Lynda Manson believes in the power of creativity.
These are chaotic, stressful, and uncertain times in which we live.
Much is demanded of us all: patience, love, kindness, compassion, grace, resourcefulness, resilience, tenacity, and more. Previous generations met the challenges of the Great Depression and WWII with strength, stoicism, and creativity. Bennett Buggies and eggless cakes are two examples of overcoming adversity. What can we learn from them?
“You can’t use up your creativity. The more you use it, the more you have” – Maya Angelou.
When I was very young, I discovered the joy of creating and amused myself through drawing, colouring, and sewing doll’s clothes. In my teens, I learned to knit, design, and sew my clothes.
After earning a degree in Clothing, Textiles, and Design, I taught and created a fashion design business. In 2011 I switched gears and started painting seriously.
My husband and I raised three sons. Our lives were busy, and our journey as a family was occasionally littered with boulders, potholes, left turns, narrow shoulders, and many trips to the hospital for treatment of anaphylaxis, stitches, and broken bones. One son was hit by a car and spent three months in hospital. Within one year, my husband and one son were diagnosed with cancer. Two sons were viciously swarmed and assaulted. One son and I contracted a virus that left us with invisible diseases, CFS and Fibromyalgia. Coping with a debilitating chronic disease, and at times reeling with fear and uncertainty, the antidote for me is my creativity. When I could barely sit in a chair, I knit. When in pain, physical or emotional, immersing myself in painting is a distraction and a relief.
How does one find creativity? It is nurtured through one’s passion, determination, uniqueness, positive attitude, lack of fear, willingness to make mistakes, ingenuity, and curiosity.
Where does one utilize one’s creativity? The arts, music, and writing are obvious, but consider other endeavours: business, education, innovation, science, relationships.
Why find your creative outlet? It can bring joy, satisfaction, a sense of accomplishment, improved mental health, and possibly prolong life. Begin your search!
Connect with Lynda:
Website: https://lyndamanson.com/
