CiT Guest Post: Be Amazed By Your Friends

When I was a kid, I remember watching movies that showed dinner parties filled with extraordinary people and thinking to myself, “one day, I will have friends like that.” I wanted to be surrounded by people who inspired me, who understood my creative side and loved me because of it. And so that is how I chose to grow up. I sang, I played instruments, I danced, I wrote, I studied philosophy. I became best friends with musicians, I partied with creatives and I dated djs, actors and producers. And somewhere along the way, this way of life became my “normal.”

This year, I spent New Year’s Eve with an internationally known opera singer, a marketing marvel, an expert chef, a phenomenal photographer, an incredibly loving mother and an absolutely adorable child. After the count down and the New Year’s hugs and kisses, I sat by myself, looking around the room, and realized that I was truly amazed by the people I was lucky enough to share the beginning of 2012 with. And those thoughts led me to think of my other friends who weren’t able to be there, and how amazing they were as well. I started to tear up…I was at my version of the dinner parties I always wanted as a child. The realization that I was a part of a community of talented creative individuals floored me. With tears of joy, I sent this message on Facebook:

Lauren Ramsey

January 1

Good God, I have some amazing friends. I am thankful for each and every one of you! Thank you for sharing your talents and love! Keep growing, learning, performing, creating and challenging yourself and others in 2012. Can’t wait to see what happens in the years to come.

If you are lucky enough to be surrounded by creative people or even if you only have a handful of them in your life, it is important to love and nurture their creative side. Because for them, being creative is as essential as breathing. It is something they couldn’t not do, even if they tried. So, in honor of Girlyfight’s Creatives in Training, I am offering up some tips on how to understand, nurture and love your creative pals.

Actively participate. If she sings, go to her show. Even if it’s a work night and you are tired. If he paints, ask him what inspires him. Creative people tend to be confident and independent but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t love to know you are there, actively participating in their chosen creative medium. Creative people expose themselves to judgement and questioning each time they create. So, a friendly face in the crowd is always a good thing.

Ask and listen. If you don’t quite understand what she does, ask her. And keep asking questions until it makes sense to you. Creative people typically love to share what they are working on, and it’s hardly ever just one thing. Hearing that people understand what they have created can mean the world, especially if that person is a dear friend.

Inspire. Brainstorm with him. Let your talents mix and mingle until you’ve discovered something new together. Both of you will no doubt share some laughs in the process and your friend will more than likely walk away with a brand new project that she or he can’t wait to get started on.

I couldn’t imagine a world without my creative friends. And I hope that they realize just how very much I adore them. Show your creative friends how much you adore them, every chance you get. And don’t forget to actively participate in their craft, ask questions and listen intently, and inspire them with your own personal talents, whatever those may be.

Lauren is the founder and author of Lauren Ignited, an events blog in Houston, TX where she shares her recommendations and reviews of events which primarily promote local artists, non-profits and small businesses in Houston that are doing amazing things for their city and its inhabitants. Stay in touch with her on twitter at @LaurenIgnited or @LaurenRamsey; visit her blog at www.LaurenIgnited.com and facebook.com/LaurenIgnited or email her at Lauren.Ignited@gmail.com.