Gurl, Just Pick up the Pen
Creativity Is Within You, bb!
Can I Pull You for a Chat, love?
(Read this in your best Love Island UK accent, because we’re about to get real.)
This one’s for the “I’m not creative” crowd. You know who you are—the ones who declare it with the same certainty as “the sky is blue.”
If that’s you, let’s pause for a moment, grab a cuppa, and have a quick chat. Because I’ve got something you need to hear:
You are creative.
Maybe not in the way you’ve been taught to think about it, but in ways that are just as valuable, just as human, and just as powerful.
This isn’t about convincing you to become the next Picasso or pick up a new hobby. It’s about rethinking what creativity truly is.
It’s not some exclusive club for the artsy crowd—it’s a way of being, a mindset, a birthright that we all share.
Recently, I had a conversation with Meagan Mahaffy, founder of ArtGurl, whose philosophy of “Make Bad Art” deeply resonated with me.
Her philosophy is refreshingly simple: forget about being good. Forget about skill or talent. Just create—messily, imperfectly, freely.
Her work reminded me that creativity isn’t about the output; it’s about the connection. It’s a tool for self-expression, problem-solving, and making sense of the world around us.
So, if you’ve ever said, “I’m not creative,” let’s walk through this together.
Let’s tackle the myths that hold us back and explore how creativity can open doors—not just to making things but to understanding yourself and navigating life’s challenges.
Myth 1: “I’m Not Creative”
For the longest time, I thought creativity was a rare gift—a magical ability handed out to a select few. It seemed like a skill you either had or didn’t, like being good at sports or speaking a foreign language. If I couldn’t write something groundbreaking or draw a masterpiece, I figured creativity just wasn’t for me.
But creativity doesn’t work that way. It’s not about talent or skill—it’s about being human.
Every day, you’re creating without even realizing it. Rearranging your room to make it feel cozier, figuring out how to tackle your overwhelming schedule, or even picking the perfect meme to send to a friend—these are all creative acts.
The neural pathways that light up when you’re brainstorming solutions are the same ones artists use when they’re painting or composing music.
We’ve been taught to see creativity as something grand, but its essence is much more grounded.
Creativity lives in the process—the doing—not the result and that’s where Meagan’s “Make Bad Art” concept hits so deeply.
When you take away the expectation to produce something perfect, you’re free to simply be.
And in that freedom, you reconnect with yourself in ways you didn’t think possible.
Myth 2: “Creativity Isn’t Practical”
I used to believe creativity was a luxury, something you indulged in when all the important things—work, bills, deadlines—were taken care of. Life felt too chaotic to make room for something so “impractical.”
But creativity doesn’t just help us survive chaos; it helps us thrive in it.
Engaging in creative acts lights up your brain’s reward system. It releases dopamine, reduces stress, and quiets the endless chatter of overthinking. Creativity gives us a way to process emotions we can’t always put into words, offering clarity where there was once confusion.
It’s not just about feelings, either. Creativity enhances problem-solving.
It trains your brain to see possibilities, to think outside the box, and to approach challenges from fresh angles.
I’ve seen this play out with my clients. When I suggest they try something creative—journaling, painting, or even just doodling—they often resist, saying it’s not “productive.” But once they give it a shot, something shifts. One client told me her chaotic voice recordings—recorded hastily during moments of frustration—helped her untangle thoughts she’d been stuck on for weeks.
Creativity isn’t a luxury; it’s an anchor. It grounds you in the present and helps you process emotions and ideas in ways your intellect alone can’t.
Creativity is more than practical. It’s essential.
Myth 4: “I Don’t Have Time”
This was my favorite excuse for a long time. Creativity felt like something that required hours of dedication and focus, and I didn’t have that kind of time.
But creativity doesn’t demand hours. It thrives in the margins, in the cracks and corners of your day.
One of my favorite takeaways from my conversation with Meagan is her advice to weave creativity into everyday routines. Doodle on the back of a receipt while waiting in line, hum a tune while doing the dishes, or jot down a single sentence in a journal before bed.
These small, intentional acts don’t just fit into your day—they transform it.
When you stop seeing creativity as another task to add to your list and start seeing it as a way to be present in your life, everything changes.
What Creativity Brings to Your Life
When you embrace creativity, you’re not just making things—you’re making space.
Space to explore your emotions, solve problems, and reconnect with who you are.
Each time you pick up a pen, scribble on paper, or move to music, you’re building self-trust.
You’re proving to yourself that you can show up, even in small ways.
You’re giving yourself permission to feel, to express, to exist outside the boxes you’ve put yourself in.
For me, creativity has been a compass. It’s how I navigate tough moments, process big emotions, and remind myself that I’m still here, still growing.
It’s not always pretty or perfect, but it’s always worth it.
Your Invitation to Start
If you’re still with me, take this as your sign.
Start small.
Start messy.
Just start.
Doodle on your grocery list. Sing in the shower. Plate your food like a MasterChef finalist. Whatever you do, make it yours.
Creativity isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection.
Creativity isn’t about the outcome — it’s about the process.
Most importantly, it’s about being human.
And you, my friend, are already so much more creative than you think. 🌟
‘til next time,
2mannythoughts
Quick PSA!
If you’re ready to dive deeper, I’m inviting you to join the first installment of Gateway Galaxy: Design Your Inner Star.
This creative experiment will help you reconnect with your creativity, break through blocks, and build simple, practical practices that bring self-expression into your daily life.
I’m looking for testers to join this journey and would love for you to be part of it. DM me if you’re interested, and I’ll share the details.
Your inner star is waiting. 🌟
This is so well said