begin...begin again: how to do what you like and like what you do

The recent surge in the popularity of adult coloring books reminded me that the fruits of creativity are available to all of us, whether we like to paint or write or sing or dance. Whether we're good at it, or not. There are plenty of ways to pursue the pure pleasure of creating art for art's sake...for the pure joy of the process.

So...if you like to color, sit down at the kitchen table with a cup of tea, or a bottle of beer, and color. Don't think for a minute it isn't a worthy pastime. Don't fret because you can't get your masterpiece into a gallery. Don't worry because no one is going to buy it. Put some music on, pick your favorite colors, and start filling in the blanks.

If you like to sing but don't have a band to back you up, or you fail to make the choir...sing in the shower, or turn up the radio and belt it out in the car.

If you enjoy writing, but you can't find a publisher, keep a journal. A lot of journals. Title them. Have some fun. "People I could live without right now..." or "If I had the money..." Personally, my favorite journal is titled: "If I had to be completely honest..."

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If you like to dance but you never took lessons, put some music on and show the dog what you can do. Better yet...go take a class.

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Do it for the fun of it. Turn off the TV, put your phone away, and shut down your laptop. There! See? You DO have time for this! Your brain will thank you for it. Your muse will cheer for you. Your soul will applaud your first faltering efforts.

Whatever you do, don't alter a word of your story, a stroke of your brush, or a step of your dance in deference to the critics who (whether they admit it or not) envy you for doing what they may not have the courage to do themselves.

Go ahead. Take a bow. You've earned it.