Dec
Create to Live
Creativity is a wonderful thing. Up until a century ago, most things were hand-made. In fact, many things were home made. Look at the traditional folk arts of Norway, Denmark, Germany and England. They were things that everyday folks did in their spare time. Woodcrafting, rosemaling, knitting and other crafts were common.
Even as more and more of our personal goods were mass-produced, people still had a joy of making things. Many remember the hobby shops that sold a wide variety of do-it-yourself kits. People made things for the joy of doing it.
Not many people are making things any more. Almost everything is available pre-made. One can even buy all his meals pre-made from the frozen food case at the supermarket. These days, collectors can get almost anything premade, even model kits!
I believe that creativity is key to a full enjoyment of life. What you make may vary. It may be tending a garden, wood working, needlecraft, miniature making, painting, pottery, or any number of creative pursuits. The point is that making things is a process that is completed with the joy of a finished product. For those who have never felt it, the feeling is different from winning a jackpot or getting a payday. It is a good feeling which goes deep.
In these days of instant gratification, creative work is all the more important. Life just would not be complete without that feeling of satisfaction that comes from making something good. If you have a craft or skill that you use, you know the joy of which I speak. If you do not know it, now might be a good time to start. Life grows when creativity flows.
