Are you an artist?
That was a trick question. Of course you are.
Your life is your art.
I don’t care if you can’t dance, sing off-key, or can barely draw a stick figure. The way you move through the world, the people you help, the inspiration you offer others- that is art in its highest expression.
Now that we’ve established that, another question:
Are you respecting your art?
In the nonprofit sector, I have met and worked with some amazingly creative and inspired people. Folks like my dear friend Michael (rest his soul), who looked at a dilapidated neighborhood park and saw the future canvas for vibrant community activation.
Pastor Mike, who I sang with in our high school choir, whose faith and vision for freedom and justice spark inspiration across the country, unifying people through love and solidarity.
Dr. Jenn, who stepped away from a traditional path as a therapist to found a movement of fierce, independent healers grounded in ancestral wisdom.
I could go on.
Art is unpredictable. Nonlinear. It requires patience in a world built around instant gratification.
The passion, rhythm, and energy of dynamic leaders shape the fabric of our experiences in the world. If we could display their work in museums, the power of it would take your breath away and bring tears to your eyes.
They see things before others can. It takes courage to share your vision. To walk through a door first, leading and carrying responsibility for others.
When leaders are in flow, they are unstoppable. And yet, they are still human. They require rest, care, and the discipline to respect their art.
That means slowing down.
Consciously retreating.
Finding respite.
Learning this requires us to unlearn so much.
Creativity can go silent when we are exhausted. We have to get quiet enough to hear its whispers return.
How does your art currently show up in the world?
What might become possible if you made room for your art to grow?
