I can name at least six people in my life (over the age of 40) who, at one time, were very creative and talented in art or music or writing but who “gave it up” and haven’t done it in years. I find this disturbing, and I wish I could dissect their reasons so that I could avoid a similar fate. One thing they all have in common, however, is a numb acceptance that that part of their life is gone and there’s no obvious plan or desire to reignite it.
When time is scarce, the first thing to go seems to be the creative aspects of our lives. One could say that art isn’t necessary for survival, but is that all we’re doing? Surviving? There are a few magical facets of human life that I believe are signs that we’re not just here: Love, laughter, dreaming, and the act of creating something. I think all are needed to have a worthwhile existence.
I suppose every one of us has our own reasons for letting go or holding tight to the various aspects of our lives. I have no way of knowing what the future holds, but I do know that I will hold tight to my creative life even when it hurts to do so.
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