Personal
integrity can be defined as having our thoughts, words and actions in alignment.
Those same thoughts, words and actions are also means to creative expression.
Being human and being alive means uniquely expressing who we are. Have you ever
heard anyone say, “I don’t have a creative bone in my body?” That statement cannot
be true.
Ultimately,
we are the creator and artist of our own life, and there are countless ways we
express creativity through music, dance, art, writing, singing, gardening,
craftwork, decorating, fashion, relationships, family, parenting, theater, sports,
communication, technology, travel, science, business, philosophy, poetry,
prose, psychology, spiritual practice, friendships, community service, fitness,
nutrition, hobbies, hiking, biking, camping, cooking, architecture,
engineering, finance, medicine, homemaking, education, breathing, being, thinking,
speaking, acting ... you get the idea..
Every
thought we have, word we speak or action we take is a creative expression of
who we are. We are driven by human nature and by our very existence to express
ourselves—to be seen, heard and acknowledged as unique. We are all artists and
creators in the most profound sense. Our life is our canvas, and every means of
expression conceivable is our palette. Living life is a creative expression.
My brother
Daniel summed it up in a few words a month before he died suddenly in a car
accident at the age of 23. He wrote this message to his girlfriend after her
parents passed within a few months of each other: “Life is full of sadness, joy
and love. Through these difficult times, you must accept all parts of life and
carry the burdens as they fall upon your shoulders. At the same time, you must
live your life to its fullest and enjoy everything life has to offer. Finally,
you must look at yourself with a positive attitude so you can love and be loved
by others. In all cases, faith is the common element that will make your life
more pleasant. Express your faith by enjoying life.”
Live your
life as a creative expression of your faith, whether it is faith in yourself, science,
human nature, Mother Nature or a higher power. Your presence here means you are
a creative artist. Embrace and embellish your creativity—create a world and a life
for yourself and others where we can all feel good, live simply and laugh more.
