THE ART OF NOT CHOOSING

There is something
I am discovering about creativity.

We are told to choose,
to find our place,
to stay in our lane
if we want to be good at something.

But perhaps the secret
is not choosing at all.

Creativity comes from within,
and flows most freely
when we stop looking
for approval.

The words we write,
the colors we paint,
the stitches we knit,
the notes we pluck,
each one opens a door
to opportunity.

One small act of making
gives way to another,
each quietly feeding the next,
as we learn and grow
and create something new.

So arrange the flowers.
Dance to the music.
Pick up a paintbrush
and see where it takes you.

There is no need to choose.

For creativity is not
a straight and narrow road,
but one big, beautiful painting
of possibility.

Inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert’s reflections on creativity and the way it belongs to all of us. In an interview, she describes cultures where everyone sings, dances, and makes art—not because they are particularly good at it, but simply because it is part of being human. Her words stayed with me and inspired this poem.

Elizabeth Gilbert — Five Ways to Find Your Inner Rock Star