I am writing a novel. Speaking of which: It has taken me about four decades to give myself permission to be a novelist.
The problem was me. No one forbade me to be a novelist. I did not grow up in a home where being a novelist (or any form of art) was frowned upon. On the contrary, my parents were of the disposition they just wanted us to pursue a life that made us happy (okay, after getting a college degree). But somewhere along the line, I became convinced the life of a novelist is a life I could not take too seriously because it was too enjoyable.
In her iconic work The Artist’s Way, author Julia Cameron remarks, “In order to move from the realm of shadows to the light of creativity, [artists] must learn to take themselves seriously. With gentle, deliberate effort, they must nurture their artist child. Creativity is play, but for the [artist], learning to allow themselves to play is hard work” (emphasis added).
Being an artist is hard work. But the hardest part of the job can be giving yourself permission to be one, and that means ––by any definition I have ever read in a book or article on creativity –– allowing yourself to play.
The difficulty for many of us is that we do not believe we deserve to play. I am not talking about goofing off and abandoning all responsibilities. I am talking about the play that lies at the heart of any artistic endeavor. And also every great work. Michelangelo was about serious work in the Sistine Chapel. But Michelangelo was also playing. While others were about serious business at the time of the Renaissance, Michelangelo was messing around bringing forth King David from a block of marble. You get the idea.
We are all artists. Each of us is uniquely created by God and called to leave our unique imprint upon the world. Each of us possess that one thing that God in his wisdom and foresight has imparted to us the wisdom, power, and grace for us to do, so much so –– dare I say –– that it feels like play. Yes, life is serious business. And we all have important things to do. But do not be surprised to find, as life finally draws to a close and we take that glorious step into eternity, that play was the most important thing we could have done this side of heaven. After all, we are commanded to become like children.
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below!
D. Patrick Collins 