Creative Outlets for Pure Joy
Image by bridgesward on Pixabay
Rita Mock-Pike
Creativity is my day job. I mean that seriously – I earn my living by creating content in various forms. Editor, writer, photographer, and much more – and it’s all about putting food on the table and keeping a roof over our heads.
Unfortunately, that means I tend to get burnt out on writing a lot more than I used to. In days past (i.e. before I was a full-time writer), I could knock off work and sit at the desk and spend my evenings happily pounding away at the keyboard, writing my next novel or short story. Now, this is what I do all day long, Monday to Friday, plus often on weekends for the MockingOwl Roost and my personal projects.
I’m also a director, singer, composer, and actor – and those are all a part of my daily income as well. I’ve monetized my creativity to the point that I no longer have hobbies. Even reading (as a book reviewer), running, and gardening have become a part of my “work.”
Well, that is until I journeyed through the question last year: what can I love that won’t ever pay my bills?
I’m creative, so, of course, most of the things I love involve creativity. But I couldn’t find anything I was “okay” to “good” at that wasn’t something that would then be monetized. I mean, my main hobby was “walking the neighborhood.” Nothing wrong with that, but it’s a little limited in the creativity department.
I’ve been searching for four years (since I became a full-time creative) for outlets that cannot be monetized. Something I would enjoy doing – something I would be good enough at that I’d relish doing it, but something I would never become a “master” in.
Recently, thanks to a Christmas/birthday gift from a friend, I discovered that I love painting. This is an outlet for creativity that I can fully embrace. And though I have some talent in it, I will never be a master. And that is absolutely, wonderfully delightful! I can paint to my heart’s content and know that I won’t ever have to master anything or become an expert in the field.
My encouragement to you is this: whether you’re a full-time creative, want to become one, or simply need an outlet as a creative that doesn’t become a side hustle, try and try and try things until you find something you will never have to master. Get supplies, create a studio space, and dance, write, sing, paint, create mosaics, or whatever else it is you discover you love.
Editor-in-Chief of The MockingOwl Roost, Rita Mock-Pike is the granddaughter of aviatrix, Jerrie Mock, first woman to pilot an airplane solo around the world. Rita has found inspiration from her grandmother’s life and flight and pursued many of her own dreams in theatre, podcasting, novel writing, and cooking up delicious food from around the world. She now writes on food, travel, pets, faith, and the arts. She’s happily married to Matt, and faithfully serves the very fluffy kitten queen, Lady Stardust.
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