- whether it is in act, product, or emotion.

I loved this part: “Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment,” because so often it seems that we get the message that “deep satisfaction and fulfillment” aren’t really things we should be seeking for, unless we’re finding it through service or motherhood. This acknowledgment from a church leader that it IS good and worthy to pursue creative endeavors that bring us satisfaction and happiness was wonderful for me to hear. It did my heart good.

Creativity can take so many different forms. I’ve learned that my old definition of creative– crafty, good at making posters and wrapping presents– is just one form of that God-given ability to serve and express ourselves. I’ve found my own forms of creativity and I love it!