Everyone is potentially creative in some way.

It is a central part of being human, an essential need that we all have, to express our individuality.

Perhaps this is through one of the classically recognized creative disciplines such as writing, painting, or songwriting. Or maybe it’s through something less obvious, but no less creative, like cooking, gardening, or planning a party.

Many of us are lucky enough to have found some of the ways we can be creative.

Many others may know how they can create, but for some reason do not feel able to create at this time. Others may not yet have found the best ways for their creativity to shine.

When we are not as creative as we would like to be, being exposed to people who are “actively creative” – those who create regularly and openly – tend to provoke one of two reactions:

Reaction 1: We feel inspired by the person who creates and this increases our own creativity, stimulates us and motivates us to explore more of what we can create.

Prayed

Reaction 2: We feel envious, intimidated, and threatened, and we feel like we can never create like this, or be that good, so why should we bother trying? This, of course, further stifles our creativity.

The goal is to be more like the first one and find other creative people who are also like that to support us and join us on our creative journey.

Another factor is that even our closest friends don’t necessarily evolve and grow at the same rate as us.

When someone finds a new outlet to create or a new interest, it can make their friends feel left out, left behind, or ignored.

It can also make them take a close look at their own lives and wonder why, even though everything seems fine on the surface, they still feel like something is missing.

The most important and valuable friends are there for the long haul and will help you become the best person you can be, as creative as you can be.

If at this moment there are people around you like this, value them a lot.

Tell them as soon as you can how important they are to you and how much their presence and support help you to be who you are.

And for those who do not support your creativity? Maybe it’s time to give them a little distance.

Those who are not genuine friends with your interest at heart will soon fall by the wayside. When they do, and when you start looking around in some of the right places, there will be new support people to jump in to fill in the holes…