You are a creator of your Life.

You are the creator of your own life. You might wonder, “Huh?” I come from a background deeply rooted in Christianity, Asian Buddhism, and Confucianism, so it took me some time to embrace this idea. Creator? Me? It may initially sound cult-like and make you uncomfortable because it seems rebellious toward God. However, if you think deeper about what sets our human species apart from other living creatures…

There are few comparisons with Basic.

Let’s discuss the basics. We can cook our food, a skill that most other species do not possess. Isn’t that remarkable? We can transform raw ingredients into delicious meals, adding a new dimension to our sustenance. Additionally, we can shape rocks and materials to construct our homes. While some other species, like birds, can craft intricate nests, their forms tend to be repetitive and limited compared to the diverse and innovative structures humans create.

We are all unique. Humans have a remarkable ability to be creative with what they have or want. What about you and your life? The Bible mentions that God made humans in His image. I’ve often wondered what this means. It carries many meanings and virtues, but I’ve been thinking about the creative aspect lately. Have I missed out on my fundamental right to create?

Social structures with Creativity disparities

Creativity might be related to our social structure. I believe that we still have hierarchical social structures, and disparities exist. Consider this: higher positions often have more power and are encouraged to generate and propose new ideas. In comparison, lower positions are expected to follow established rules and guidelines, which can stifle creativity. This implies that individuals in lower societal positions may be unable to express their uniqueness and creativity. In contrast, those in higher positions are afforded the chance to exercise their creativity. Therefore, individuals in lower social and economic positions or those exposed to less conducive environments may not always realize their creative potential. Sometimes, external circumstances, limited access to resources, or societal expectations can overshadow one’s awareness of their own creativity. Hence, people in vulnerable situations may have fewer chances to realize their creative potential.

Example of the Creativities

When we recognize our creative abilities in everyday life, a great example is knitting. Humans can take a small thread from a caterpillar or a plant root, handle it delicately, transform it into thread, dye it, and craft it into fabric and clothing. Isn’t that beautiful? No other species can create clothes; it’s a unique human skill that protects our bodies and keeps us warm. It’s indeed challenging to deny that humans possess creative abilities. These abilities extend beyond material creation; they also apply to shaping our own lives.

Now, let’s revisit the topic of social structure. In past eras with significant social distinctions like slavery and hierarchical systems, as I mentioned earlier, individual creativity could be severely limited by social position. However, in the current year, 2023, particularly within the United States and under democratic policies, more significant opportunities for individual creativity are possible. With advanced technology, such as the Internet and social media platforms, social structures have become more inclusive and supportive of diverse perspectives and ideas.

Creativity vs. standardized mindset

Shifting our life perspective towards creativity is a powerful idea. Whether we realize it or not, we’re often educated and immersed in standardized concepts of life. This can lead us to label and measure our lives according to social expectations and predefined standards. Our struggles may stem from the pressure to conform to these societal norms. Recognizing that we can approach life creatively and create our unique path can be liberating. It allows us to break free from rigid standards and embrace a more fulfilling and authentic journey.

In simpler terms, measuring our lives solely by standard measures can be harsh and restrictive. It may imply that our creativity shouldn’t play a significant role in our lives, which can lead us to suppress our natural desires and functions. Consequently, we unintentionally silence our true aspirations.

Reflect our daily life with creativities.

Starting with small changes in your daily life is an excellent way to realize your creative potential. It’s true that even seemingly minor decisions, like adjusting your daily schedule, choosing your meals, or selecting books to read, can be opportunities to express your creativity.

Here’s a little exercise:

1. Time Schedules: Take a look at your daily schedule. Are there minor adjustments you can make that align more with your preferences or priorities? Perhaps you can allocate some time for a hobby or relaxation you’ve neglected.
2. Meal Choices: Experiment with your meal menu. Try incorporating new ingredients or cooking methods into your meals to make them more enjoyable and unique to your taste.
3. Books: When selecting books to read, consider exploring different genres or topics you haven’t considered before. Reading outside your usual preferences can spark creativity and new ideas.
4. Other Areas: Apply this approach to other aspects of your life, such as your daily routine, exercise regimen, or home decor. Find small ways to inject creativity and personalization into these areas.

By making these small changes, you’ll see how your creative decisions can positively impact your daily life and overall well-being. It’s a practical way to start embracing your role as the creator of your own life.