Can I Have My Crayons Back?

I came across this wisdom in my quote feed from Goodreads:

“Everyone is born creative; everyone is given a box of crayons in kindergarten. Then when you hit puberty they take the crayons away and replace them with dry, uninspiring books on algebra, history, etc. Being suddenly hit years later with the 'creative bug' is just a wee voice telling you, 'I'd like my crayons back, please.” — Hugh MacLeod 

When I think of what I enjoy most when I'm "off the clock," it is all about creativity.  This has been a passionate thread throughout my life...even in my career interest tests it would always be the same: "Well suited for the creative arts."

But it seemed like fluff...so I ventured safer pathways where a salary was guaranteed.  I've done well.

But looking back it seems if I was not involved in something creative, I was not really living.  These feelings came from the heart of a girl who could draw Fred and Wilma Flintstone perfectly when I was in Kindergarten.

I created music through singing and playing instruments. I created clothing for myself and my children.  I created a nurturing home through decorating.  I created cuisine through cooking.

But there have been times when the well was so dry that there was nothing to tap into creatively...

I was just starting my work in pediatric palliative care.  It is demanding work.  Then six weeks in, my father was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, dying six months later.  The loss hit me hard and I'll spare you the details of my grieving.

I had bought my first DSLR as a "congratulations on your new job" around my birthday but had not done much with it.  The next summer I picked it up and began getting to know it.

And an amazing thing happened...healing began.

Creativity was no longer fluff or self-indulgence...it is part of my restoration and renewal through the challenges of life.  A lifesaver, so to speak.

Now...pass the crayons!