We watched Spider-Man: Homecoming this weekend for family movie night. It was a re-watch for us, but I loved Peter Parker’s earnestness all over again. He’s hungry to help people, to be useful, to use his unique talents for good. While waiting for a possible call from Tony Stark (aka, Iron Man) he monitors his neighborhood giving directions to lost old ladies and trying to return stolen bikes. If only he could stop some real bad guys! Then he could get Tony Stark’s attention, be an Avenger, and really make a difference.
Well, of course he ends up embroiled in a nefarious plot much too big for his burgeoning super power abilities. Uh oh. In the end, he learns that to be the strongest super hero, he actually needs to be the best Peter Parker he can be, ie, the best human. Not only does he get the bad guy, he keeps his compassion while doing it (SPOILER ALERT) by not only sparing the antagonist’s life in the end, but saving it.
What in the world does this have to do with writing?
Many of us have super hero-level dreams: publication, being a best seller, celebrity book club lists, Netflix series and movie deals. We want the validation, the recognition, and, let’s be honest, a paycheck worthy of a “good deal” (or, pearls clutched, a “significant deal”) wouldn’t be so bad either.
But before we can achieve the accolades, or become a publishing Avenger, we need to focus on our unique super power first — creativity.
Peter’s super power, beyond his spidey-senses, web throwers, and ability to stick to the ceiling, is actually compassion. He cares for the people in his community and about helping them. The weight of potentially causing harm becomes hard for him to carry in those moments when he reaches high and falls short. When he remembers to think about others through the lens of his own humanity, he is able to reach his full potential.
Similarly, we need to focus on our creativity. Creativity allows us to observe the world, a moment, a feeling, and synthesize it for readers in a new way. Creativity allows us to create empathy in others and maybe change a reader’s heart, mind, or behavior.
That’s seriously powerful stuff.
Creativity is also our own best way of helping ourselves. Being creative has been proven to boost mood, forge new neural pathways keeping our brains healthy as we age, reduce stress, process trauma, and create community around a common creative pursuit.
Yet we often feel guilty or selfish for taking the time to follow creative pursuits.
Why?
I’m really asking. Why do you feel guilty or selfish for pursuing your creative interests?
I’ll wait.
Is it because it takes time away from other obligations?
Is it because it doesn’t make money and therefore is viewed by society as invaluable?
Is it because it feels (or we’ve been told it is) self-indulgent?
Something else?
To be honest, all of those things may be true. It might require you to prioritize some time for your creative pursuits that otherwise might be spent doing something else. It might never make money. It may be pleasurable for only us.
But it may also invigorate us so the time we spend with others is more engaging, provide value that isn’t monetary to us and those who encounter our creative work, or provide a passion and purpose to our days that reap benefits for our jobs and communities.
You have a story to tell. Something to say. Or at the very least, you’ve found this thing that brings you pleasure. Indulge it. Tell the story. Write the poem. Dash off a letter to a friend. Journal about the way the sun filters through the trees in every season.
Don’t let society or capitalistic expectations squash your creativity.
Be creative for the sheer pleasure of being creative.
Write. Draw. Paint. Sculpt. Dance. Sing. Make music. Craft. Color. Design. Doodle.
Bring your creativity to light and let it light your way in the world.
You have something to say. Say it. In whatever way you need.
We’re all out here waiting for you to be your full creative self. We need you. Just the way you are.
Be a super hero.
Featured photo above by Road Trip with Raj on Unsplash
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