Creativity is the essential expression of the human spirit, the rising of the soul, the essence of identity, the great equalizer,  the source of one’s truth.

I began to find myself, to come of age, to free my own spirit when I came to understand that creativity is not an interruption of life or work, it is the the work. -Jon Katz

Talking creativity as author, Jon Katz did recently on his blog really struck a chord with me.

I just can’t imagine my life without it.

So many times I’ve heard others say they will write a book when they retire, or take photographs, or paint, or whatever it is that they are waiting until that “magical” day in the distant future to make it happen. But what if that day never comes?

I know well enough myself I’ve gotten caught in the trap that it will take too much time.

Today is the perfect example. I really wanted to write something for my blog. I love coming here to the page to share thoughts that run through my mind.

But it was a busy day and as the day began to wind down I remembered Jon’s post about creativity. I was upset with myself I’d not come to the page sooner. And I was also feeling tired and thinking I’d just let it go for the day.

But how can we not find a way in which to weave creativity into our days? It does not have to take up a half day, whole hour or half hour for that matter. It truly is like food for our soul.

But a concentrated effort to sit still for just 15 minutes and do something creative that we love can make a huge difference….

And pay attention to what that does for your soul for the rest of the day.

I know that when I find ways in which to weave creativity into each day they are richer—my soul feels like it is perched on a cloud, as if floating and I want to experience that feeling as often as possible.

Creativity does not have to be about art either. Hopping on my bike and riding around my small town, taking in the different sights and sounds always makes me appreciate and value where I live and all the beauty around me.

And one does not need to necessarily take lessons first or take a course on something you want to learn. I’ve been thinking that about wanting to learn how to use John’s really nice camera lately.

But instead, I decided this weekend to just pick it up and give it a try — see what pictures I could take. It wasn’t perfect and I have much to learn (and I can still take lessons someday down the road!). But it was fun and I saw the world in a whole new way through the lens of a different camera.

A snippet here, and a snippet there…. each and everyday…even if for just a few moments add up to  a year of smiles for your soul that you may not have if you don’t just start.

Listen to what makes your heart happy… and just do it. Start today. I double dog dare you.

And see what happens. I just did and I feel refreshed and energized for having done so….and it only took me 15-minutes to write this post. But the feeling I have is worth a million bucks….and it is what makes my life so very meaningful.