We can do it for the money or the prestige or freedom. We can do it because we have a message we want to send into the world. Why do we, why do you, do this creative work? In this video I tell a story about (who else?) my mom that illustrates one of the best motivations we can have for any creative endeavor.
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Question: What’s one reason you do creative work? What is it that drives you? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
The biggest reason I write my blog is to encourage other moms… especially moms who homeschool their sons. It always makes my day when someone writes to me and tells me that I’ve made a difference in their life. What a privilege!
Love this story Chad! Creative work to me is like breathing and if I wasn’t able to express myself with writing or some form of art it would seem suffocating. I need to tell a story or paint a picture (even with my words) to feel fulfilled, I guess that’s the best way to describe it. I certainly have reasons for sharing my story- to encourage others that they’re not alone and in some ways to lead them to find healing but to be honest, I write because I need to, like I need to sleep or eat or breathe deeply.
Thanks for being such an encouragement to so many!
I can relate to this innate desire you reference here. I sometimes get a little frustrated with the reality that I am not content with a 9 to 5 job and family/home life. I’ve always needed a creative outlet in addition. It’s just there. It’s almost like I feel obligated to serve people, but in a good way somehow. Anyway, it’s the way things are for me. Thanks for doing your art, Lanette!
Your story touched my heart. How amazing to have a mother that nurtured your imagination and creativity!
Thanks for asking us why we write. I had never defined it before.
Here’s mine; I write historically inspired stories. I write to preserve and share stories so that people can reconnect with and remember the good things from the past.
Oh great, now I need to eat some chocolate chip cookies! Your story made me hungry! lol
Good post, good story…
First, I want to transfer to others what was given to me.
Second, it’s more fun to share with people who want to receive (overseas, most of the time) than those who are indifferent (America, sadly, too often).
LOVE this story, Chad! Made my chest tighten.
I create because it brings me joy, because I feel called, and because I want to bring joy and smiles to children and their caregivers.
I do it so people won’t feel like they are alone.
I so enjoyed having coffee with you this morning Chad (it was Hawaiian in case you didn’t enjoy your virtual taste – would have gone well with the cookies =])! I am doing my work to connect with others in meaningful ways that touch the gifts and potential in each of us, and to be able to walk alongside them on the journey toward that potential.
Love it, Paula! I enjoyed my Pike Place Market coffee right along with you!
I love, love, love the wonder of finding that mud pies can become chocolate cookies. Isn’t that the secret prize we are all looking for, the gem in the toe of the Christmas stocking? To me this represents the power of God to transform my creative efforts into something delicious to satisfy the readers and delight them.
What a wonderful story about your mom, Chad. Thanks for sharing it. I felt a twinge of guilt as I listened because I would probably be the mom whose first reaction was, “Get the mud out of the house.” How different would that memory be for you if that was your mother’s reaction?
I do what I do because I feel it’s important that all children know their Heavenly Father loves them and always keeps His promises. Human parents can let us down, but God never will. If that message makes it through to even one child, then I feel successful.
I’m doing my work so that other women who live the juggle-struggle know they aren’t alone!