From the Editor

Being both a writer and an art teacher, I often hear people say, “I’m not creative.” Or “I can’t even draw a stick figure.”

Several of my students have recounted stories to me of when their elementary school teacher threw their story or artwork in the trash. One lady told me about an open house at her school when she was in second grade where all the student’s art was displayed on the board for parents to see…except hers. When she asked the teacher where her picture was, the teacher replied, “It wasn’t good enough to display.”

I find it shocking that adults can discourage the creativity in children as they often do. Why do they have to be so critical? And, so cruel?

It is my belief that everyone is creative. Yes, even you! You have created the life you are living right now. Our creations are a result of our Choices. The choices we have made on a day-to-day basis have built on each other to bring us to this moment… this place in time.

Take a look at the ways you express yourself. How do you dress? What music do you like? Do you listen to music or do you create it as well? How have you decorated your home? What is the feel and the atmosphere of that home? Do you cook? Are your meals planned? Do you like to set a beautiful table? What does your yard look like? Have you planted flowers and trees?

What habits have you created? Are you disciplined and organized? Are you expressive and free? Do you write stories? Or tell stories to your children?

Everything we do is creative. Every word we say is creative. Are you creating a negative atmosphere or a positive one? Are you willing to take risks or do your hide in your comfort zone? Is your life truly a masterpiece or have you allowed yourself to become discouraged and given up on your creative abilities?

Our writers have, in this issue, concentrated on how each of us can create a life that is a masterpiece. By reading these articles, I believe you will realize that you, too, possess the ability to live a creative life, and one day, you’ll look back on your masterpiece and realize what a truly talented creative person you are.

You Are More Than Enough,
Judi

This article originally appeared in the Summer 2019 issue of CHOICES Magazine