Be creative.

It makes your heart sing and your brain whir.

I read this quote from Willie Nelson in a great book today. Titled Keep Going (by the talented Austin Kleon), this little literary gem gives 10 simple tips to stay creative in good times and bad. And the quote, as well as the book's guiding thoughts fit perfectly with my belief that creativity has the power to cultivate change. And furthermore, creativity is for all of us.

Creative work can sometimes feel tiring and lonely. And for others, it may feel foreign or scary. with a widely held belief (possibly a fear) that art and creativity are just for a selected few. This simply isn't true and we all benefit from regularly engaging in creative pursuits - plant a vegetable garden, doodle in the margins of your notebook, draw in the sand. Express yourself often. If you get the chance, then join a workshop to create alongside others (check your local art gallery for community art sessions). The work I'm doing in the space of arts-based learning really shows how creativity improves well-being, productivity and innovation.

I've shared this link before, but it is a favourite and the quote above that started this blog, instantly brought me back to this animation: ALIKE, by Daniel Martínez Lara and Rafa Cano Méndez.

Try each day to replace a little bit of your busy with a little bit of creativity.