So my husband and I were talking about resolutions. "What do we want 2019 to be about?" I asked, semi-expecting it to be a rhetorical question. Then Ed said, "I'm going to find my 'why' in 2019." I was surprised! Not only had he paid attention when I had mentioned this idea (and Simon Sinek's wonderful TEDTalk) recently - but also he was actually considering it in a very bold and brave way. MARRIAGE AWARD UNLOCKED.
What I had mentioned to my husband, that he totally remembered and impressed me with, was also the reason for this blog. I wanted to create a site that held me accountable for all the things I want to do, and all the people I want to help - including myself. I believe that creativity saves lives - it saved mine - and I want to help more people find it. So... I guess...that's my WHY? And this website is my HOW?? Am I doing it, Simon Sinek? Is this it?? Do I get an A?
As you can see I have a terrible habit of thinking what I have to offer isn't good/smart/original/funny enough. Perhaps you can relate because, even though I like to think I'm really special, I think its a thing that we humans do on the regular. Creativity has always helped me battle those voices of doubt - the shitty committee, as my good friend and boss has perfectly named them.
I've been thinking a lot about the shitty committee this year, actually, and what it is they've been saying to me. I have been working really hard to battle the monsters - to shed light to the dark - and to find my inner badass (aka I've listened to a lot of Beyoncé). It's led me to thinking a lot about superheroes and their powers. Now, I've not seen the 17 Marvel movies that have come out in the last couple of years - but the hero's journey usually starts something like this: "I'm an outcast no one understands me - oh this weird thing happened to me - oh look I can move things with my mind now, how did that happen? " But what if this is more real than we think? What if we all have super powers hidden within us? What would happen if we suddenly believed in ourselves and our abilities?
Funny you should ask! (Oh wait was that me?) If you click on over to the Arts Integration Resources page - you will see the very first Creativity with Katie activity! This month we are focusing on our very own super powers - ones that will help us take on our 2019 goals and leave the shitty committee in the dust! Struggling with the idea of yourself as a super hero? Me too! I've included both a writing prompt and a drawing prompt - use which ever is most captivating to you - or both!
ALSO - if you're not sure what your "why" is - or, like my wonderful husband, you're still figuring out what you want to be when you grow up - WELCOME TO THE PARTY! I think we are all there all the time - some of us are just better at faking it. But if you're like, "yeah that's real swell in all but I have no idea what my super powers are" - maybe check out this video by Liz Gilbert about "finding your passion" and how sometimes you need to do the opposite!
HAPPY CREATING - YOU ARE BETTER THAN YOU THINK YOU ARE!
lots of love,
Katie