[Monica]

Hi everyone! We are so excited to start new challenges and activities with you, our community from the 30Day Blog Challenge. We are here not only to help you develop your blog but, also, to develop yourself as a human being. With that being said, our first discussion will be about Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Your Elusive Creative Genius” ted talk. I will post a link for it. Happy development 🙂

[Monica]

OPEN DISCUSSION:

1 – Did you encounter judgemental or fear based reactions from people when you told them about your blog?

2 – Were you aware of the stigmas surrounding creative people before embarking on this creative journey?

3 – We often struggle with the concept of self-discipline. We think we should be better at creating consistently. But is creating by habit rather than by inspiration authentic?

4 – What patterns or stigmas in your mindset are you questioning after this talk?

[Elizabeth.rodriguez]

I didnt encounter any stigma because all of my friends and family are very supportive.

I wasnt aware that it was a stigma but I completely understand why there is now.

It made me laugh when she said about how she showed up for work. That definitely hit me. Because I often come up with ideas when I’m driving or in the middle of another task with my kids.

[Danielle Baker]

Thank you Monica.

She is absolutely great. So inspiring! OLE!!!

[Monica]

She has such amazing talks, I will definitely share more of hers with the group, so mindblowing 🙂 Was it hard for you to share this creative project with family or friends?

[Clarissa Cabbage]

Thanks Monica, I definitely enjoyed this talk!

I think my favorite part was when she described how the old poet experiences her inspiration – as a storm coming over the hill and her running for her notepad before it passes her by.

I think this is something similar to the way I feel mine. Fortunately these days we have smart phones with us at all times and I just pull it out and make a note for later as it comes.

[Monica]

I know, the poet story was actually so cool! I think it is a really good way to look at creativity, as something that sometimes flows and that sometimes just doesn’t come up and that is okay 🙂

[Hiba Dhib]

Very nice! thank you so much!… I actually didn’t share the fact that I am working on this blog with anyone….in case …so yeah the fear is real lol.

[Monica]

Why is that? Don’t you think they would be supportive?

[Yoshitaka Koishikawa]

1. This is such a great talk for all creatives in general. I haven’t gotten so many judgemental reactions yet to my friends and family but someday I’m sure someone will haha.

2. Now that I’m thinking about it. That makes a lot of sense for creative people today. I have definitely tried to detach my creative work in the past and sometimes still.

3. Being inspired consistently would be nice. But there are only certain times a million-dollar idea comes to you. Usually when your not really thinking about it too hard in the shower, bus or taking a walk. I sometimes get that magical genie talking to me when Im taking a break and I need to make it stop and talk to me when I’m focused.

4. I’m worried that because I used my blog name after my real name, people will find me and expose me if I happen to make a mistake in my post or accidentally offend a reader. Such thoughts sometimes haunt me and make me reconsider changing my blog name.

[Ahlam Sakout]

Thank you Monica for this great amazing Ted talk! I was inspired, especially that I struggle with self-confidence when I am about to write a blog, it’s never good or enough. While I am cooking or developing a new recipe, I come up with new ideas and continue to tell the story in my head with some corrections of course and as soon as I start typing all I erased the whole thing and tell myself I don’t think my readers will like it. 🤔🙂

I found the top posts you share with us are very inspirational and educational.

Thanks again

[Stacey Coleman]

I have heard negative things about bloggers like they are not “true” writers and cannot be taken seriously. Clearly I have not allowed that negativity to cloud my judgement on blogging since I have continued my pursuit with establishing my own blogging presence…I say PRESS ON!!! Great inspirirational video.

[Binky Theodore]

I thoroughly enjoyed this talk and it resonated with me. I was not aware of any stigma associated to creativity–maybe because I never really saw myself as a creative person. I’m inspired and so mesmerized by creativity, but I never really knew I had any of it in me. Somehow, still, I can relate to the pain and the fear of “the next day”. I’m a breast cancer survivor and never was I more on fire for life than I was when I was sick. That was 18 years ago. I do still carry a slight sense of guilt for not being so full of that same zest for life. Maybe that’s why I;m starting my blog–to somehow recapture that a little bit.

I posted in the last assignment my struggles with falling behind on the 30DBC because inspiration does not usually show up every single day, day after day. I believe wholeheartedly in the authentic inspiration rather than habit, though I see too the benefits of establishing other workflow habits while waiting for that inspiration to come.

[Julie Mayfield]

FFor me a notebook solves the inspiration problem. I just write down ideaswhen I have them (they usually fire at the same time, don’t they?) then I can work from previous inspiration

[Cathryn Unverricht]

1. I still have not told very many people about my blog (because I’m still scared!) but those that I have told have been supportive of me.

2. I grew up wanting to be a creative person, but the stigmas and comments from people around me pushed me into getting a “practical” degree and pursue a safe job rather than pursuing something creative that may or may not succeed. I have been scared of this for a while but have recently been trying to change my mindset and pursue my creative passions.

3. I think you do need some inspiration to be able to create an authentic blog, but that is why I am trying to blog about something I am passionate about, so hopefully I will be able to feel inspired enough to continually create authentic content.

4.It was interesting how she discussed sort of separating your creativity from yourself, seeing it instead as something that is controlled by outside forces as a way to relieve the pressure to always be creative. I think when I am struggling creatively I would consider trying this method to shift my thinking.

[Patricia Ruiz]

Bravo! I love that she is genuine and speaks her truth. Thank you, Elizabeth!

1. It was a mix response from the few people I told.

2. No, I had no clue of any stigmas positive or negative.

3. Hmm, good question I think it’s a little bit of both creating by habit and creating by inspiration. I think when combing both it opens to creating organically. As far as being authentic what is true to oneself will lead to what is important to create with ease.

4. If any stigma(s) I see I will not solidify anyone’s negativity which is easier said than done, that’s ok because I accept any negative and work to turn it around for my own good. I must accept that not everyone will like or agree with me and I’m learning, that’s ok with me.

[Julie Christiansen]

Wow! This lady is fantastic. She will never have difficulty making a living because she can speak. I was in tears three or four times because she described so poignantly my own feelings about writing and creativity. In neuroscience, researchers have studied brain functions in people who are having a creative moment. (Unfortunately, I cannot remember where I read it.) Most people think that creativity is produced by the brain, which would meant some areas of the brain are firing more intensely than others. This not the case. The brain does not become more active when it is creating, parts of the brain shut down, particularly in the right frontal lobe if I remember correctly. So the brain does not produce something creative, it releases it.

[Julie Mayfield]

So funny, this is part of my ongoing debate with hubby who is a closet creative person. He believe SUFFERING MUST be the catalyst for good art. Which is probably why he avoids art. I strongly disagree. I think it’s about sharing and expressing. Like the other Julie said, it’s a release.

I can struggle with perfectionism, so I’ve really limited myself to art that is a release, and actually gives me energy. If it stresses me out, I won’t do it. Like, makes me feel crappy. A little stress in healthy.

I totally get all the artsy stigma. Like artistic people are to be perpetually dissatisfied. I opt out of that.

Orson Scott Card is my fav author. He’s also a serious family man who says he never bought into the notion that you had to be possessed by your craft. He’s a prodigious writer, but he keeps perspective.

[Sherri Cummings]

Wow her words are so powerful and inspirational.

[Bonnie Taylor Wachowicz]

How have I not seen this Ted Talk before now? I love the idea of separating “genius” from “self” – definitely a freeing concept.

I have experienced doubts about every creative thing I have attempted, and I have experienced the “helpful” comments from people who worry about whether I will be successful or not. I think it helps to know that those comments really do come from people who care – but it also helps to remember that I shouldn’t take advice from people who haven’t tried doing that particular thing themselves!

[Karen Barefoot]

That was an amazing TED Talk! She definitely gave a voice to my fears!

I haven’t told many people about my blog yet. The main reason is that I was to have time to really get comfortable with the website and I want to get more content on it before I ask people to visit. I also want to have at least 2 weeks where I am disciplined enough to get two things posted each week.

I was certainly aware of the stigma around creating a job with creativity. I am very practical and I think my practicality has held me back in this regard.

I think creativity takes both habit and inspiration. First, you have to have something to say. That is where the inspiration comes in. But second, at least for me, I have to get into the habit of actually DOING something with my creativity.

[Astha Sharma]

This was one of the best ted talks I ever watched. How simple it becomes when we separate the creative genius from us and consider it as a divine entity. Much less pressure of comparison.

[Nancy Burnett]

This was very interesting.

[Casey Williams]

We were/are nervous that we will put so much work into our blog, and still be unsuccessful. We are nervous that we will never be able to attract a large audience who keeps coming back.

Before watching this Tedtalk, we were unaware of the stigmas surrounding creative people.

This was super interesting, informative, and inspiring. Thank you for sharing!

[Deborah Ramsey Proctor]

1 – Did you encounter judgemental or fear based reactions from people when you told them about your blog? Yes, especially from my mother who is very vocal.

2 – Were you aware of the stigmas surrounding creative people before embarking on this creative journey? Yes, but I see creative people in all walks of life, in how they cook, clean, work and carry out their daily task. Yet for some reason people don’t consider them creative. Honestly I am confounded by that.

3 – We often struggle with the concept of self-discipline. We think we should be better at creating consistently. But is creating by habit rather than by inspiration authentic? I believe we have to show up to allow the creativity to flow.

4 – What patterns or stigmas in your mindset are you questioning after this talk? I really like the talk, it gave me a new perspective to play with.

[Melissa.dunnington]

Wow, super inspiring! I haven’t told many people about my blog yet, but the few I told think it is pretty awesome! My son is a major supporter.

[Anonymous]

This literally happened to me yesterday while I was at practice. So I took out my phone and did a voice memo with my idea, so that I don’t forget it.

[Dani Laurin]

1. I did not encounter fear or judgement, rather disinterest. More like, oh cool! But no interest in reading a post or anything. Rather deflating.

2. I was sort of aware but this was still eye opening. She is such a fantastic speaker. Really inspirational.

3.No i dont think so. I have all these ideas in my head where i want my next blog posts to go. But they arent always when the challenge says, write your next post now!

4. Not really questioning much just loving the idea of collaborating with a genius, not being one

[Heather.locke]

Upon my discussion to start my blog I didn’t have any kick bank. I also did not really tell anyone. My significant other knew, but he said go for it. Now as far as fear … I have that. I fear that I will be judged for my experiences, that others wont relate and I am truly the only one. I fear I wont be able to write to grab others attention. Then I think about it, I know I want to reach others and I want to earn an income, I just have to remember that I am doing my best.

I was one of those people who said that you can’t make money blogging and that those who do are doing something else.But the stigma about embarking on creativeness, I only knew the stigma about those who embark on creative paths, such as being an artist don’t make money but I guess not the stigma discussed in the video. – I guess this might be why I don’t have a fear about starting a blog. ?

I think that it is important and authentic that you are creating by influence but I think you seek what inspires you when you have routine and habit so I do feel that creating a habit is important to create because you become accustomed to searching for your inspiration and begin you think that way. Since starting my blog I am seeing more that inspires my writing, I am seeing more things that would be great to talk about to others and share.

[Christine.earle]

Wow she is so inspiring I could sit & listen to her speak for hours

[Tracy.revalee]

My mother was a creative, writing four books over her career. My father was a Navy pilot, degreed in several kinds of engineering and very appreciative and supportive of her work. I grew up believing everyone revered authors and engineers.

Because I am bipolar, diagnosed 40 years ago, no one has ever really expected me to amount to much. I sew, play flute, guitar and piano, wrote a book, degreed in journalism, spent my 20’s as a singer and songwriter. I raised a wonderful daughter, a journalist. My fourth marriage has lasted 22 years. OF COURSE my husband is an engineer.

I have genuinely come to the point where I have to do what I do whether or not the engineers understand or like it. If I hadn’t been born to do it, God would have let one of my suicide attempts succeed. While I appreciate Gilbert’s thoughtful historical viewpoint I hope she can continue to fully embrace her magnificent talent and simply be the creative that she is. At 65, I know I’ve spent too much time casting pearls before swine. I need to wear them.

Tracy Revalee

1StitchSaves9.com (under construction)

[Anonymous]

1 – I have not received any negative reactions. So far I have gotten support and encouragement.

2 – I was only aware of stigmas toward musicians and artists. People usually don’t consider those paths because of the stigma that don’t earn good money unless you are popular.

3 – I think that they both play hand in hand. We should create a habit in showing up to do our part. This includes setting the appropriate environment and time for ourselves when we feel we get the most inspiration. Creating the habit to show up can also increase the possibility of receiving inspiration.

4 – I am worried that I may not be an influential writer. However, I know that I am capable of learning how to be one.

[Cassandra.carpenter]

Absolutely loved this TED talk.

1. I didn’t really experience anything regarding my blog. I am very much an introvert and so this is not something I have gone around and shouted from the rooftops. I did casually mention it to a friend and got the “Oh that’s nice” and then moved on to her drama. My kids find it interesting and even throw ideas at me all the time.

2. I was aware of the stigmas surrounding creative people, only because my daughter is very creative in both writing and drawing. I have watched her struggle when she gets stuck or one of her friends comments on something she wrote or drew. It is a constant struggle, for me, to keep her going and to believe in herself and what she does. She will definitely be watching this TED talk.

3. I am a type A personality and when I get an idea, I want it done now and I want it done to the best it can be done. This is an area that I struggle wrangling back on a daily basis. Creativity isn’t something that you make happen, it just happens.

4. I am struggling with the stigma that I am wasting my time, this will help no one so why bother, or why would anyone listen to me? This is a constant struggle in many areas of my life and always has been. I will use some of the tactics that she discussed and see if I can retrain my brain to not be so critical of everything that I do.

[Lisa.kinoti]

Wow!!! What a wonderful Ted Talk! Just what I needed to hear. I really enjoyed her idea that creativity comes from a divine source and that we should take the pressure off of ourselves as creatives and just enjoy the process nonetheless. The talk went in a direction I was not expecting, but it was such a pleasant surprise. I have encountered skepticism even from my own mother, when I excitedly told her that I have began blogging. A few minutes later in conversation, she advised me to drop all my extra-curriculum activities, namely blogging and music, and concentrate on academics. I am in the process of getting my Bachelor’s and she feels that this is the most important thing. As she was saying these words, I was mentally transported back to a time when I was a young girl collecting winning certificates in debate club, public speaking and solo music performances in high school. My parents’ reaction was the same back then. “Stop wasting time with these extra-curriculum activities and focus on academics”. The irony of it all was that even with the extra activities, I excelled in academics as well. I know parents mean well, but last week as she was advising me, I felt unsupported once again, like I felt as a little girl.I felt that nobody believed in me enough when it comes to creativity, because society has fears about taking the unbeaten path. Academics are given more attention because it is a well planned path. You go to University and then you get a career. With creative arts, there is not guarantee or plan. You write, and maybe someone will buy your book. You sing, and maybe you will be discovered. It is a no wonder we all fear trying to forge a career by using our talents. I love the ending of the Ted Talk however,where she talks about stubbornness. The stubbornness never to give up.I am encouraged to continue to write and to continue to compose songs, because I might just get lucky and my genie might come through for me, or if not, I can still say that I at least I tried. Beats doing nothing. But who knows? I might impact millions one day with my writing. Thank you for the Ted Talk.

Lisa (yogini.com)

[Bryanna.forest]

I really loved how the poet described her encounters with inspiration. I thought, “That is exactly how a poet would describe the process!” I’ve been learning a bit more about poetry lately and am beginning to appreciate how poets communicate even when they aren’t writing poetry. A lot of times they have really unique perspectives and choose really interesting words to convey their ideas.

One thing I disagreed with the talk about was that she specifically mentions that believing a person is a vessel for a Divine message is one of the scenarios that is too heavy for the psyche. I think, contrary to what Elizabeth said, that believing we are vessels to channel the divine CAN be the solution to the problem of artistic weight on creatives. It used to be called daemon or genius, but if we can imagine our work, whatever it may be, as a message being transformed from the metaphysical to the physical world through our minds and bodies, I believe that can help creatives relieve some pressure. I liked her point of the pressure being too much when we believe that the creativity comes entirely from within. That means that any failure of your work is a failure of your soul. When creativity is something that moves through you, it can come and go like waves from the ocean and you can be at peace. Trust that the messages you are meant to transmit will come through. A failure of your work means the message wasn’t clear, not that you are a failure.

[Julian]

I was so surprised by how smooth she put humans where they belong and even thought how to let go of the ego and assume you are a mean to an end.

[Dana.burrows]

There are many artists in my family, some very highly educated, some not. There is always talk of “the struggling artist” or “getting a real job”. Being sensitive and a bit “mad” are definitely associations made. Creativity should be celebrated.

I plan to thrive,not just survive.

[Magda.abarca]

I have only told my boyfriend and he has been very supporting and understanding. He is in sales and he understands the need to continue working towards your passion. The reason I did not tell my family is because as a unit they are not very supporting of anything I do. Yet I am grateful to someone that supports me no matter what.

I am a teacher and I have worked with many creative people. I always encourage them and ask the parents to do the same. I had not idea there was a stigma but it is good to be aware of it.

To me creating should be inspirited but since that can not always be the case habit helps you be ready when inspiration approaches.

I always try to keep a positive mindset so all I am thinking is I can do this.

[Saebyl.mcdoulett]

She was so inspirational!

I was very afraid to tell people about my blog. To the point of creating an author pen name and basically not telling anyone! But then the pandemic hit and I decided to wing it and show it to everyone I knew! So far I have received nothing but support from my friends and family.

And like Elizabeth said, just keep showing up and writing! I forgot that I enjoyed writing until I actually sat down to do it. And even though there is significant resistance in the beginning, eventually the words do come out.

[Jeshin.chun]

1 – Did you encounter judgemental or fear based reactions from people when you told them about your blog?

Yes. Many felt that people don’t really blog anymore and it was no longer a good investment of time/money/efforts. Some seemed not that excited for me and not really taking it all that seriously or taking an interest in it.

2 – Were you aware of the stigmas surrounding creative people before embarking on this creative journey?

Yes, I have done creative work for the entirety of my career. I think creativity is very undervalued. I often feel perceived as someone who is directionless, ambitionless, motivationless, aimless, purposeless.

3 – We often struggle with the concept of self-discipline. We think we should be better at creating consistently. But is creating by habit rather than by inspiration authentic?

I think that the inspired work is what truly stands out. But I think all of the other work that we produce out of consistency and self discipline creates the momentum for the inspired stuff. There is progress happening in that process. And it’s a launchpad for other more inspired work. It’s like keeping the creative juices flowing so to speak.

4 – What patterns or stigmas in your mindset are you questioning after this talk?

I think that the pressure of creating something that holds up to my standards is one of the biggest hindrances and factors in just missing out on so many opportunities to create and to build out the ideas in my mind. I really need to let go of the concept of hitting THE mark and just view the creative process as just that, a process.

[Cheryl.quigley]

What an absolutely wonderful speech. Everyone should hear this. It actually made me cry. I pretty much knew all of what she was talking about but had never heard it put into words before. This is exactly what I try to impart to my crafts students but never really know how. Thank you so much for sharing.

[Stephanie.ao]

1 – Did you encounter judgemental or fear based reactions from people when you told them about your blog?

Not really a lot as I haven’t told a lot of people, some people that I have told have been very supportive and those are the ones I prefer to tell. I’ll just keep doing my thing.

2 – Were you aware of the stigmas surrounding creative people before embarking on this creative journey?

Yes I am a creative person myself, I did arts in school as an outlet of expression. Creative people may not fit into society but that doesn’t matter because life would be boring otherwise.

3 – We often struggle with the concept of self-discipline. We think we should be better at creating consistently. But is creating by habit rather than by inspiration authentic?

I guess that depends on the person, it’s subjective. Personally for me yes I do struggle with self discipline sometimes I just suffer with being overwhelmed and information overloads. So I find myself struggling without proper planning at the time.

4 – What patterns or stigmas in your mindset are you questioning after this talk?

My self doubts, when she said just do it and to keep showing up that resonated with me. I will keep persisting,

[Vijaya]

No, I received encouragement and lot of support from my fast friends and family members.

No, not really. I do know that in creative world one has to be very observant and patient. There always be mixed responses about the work. But if we believe in ourselves, one day we will be able to create wonders.

This is a quite debatable question. Taking out specific time for the creativity ensures that you give importance to your work and many a time, it works for most of the people. They start getting more creative ideas. This is best way for the people who are self-disciplined and practical. Whereas, people who are always enjoy being into some imaginary world; for them to write about something, inspiration is must. Such people, don’t restrict themselves with time and place.I feel both ways of creativity are good but inspirational one holds the capacity of creating a history.

To be frank, I do not have any stigmas; as I am a novice in the blogging or writing world. i think I have long way to go to feel such anxiety.

one thing I really like in this talk is do not overburden yourself with creativity. Feel free to take help and support from your guiding angels or other supernatural powers. Lessen your burden and be more productive.

Thanks