Awakening the Forgotten You: A Journey to Rediscover Your Creative Spark
Written By: Jennifer Metz
The Spark We Lost Along the Way
When we are growing up, we are readily and easily able to find creative joy in our every day. Our interests are abundant, and connecting to our passion and excitement in the interactions we engage in seems to come naturally. As we grow older, though, our lives often become filled with tasks and responsibilities that we do more out of necessity than desire. It’s easy to get caught up in doing things because we feel we have to, rather than because we genuinely want to. Over time, we find it easy to lose touch of what once ignited our creativity. We begin to lose sight of what brought us a spark of joy as a child, and are focused and bogged down by the pressures of the present and future.
As we move through the complexities of life, with each chapter and year bringing both ups and downs, it’s easy to lose sight of our true, authentic selves. The noise of responsibility and external pressures can drown out our inner voice, and over time, our passion and true desires can fade into the background. It’s important to remember, though, that our once creative voice is still in there. We can, and should, connect with ourselves, and carefully examine the lifestyle we engage in, and consider where we can enhance ourselves through reconnection. I believe that there is so much potential in gaining the realization that your time is valuable, your voice deserves to be heard, and that your life should have joy. As our personal lives ebb and flow with changing seasons, children growing up, jobs changing, loved ones passing, and more, it can be hard to remember ourselves, and even more than that, to take time for ourselves to cultivate our creative spark.
You might be wondering what a creative spark is. Your creative spark is your own unique flare that lights you up and pushes you to create. It’s the thing that makes you feel alive, whether it’s through exercising, painting, writing, dancing, problem-solving, playing an instrument or any form of expression that resonates with your soul. It’s the part of you that comes alive when you do something you truly love, without concern of perfection or judgment. Your creative spark is the force that encourages you to explore, experiment, and express yourself authentically, helping you feel connected to your deeper passions and sense of purpose. I like to think of us all as lifelong learners. There’s always something to explore, a new lesson to embrace, and ways to expand our minds and hearts. It’s this never-ending journey of learning that keeps life exciting and full of possibilities.
Reviving What You Love
Rediscovering a creative part of yourself that you thought you had lost can be a truly transformative experience. Your creative spark isn’t lost, it’s still within you, waiting to be rediscovered and nurtured once again. An example of this would be as a teenager and young adult, I found immense joy in sketching and painting with watercolors. It was a creative outlet that I found to be really enjoyable. However, as life progressed, I gradually let go of this passion, allowing other responsibilities to take precedence. It wasn’t until recent years that I decided to reconnect with painting. When I dedicate time to watercolor painting, time seems to slip away unnoticed. For me, that’s what it feels like to rediscover your creative spark.
Think back to when you were younger and try to recall the things that once excited you. Think about the activities that made you lose track of time and filled you with joy. Take a few moments to reflect on those memories and pay attention to the feelings that arise. Now, what’s standing in the way of reigniting one of your creative passions? What’s holding you back from reconnecting with something that once brought you so much fulfillment?
Simple Steps to Rekindle Your Creativity
If you want to rekindle your creative self, start small and begin by simply being kind to yourself, and giving yourself permission to explore. You don’t have to jump in with both feet. Start by carving out small moments in your day to try something you once enjoyed. Pick up that old sketchbook or journal, even if it’s been collecting dust. You don’t have to create a masterpiece—just let yourself get back into the habit of doing something for pure enjoyment. Sometimes, the things we once loved may not resonate with us in the same way anymore, and that’s perfectly okay. This is a time to experiment and explore new creative outlets.
It’s easy to be critical of ourselves, especially when we haven’t practiced something in a while or are beginning for the first time. But remember, the purpose here is to reconnect, not to be perfect. There is freedom and peace that comes with trusting the process, and allowing yourself to take one step forward, not knowing exactly where it may lead. Allow yourself to enjoy the process, without focusing on the end result.
Books to Spark Your Creativity
As an avid reader, I’m always eager to share books that have resonated with me, especially when they have the power to inspire others. When it comes to creativity and rediscovering that spark within, two books immediately come to mind. Each of these offers unique wisdom and practical advice on reconnecting with your creative self, overcoming obstacles, and embracing the joy of creating. They’re not just great reads—they’re transformative guides for anyone looking to nurture their creative side. The first book is The Artist’s Way https://amzn.to/41jAf3N by Julia Cameron-it’s a great book that can really help you tap into your creativity. Another fantastic choice if you’re looking for a book that will inspire you to live boldly and creatively is Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert https://amzn.to/42Q0m3h which is a must-read. It’s filled with powerful insights and encouragement to help you embrace your creativity without fear or hesitation. It’s the perfect nudge to get you started on your creative journey.
Your Spark Is Waiting
The truth is, life is a journey of rediscovery. As we age, we often forget that we’re allowed to change and grow in ways that still keep our hearts open to the things that make us feel alive. Finding our creative spark again isn’t about going back to who we were—it’s about reconnecting with the parts of us that have always been there, just waiting to be remembered. It’s about giving yourself permission to prioritize your own happiness, without feeling guilty. Whether it’s creating art, journaling your thoughts, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these moments matter. They nurture our well-being, they reignite our sense of self, and they remind us of the beauty of simply being. You’re never too old to find your spark. It’s always been there, waiting for you to reclaim it.
Jennifer M. is the Executive Director of a nonprofit organization, where she combines her leadership expertise with a deep commitment to mindful living and community well-being. Mindfulness, meditation, and intentional living are not just practices for her, they are core principles that guide her as a certified Transformation Life Coach and Meditation Practitioner. As co-host of the Heart of Mindful Living podcast and co-manager of the Heart of Mindful Living website, Jennifer shares insights on mindfulness, self-discovery, and building a more peaceful world. A lover of nature, animals, and plants, she thrives on personal growth and cultivating meaningful connections. When she’s not working, Jennifer can be found spending quality time with her family, immersed in a great book, painting, or enjoying music—particularly from the ’70s, as she’s yet to encounter a classic tune she doesn’t adore.
