Thoughts on creative play.
Why kids aren't afraid to sing silly words and make up worlds in their heads. How does this connect to entrepreneurship?
I do this challenge every January: I try to write a song every day. I never succeed at the challenge (if you consider success actually writing a song every day). But something shifts in my approach to creativity. I stop worrying so much about the end product and focus more on just showing up…playing…, and failing.
This year, my girls seemed hyper-aware of my songwriting activity. They started writing songs, too and regularly showed me the songs they were writing.
Last night, at dinner, Hattie (5) and Demi (7) took turns making up melodies and lyrics. Hattie’s song had something to do with “getting beauty sleep” and being “fed bacon.” It sounded amazing tbh. A full night’s sleep and being woken up by bacon? Sign me up.
Demi’s song had a super clear melody with rhythm and a little slant rhyme (“I never wanted; to catch a bunny; out of mind”). I grabbed her and jumped over to the piano so we could pick out some chords and record it so we wouldn’t forget it.
This morning, all of the kids woke up singing “Demi’s Song.”
Play —> Creative Affirmation —> Solid Artifact
I’ve shared this process with the music teachers I work with, and I’ve thought a lot about it ever since watching Sir Ken Robinson’s TED Talk on creativity. As children, we are unafraid and unashamed of creative ideas. So, what happens when we become grownups who judge every idea that comes out of our brains?
I can’t count the number of times I’ve had one of my high school or college students tell me, “I’m not creative,” or I’ve worked with music teachers who are terrified to do anything creative with students.
A couple of weeks ago, I had the chance to give a talk on entrepreneurship at Creative Mornings PHL. In preparing for the talk, I realized that I am a hypocrite. You see, it’s so easy for me to champion creativity and affirm others’ ideas. “Write the song!” “Write the book!” “Try a new hobby!” But, I still question myself in so many areas.
Can I actually make this idea work? Will it ever be sustainable?
I think this is interesting, but does anyone else? Should I even share this?
Why am I working so hard to put things in the world? Does anyone even care what I have to say? Does anyone even want to hear or read the things I make?
Singing the bunny song with my girls was a good reminder that when I judge myself too harshly or question all of my ideas, it’s time to walk away and play. I should give myself time to get back to the curiosity that sparked the thing in the first place and let that guide me.
And if you’re reading this and thinking, “I’m not that creative,” I hope you make something today and prove yourself wrong.
Inspiration
The Great Creators podcast is on repeat in my house. I think Guy Raz is a fantastic host, and the musician episodes are my favorite. I especially liked listening to how Ryan Tedder approaches changing trends without compromising his creative integrity.
Brandon and I have been going to the Moth religiously for the past year and a half. It’s been a game changer for thinking about storytelling and public speaking. Regular host, R. Eric Thomas, is a storytelling genius and his book has been one of my favorite reads this year.
Creative
I have a goal of releasing two EPs this year. The first one is a cover album (I’ve never released covers before!) performed entirely on the organ. I’ve nailed down the songs, and the arrangements, and now it’s time to record. More on that process in a future newsletter!
The proof for my children’s book came in this week, and I love it so much. The illustrations are even more special in print. It’s brought me a lot of excitement and also the doubt voices (Will anyone even buy this book?!!!) that I know my authors struggle with, too. Time to go play.
Thanks for subscribing and reading. I hope your week is full of saying yes to the things that bring you joy,
Connect with my work elsewhere:
🎧 listen to my podcast with Kimberly McGlonn
📚 visit my fair-pay publishing company, F-flat Books
🎤 get songwriting support through Songwriting for M.E.