Skip to content
  • HOME
  • THE DREAMER
    • CONTACT
  • DISCLOSURES
  • HOME
  • custom-logo
  • THE DREAMER
    • CONTACT
  • DISCLOSURES
Creativity

The Power of Creativity

March 6, 2017March 5, 2017 Crystal // Dreams, etc. 18 comments
The Power of Creativity

Words can provide the support, encouragement and escape that you need during hard times. They can give you the courage and strength you need to face the circumstances that you might face in your life.  And this is true for all the arts--art, music, dance...

“What do you want to do?”

This is the question I heard the most when I was a junior and senior in high school, looking ahead toward college.

“I want to be a doctor or a writer,” I’d respond. Two very different career paths, one that I was more suited to than the other, but both dreams that I had throughout high school.

“Be a doctor. You can help people if you’re a doctor.” And this is the response I always heard.

I can help people… if I’m a doctor.

This viewpoint always caught me off guard and it’s one that I never bought into. Sure, I get it. Doctors literally save lives. Patients come in with an illness or injuries that could end their life, and doctors can save their life. They can rid a person’s body of that disease, they can treat an injury so that the person survives. It’s not always a guarantee, but they tend to the physical ailments and visible wounds. They save lives daily and I’m in awe of the work that, not just doctors, but all of those who are in the medical field do. (Believe me, they have saved the life of someone that I love dearly and I am forever grateful!) The work they do is amazing and so necessary and I’m grateful that there are people who take on those careers. They work hard, they sacrifice a lot, but they do amazing and necessary things.

That being said, writers save and transform lives, too. How many people have pointed to the Harry Potter books and said, “This series helped me through a tough time in my life”? How many people have found the courage to voice their own traumatic experiences after reading Speak? How many people connected with 13 Reasons Why so much that they credit the book with saving their lives?

[Tweet “How many people have said, “this series helped me through a dark time?””]

Words are powerful. Words can cut you; they can tear you down. But they can also uplift you. They can provide the support, encouragement and escape that you need during hard times. They can give you the courage and strength you need to face the circumstances that you might face in your life.

And this is true for all the arts–art, music, dance…

Words can provide the support, encouragement and escape that you need during hard times. They can give you the courage and strength you need to face the circumstances that you might face in your life.  And this is true for all the arts--art, music, dance...

I ordered a painting from Kendra Castillo’s recent release and received it last week. There was a storm brewing inside me the day it arrived: I was overwhelmed by increased activity throughout the week at work, I was stressed over a message I had misread, and I was frustrated by a certain situation. In the midst of all this turbulence, I opened up the package and gazed at the painting. And I took a breath. I stepped into the painting and felt peace and calm.

[Tweet “Looking at the painting brought peace and calm on a stormy day.”]

The work that creatives do is amazing and so necessary and I’m grateful that there are people who have been given creative talents, who probably could have done something “more valuable” with their lives (and possibly more lucrative!), but chose to share their gifts with the world.

As a writer who checks in and out of the writing community online, I hear this all the time: the world needs your story. Sometimes it sounds cheesy, but it’s also true.

There is someone who needs your painting to be able to take a breath. There is someone who needs your story to give them courage to articulate their own. There is someone who needs the world you created to find an escape during a dark time.

Keep doing what you’re doing, because what you put out in the world can save and transform lives too.

I’d love to hear, what’s a book/song/movie/dance that helped you when you needed it?

[Tweet “There’s someone who needs your painting to be able to take a breath.”]

[Tweet “There’s someone who needs your story to give them courage to articulate their own.”]

Follow

Words can provide the support, encouragement and escape that you need during hard times. They can give you the courage and strength you need to face the circumstances that you might face in your life.  And this is true for all the arts--art, music, dance...

About Crystal

About Crystal

Hi! I'm Crystal, a millennial learning how to live slowly and sustainably, while still seeking adventure and following my dreams, etc.

Post navigation

Happy Friday // 04
100 Days of Mornings // Days 1 – 13

18 comments

  1. Miranda Hunt says:
    March 6, 2017 at 7:54 am

    This is amazing. Creativity has saved so many souls! Words and music are definitely my therapy when I’m down. Coldplay is one band that always sooths me and then makes me want to get back up and keep going. And a good book takes me to another place when I want to completely escape, or helps me relate to a similar situation when I’m feeling alone. Thanks for this!

    Reply
  2. Brigette Collins says:
    March 6, 2017 at 8:41 am

    I love being creative! It is an outlet for so many things.. Painting, writing, making little crafts with the kids or even doing my makeup. I feel more at ease when I have a creative outlet.

    Reply
  3. Cole Nemeth says:
    March 6, 2017 at 10:06 am

    I LOVE THIS! Because it’s so true! So many books I’ve read have helped me in so many different ways. When I was a teenager, I used music as a way to escape, or as a way to connect with other people. I enjoy singing and dancing around my house to lift my spirits! And honestly, there are a lot of great careers out there that, but honestly, pursuing a creative one is scary and challenging on so many levels, and those who are brave and dedicated enough to keep going should be celebrated! Without their passion, we wouldn’t have this much beauty in the world. <3

    Reply
  4. jennadesigns says:
    March 6, 2017 at 10:27 am

    Beautiful post! Everything you wrote is so very true. I was first a journalist and spent my early adulthood telling stories with words and pictures. I have carried the love of writing and photography with me for decades now. Someday, I would like to tell my story in a memoir because I believe my experiences have the power to help someone else. Recently, I read a beautiful memoir titled “Excavation” by Wendy Ortiz (if you’re looking for a book suggestion). My story is similar to hers though I question if I could tell it with as much beauty as she told hers. I had a career change at 30 and became a labor and delivery nurse, so I have the experience every day I work of being able to help women go through some of the most amazing moments of their lives. It’s incredibly rewarding and I’m honored to be a part of their experience. But, it’s not very creative and that is why I’ve blogged for the last nine years – my creative outlet for my words, my photos. I think life is all about balance and I finally feel like I’m in a place where I’ve achieved that.

    Reply
  5. Rachel Ritlop says:
    March 6, 2017 at 4:36 pm

    love this! there have been so many books and movies that have helped me through tough times. 10 things i hate about you and garden state are probably two of the earliest that impacted me in a significant way. today i found like everything i watch or read has a lesson in it

    Reply
  6. Alix Maza says:
    March 6, 2017 at 6:49 pm

    Love this! I know there were some books/movies that helped me, but I can’t think of them now lol.

    Alix | http://www.apintsizedlifeblog.com

    Reply
  7. Robin says:
    March 6, 2017 at 7:14 pm

    This post is SO on point. For years, I made myself feel bad for wanting a career in the arts that felt selfish because it’s all about expressing yourSELF, rather than using my strong empathy and morality in a job that helps people in a more direct way. Then I realized that I can use my empathy to tell my stories and connect with other people so they can share theirs – and isn’t helping people to share their stories and feel connected to others when they’re going through a hard time exactly what a therapist does? And you’re right – it’s not a coincidence that we each feel that music or books or other forms of art have helped us through a hard time. It’s because it’s important! Btw – if you haven’t already, read Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. It talks about this topic in such an amazing way. <3

    Reply
  8. Willow Moon says:
    March 7, 2017 at 10:39 am

    Great post! I think that whatever makes you happy is going to radiate outwards and help others, no matter what career it is. I left a teaching career to pursue my passions. Feeling fulfilled in what I am doing makes me want to work harder.

    Reply
  9. Michelle Padmore says:
    March 7, 2017 at 10:54 am

    Very inspirational post. So many of us were told to pick a “practical” career because we couldn’t possibly support ourselves doing the creative things we love. It’s really comes down to doing what you’re passionate about. Opportunities will come from whatever that passion is. They will manifest. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

    Reply
  10. A Pageant Mommy says:
    March 7, 2017 at 11:04 am

    What do you say when you have no words, your post, both inspirational and true, left me speachless. I write my blog, because I have a passion, but daily I work (not as a doctor) and it too brings me joy. Today, a friend of mine share my latest post and in the share it simply stated “This is my WHY my daughter competes in pageants. Thanks for putting this into words, Roberta. It can be so hard to explain at times. <3" – They need our words, our story, we do change lives, even if it's not by "saving" their life, our words matter. Thank You for this amazing post!

    Reply
  11. Meghan says:
    March 7, 2017 at 11:36 am

    Have you heard The Call by Matt Kennon? I know that song has saved lives as well. Kutless’ What Faith Can Do got me through my junior and senior years of high school.

    Reply
  12. Kristin Eckhardt O'Ferrall says:
    March 7, 2017 at 11:36 am

    I am glad that you are following your heart. Writing can be so powerful. You are correct that words ALSO have healing power. I just posted something on my blog about inspiring movies: https://brightlightliving.com/2017/03/06/movies-and-scenes-that-inspire/. These are some that have lifted me up and encouraged me. And of course, there is my ultimate favorite book, To Kill a Mockingbird, which shaped my beliefs as a child.

    Reply
  13. Jenn Wang says:
    March 7, 2017 at 3:18 pm

    What a great, inspirational post! Love your take on the power of creativity and reiterating that the arts are IMPORTANT! Keep writing! ❤️

    Jenn
    http://www.honeydewblog.com

    Reply
  14. Malissa @ QuotationRe:Marks says:
    March 7, 2017 at 10:01 pm

    This is a really wonderful post! and very important for creatives to keep in mind. thank you so much for sharing this.

    Reply
  15. Corsica Nambiar says:
    March 8, 2017 at 8:44 am

    People need to hear this!!!!!! There are so many ways to influence people. I can’t pinpoint a really significant time for me but whenever I listen to music it influences my mood in so many ways!

    kissesfromcarolina.com

    Reply
  16. All About Zoe's says:
    March 9, 2017 at 7:35 am

    Love this post. I started my blog to help find my creativity again. I’m also wanting to stop being on technology so much and get back into drawing

    Reply
  17. Summer @ Coffee With Summer says:
    March 14, 2017 at 10:19 am

    Beautiful, beautiful post. Love this so much, Crystal. For me, dancing has been a huge creative outlet for me my entire life. I feel free when I dance. It’s unlike anything else.

    Reply
  18. Devon Bernthal says:
    March 14, 2017 at 6:21 pm

    Creativity is so important! That’s one thing my mom taught me and I teach my own kids!

    Reply

Share Your Thoughts! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

hi!

I'm Crystal, the storyteller behind Dreams, etc. I'm all about learning how to live slowly & sustainably, while also seeking adventure as we follow our dreams, etc.

If only we always remembered to be in touch with o If only we always remembered to be in touch with our loved ones regularly; to tell them that we love them.

This thought has been on my mind the last few weeks as I’ve been in touch with one of my best friends almost daily. They’ve been navigating a scary situation.

But that’s what everyone says, isn’t it? Reach out to those you love. Tell them you love them. Don’t let a lot of time pass.

We all know that. We think about it sometimes. We hear about it when others are in crisis. We’re thankful that we aren’t the ones in crisis and we can remember this lesson through someone else.

But eventually we get caught up in life. Our daily “I love you’s” are reserved for those we live with and sometimes we forget to text someone back… or it takes a few days to do so.

This week as I wondered why we don’t remember this more often I realized it’s probably a good thing. It’s a good thing that we can live life without worrying that tragedy is right around the corner. That would be an exhausting way to live.

It’s also good that we can get little reminders, sometimes not from our own life. So from someone who spent one week numb, another week weepy, and this week sad, remember to send your friends a text. Tell them you love them.
I took these in early January when the snow still I took these in early January when the snow still felt a bit magical, but right now I’m just ready to walk barefoot in grass.

When I was younger I used to imagine what it would be like if we got so much snow that it would be piled high above our doors. I wondered if we’d be able to create tunnels in the snow to move around in.

And this year might just be the year we find out. I’m kidding, of course, but at this point I feel like we’ve been buried in snow. We’re even on track to beat some snow records I think (the amount of snow and the number of consecutive days with snow on the ground.

So. What’s the weather like where you are?
February was here and gone in the blink of an eye February was here and gone in the blink of an eye but contained moments I’ll carry with me forever.
When it’s almost halfway through February and yo When it’s almost halfway through February and you still haven’t posted January’s recap. January was filled with lots of family time. 💙
Hello, friends! 👋🏼 Swipe through for a few g Hello, friends! 👋🏼 Swipe through for a few glimpses from January. As 2022 came to an end I had this feeling that I was preparing to hibernate and I guess, in a way, I have. I’ve been slowly easing into the new year, focused on getting back into a few routines after Iceland and the holidays. And it’s been a great month. I can’t believe it’s almost over. What have your favorite moments of January been?
2022. Looking back on this year it was the year of 2022. Looking back on this year it was the year of so many dreams experiences. Whales. Cape Cod/Nantucket. Iceland. I saw musicals that have I’ve been dreaming of with Moulin Rouge, Wicked, and Six. 

It wasn’t without its stresses and rough moments but I’m grateful for the good that can be found, even when it’s hard.
Let’s journey back to November for the second we Let’s journey back to November for the second weekly dam walk of the month. My dad joined me for this one and we made it somewhat fast because it was a chilly day. “The water looks cold,” I said when we back to the car.

Between Iceland and the below zero, windy, and snowy weather we had last week (which came with requests from my parents not to go) it’s been a few weeks since I’ve been to the dam and I miss it!
Years ago I celebrated Christmas and New Years in Years ago I celebrated Christmas and New Years in Vienna and it still lives in my memory today as such a special time. I know December in Reykjavik will be the same—and not just because I came home with a little over $100 worth of ornaments of all 13 Yule Lads AND their mom AND the Christmas cat. (There was a little bit of miscommunication between my mom and me on that shopping trip. 😂)

It might have been cold (and when that wind hits you don’t want to be outside or by the harbour…I speak from windswept, breath-stolen experience and will forever be grateful for the library we eventually found respite in) and we only saw the sun a few hours each day, but seeing this already charming city decked out in Christmas lights with a skating rink and the prettiest tree secured it’s place in my heart.

Reykjavik, I hope to see you again one day. Soon. Probably not in December, but I’m glad I got to see you in December once.
Last year my niece and I visited New York at Chris Last year my niece and I visited New York at Christmastime and it was fun to see the city decked out in lights. I can also now say that I’ve seen the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and skating rink and the Saks Christmas lights, but I’ve also seen the crowds they draw.

It was completely different in Reykjavik this year. You actually had a chance to skate on the ice rink if you wanted (and I never did the conversation, but I think it’s cheaper) and you could actually walk up to the Christmas tree. Two very different Christmas in the city experiences.
See More Follow on Instagram

RECENT POSTS

  • Saying Goodbye to Crystal the Writer
  • The Day the Sorcerers Visited Baby Jesus
  • Thoughts on Hope
  • Christmas Playlist // 2022
  • Life Under Construction

CATEGORIES

  • Adventures (52)
  • Beauty (16)
  • Books (147)
  • Creativity (57)
  • Entertainment (18)
  • Life (224)
  • Uncategorized (539)
  • Wellness (8)

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

Follow
  • Book Review Policy
  • BOOKS
  • Contact
  • DISCLOSURES
  • Insta Links
  • Seint Links
  • THE DREAMER
Copyright © 2023 | All Rights Reserved | © 2023. All text and photos belong to Crystal Brutlag, unless otherwise stated. Theme designed by Little Theme Shop: https://littlethemeshop.com

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.

Dreams, etc. // Minneapolis Lifestyle Blog
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.