Lately, I’ve found myself navigating a heavy fog of emotions—grief, frustration, and, at times, helplessness. If you’re reading this, you might feel it too. The political landscape has shifted dramatically, leaving many of us searching for ways to process the uncertainty, to ground ourselves, and to find the next right action amidst it all.
For me, the answer lies in creativity. Not as an escape, but as a way to turn inward, to reflect, and to recalibrate. Creativity offers a space to sit with our emotions, to make sense of them, and to begin crafting a clearer perspective. In times like these, it feels like both a safe harbour and trusted friend.
Giving Myself Permission to Create
One thing I’ve had to learn is the importance of giving myself permission to create without judgement. There’s so much pressure to produce something new, something ground-breaking, but creativity doesn’t always have to look like innovation. Sometimes, it’s simply showing up for ourselves, messy and raw.
This idea of "radical permission" has been transformative for me. It’s about allowing ourselves to create in ways that feel natural and true, even if they don’t fit societal expectations. Some days, that might mean scribbling my frustrations in a notebook. Other days, it’s piecing together a collage from scraps of paper. The process itself is what matters—not the outcome.
From Overwhelm to Action
When the world feels overwhelming, I turn to creativity as a way to break through the paralysis. It’s not about fixing everything all at once but starting small. A doodle, playing with paint, creating a recipe —these simple acts of making can untangle the knot of emotions and spark clarity.
I also borrow from design thinking, a creative process that values empathy and iteration. It reminds me that creativity is about trying, failing, learning, and trying again. What feels like a small or imperfect attempt often reveals the next step forward.
Shifting Focus: From Novelty to Meaning
The world today demands constant novelty—be original, be different, stand out. But I’ve learned to shift my focus from creating something "new" to creating something meaningful. What resonates most deeply isn’t always ground-breaking; it’s honest and authentic.
I ask myself: “What do I need to express right now?” This practice grounds me. It turns creativity into a conversation with myself, one that feels far more sustainable than chasing endless originality. If there is no answer to the question I simply start to play with the materials in front of me and let the flow happen with no view to the end.
Practical Ways to Use Creativity for Clarity
If you’re wondering how creativity might help you during these times, here are a few ways that have worked for me:
· Write Freely: Let your pen flow. Don’t filter your thoughts—just see where they take you.
· Create a Visual Story: Draw or collage your feelings, hopes, or ideas. Seeing them on paper can make them feel less tangled.
· Connect Through Art: Share your creative process with others you trust and respect —friends, online communities, those who might find comfort or solidarity in what you’re making.
Finding the Next Right Action
What I’ve realised through all of this is that creativity isn’t just a tool for introspection; it’s a bridge to action. By creating, we begin to see the threads we can pull on, the steps we can take to make change, however small.
So, I encourage you—take a moment today to create something. It doesn’t have to be beautiful or profound. It just has to be yours. In doing so, you might just find your own compass, pointing you towards the next right action.
We’re all navigating this together. Let’s create our way through it.