CiT: How to Nurture Creativity in Friends
Via Pinterest ~ Source needed
We all need a little help now and then, it’s just not always so easy to know when or how to ask for that help. As I was doing research for this post, I found that there were very few articles that discussed how adults can help their friends or family achieve their creative goals; most of what I found related to how parents and educators can help nurture creativity in young children (which is equally as important!).
Some of the articles I found did offer basic advice on how friends can help friends achieve general goals like going back to school or starting a business, but I wasn’t able to find much in the way of support for creative endeavors. So, we’re even more excited to be able to share with you some of the ideas we’ve come up with to help you either ask for help from friends or to help those you know that are ready to get serious about a project or path they’ve neglected for too long.
1. Be a sounding board.
Sometimes, the best thing we can do for each other is listen. Brainstorming and talking things out is an incredibly useful way to bring an idea to life. Talking allows you to break down the pros and cons and lets you mold and shape the initial concept into something manageable and concrete. Choose a friend who is willing and able to set aside an hour or two to sit with you and deconstruct your idea until you have the beginnings of a plan that lets you move forward. BE a friend who is willing and able to take an hour or two out of your schedule to listen to a friend who needs to brainstorm.
2. Support
Support comes in all shapes in sizes. A few of months ago, Stacia wrote a great post on what it feels like when you put your art out into the world and the people who should get it, don’t. The take-away from that post was that the people we care about may not get what we’re doing, but they can still be there for us by providing encouragement and an occasional “I believe in you!” to show they are standing by us. You may also opt to offer support you that is more tangible in nature. If your friend has kids, you can offer to babysit once an awhile so she can take a class, or take an hour or two just to go somewhere and write or paint or think. You can look for a workshop that might complement the work they are doing and offer to tag along. If the project she is working on requires audience participation if you will, offer to lend a hand if you’re able. Find a way to support that works best for both of you. The best way to figure out what works best is simply to reach out and ask.
3. Play
Creativity and fun go together pretty darn well. Maybe all you and your friend need is to get out and do something enjoyable for a change of pace. Plan something relaxing like an outdoor picnic, a girl’s night out complete with dinner and dancing, a fun night in with movies and a pot luck dinner, or a low-key crafting session where the goal is just to make fun stuff without all the pressure of perfection. The goal here is to distract the mind from all the must-do in order to revive the spirit and refocus on tasks with fresh perspective.
Have you ever helped a friend reconnect with their creative passions? Have you had the good fortune of having a friend or family member help you during your creative journey?
We’d love to hear more about your experiences and your ideas for other ways we can help nurture creativity for others.
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Most of the help I’ve received (and needed) has involved encouragement. I hope that I’ve given that in return. I love the idea of helping to create time for a friend by babysitting or running an errand. Definitely a great idea!
You’ve definitely given me lots of encouragement and support over the years when it comes to things I’ve tried to do! I’ve been fortunate to have the support and kindness of my friends. I’m not great at asking for much beyond that. Thanks!!