Category: Creativity

Lately I have been quite concerned about the interactions of people on social media. I have watched a few different scenarios play out and I have been so ashamed of what people do in the name of creativity, purpose and self promotion.

I am currently working on a creative workshop which is called ‘Influencing Culture Creatively; the good, the bad and the ugly’

The ugly I am referring to is self promotion. Seeking others approval to validate and affirm ones own creative endeavours.

Unfortunately from a cycle of addiction point of view, our seeking of approval from a social media platform is reinforced daily by the culture it has created.

Even the language reinforces our desire for approval.

Someone likes your photo on instagram, someone likes your status on facebook, someone follows you on pinterest, someone becomes your friend at the click of a button and then defriends you as easily.

How much of your self worth do you gain from your social media interaction?

Do you believe your creative pursuits are validated by the amount of times you are liked?

I have been thinking about this all morning and I believe the best way to kill our creativity is to seek approval from others about its worth.

Johannes Kepler said ‘I much prefer the sharpest criticism of a single intelligent man to the thoughtless approval of the masses.’

This is true.

A deep, frank, honest conversation from someone who is safe and trustworthy is much more beneficial to our creative space, than a quick thoughtless like from hundreds of people.

Please don’t allow the quick consumeristic flattery of a social media platform to create an addictive cycle of approval of others.

Friendship and deep connection from a small circle of people who are for us, define our character and bring a depth of creativity that is revolutionary.

Seeking approval for our creativity is a one way street to isolation and disappointment.

Set your imagination free.

Speak soon

Amanda

Critics may call me idealistic but just as Arundhati Roy says I believe that another world is possible.

A world where people are treated equally, a world where women don’t compete with each other and tear each other down. A world that allows a child to be just that, yet transitions them into adulthood with clarity and purpose.

I do believe that a better day is present and available, but it is mostly inhibited by the way we think.

Our thoughts and our imagination not only shape our own destinies but those around us.

Have you ever been awakened to the reality that the reason those closest to you mimic your thoughts, is because your perspective is powerful.

Racism continues to thrive because we allow it to take root in our minds and conversations.

Judgementalism causes decay because in some little ways we think we are more worthy than another for our little piece of the pie.

Our minds and the positions we hold strongly in them about others, causes so much more than stagnation in our everyday.

We pass it on to those closest to us.

Our children are a product of our thoughts.

Are you seeing self deprecation and self loathing in your child?

Its very possible it was birthed from you.

Are you seeing pride and envy, jealousy and strife brewing in those closest? then it is very likely that your mind is battling with the very same thing.

The way we treat others in the private space, is the way our children learn to treat others also.

In my imagination though, I see a better day. I see a bright and beautiful day, I see a generation of people rising up who are not consumed with themselves, but with others.

Where their innovation and their creativity is used to better our society rather than their own facebook profile.

I see a better day.

I imagine it often.

How about you?

A