Finding Your Niche: Creative Expression in Writing, Music and Art

During the last couple of decades creative expression has gotten the reputation of being about "healing"-- writing, drawing and painting, sculpture, even making music, have been associated with "ways by which you can Heal From Your Past." While using such constructive means as a form of therapy cannot be discounted, creative expression is equally valid for the many whose purpose for it is not a matter of "healing."

It is probably safe to assume that each person, if he or she puts forth even a small amount of effort, can find one's "niche" of creative expression-- a special interest, a special talent, which, when recognized and put into action, can result in joy for oneself and the ability to share it with others. One does not need to be in the position of "working through" anything, or "validating" anything-- for there is a simple yet profound enjoyment in producing something which begins as only a small seed within oneself.

For many in the middle-generation, especially women, this idea can be traced back to childhood days when most little girls and teenagers had little cardboard-covered books in assorted designs and colors, prominently printed "My Diary." Each evening a girl would bring out her Diary, writing trivialities and the significant alike-- what she had done that day, the names of her friends and "crushes," wishes and hopes and dreams. Most diaries closed with little fake-gold locks-- pointing out the fact that even a little girl had a need for privacy and "secret" dreams. But the main focus of these little books was in the word "My"-- as teens and even eight-year-old girls had the need to produce and to claim something which was theirs and theirs alone.

Growing up, continuing creative expression expands, and takes on different forms, but the purpose remains the same-- to produce something special and unique from within oneself, and for it to be one's own personal decision with whom to share it. Those who began with "My Diary" frequently went on to write fiction and poetry; others found their niche in artwork or music. But whichever form of creative expression one embraces, the benefits are the same-- it is something of your own.

For adults whose lives are focused around the daily necessities of jobs, family, and other time-consuming priorities, it is quite beneficial to set aside some time for one's own choice of creative expression. You can call it a hobby, a pastime, or simply something which you do for yourself; but it is doubtful that there is anyone who does not have the need for some type of creative expression, or lacks the potential to find one which is truly satisfying. You must be willing to brush off those who may remark that such a venture is a waste of time if it isn't generating cash rewards, and those who hold the "trendy" notion that creative expression is about "troubled pasts," and, instead, recall the days of childhood when wondrous joys were seen for what they were and nothing else-- the satisfaction of producing something from within yourself, of being able to call it "Mine," and to decide with whom to share it. With this outlook you can write poetry, play your own musical compositions, or craft your own artwork-- and that in itself is its own reward.