Now that you are aware of the symptoms of the condition called Chronic Creativity, I am confident that you can properly diagnose yourself as either having it or not. If you don't have it, perhaps my little pointers along the way have helped you some.
If you do have it, learn to accept yourself. Learn to accept the fact that you were not created to be normal. It's OK to be different, to think different. The world that we live in can be so complacent at times. In fact, it can be downright dull. Use your creativity to create a little bit of excitement around you. My mom always said that no matter where I have gone in life, I have left my mark. Leave your mark. Why be status quo?
Creativity is the partner of change and change can create a revolution! But you don't have to go far to create a revolution! Me? I live in a boring Midwestern village of approximately 10,000. But I am doing everything that I can to create change within the village that I am living in.
I have discovered that a recording studio in my village recorded famous African American blues artists in the 1920's and 30's. Hardly anybody knows about it in this region. So I have opened my big mouth, written letters and questioned authorities. I have been on my own little crusade of making sure that this legacy is not forgotten. I have applied my Chronic Creativity and have developed big dreams. I want to see change in my community. Soon I will be holding concerts, workshops, and educating others on the rich musical history of Grafton, WI.
Despite all of that, I teach music, give private lessons, compose, write, go to school full-time, and dream big dreams. My mind is always going. I hope to see all of my dreams to come true. And in the meantime, I live life in an improvisational manner. I make it up as I go along. I guess that's part of my CC coming out.
Finally, get in a CC support group. Surround yourself with others who are infected with the condition. You will find it highly stimulating and fruitful. And hopefully you will discover that you are not alone in your struggles to view life from a different perspective.
Be inspired. Serve others with your creativity. Use it to make this world a better place… somehow... no matter how small it may seem. Love yourself and don't ever quit despite the trials that may come your way. •
Endless supply of
INSPIRATION
springing forth
out of your spirit!
Bubbling brook
of creativity,
unhindered by the
cares of this world.
Continuously flow
REGARDLESS of
the rocks that get
in your way.
Break through the dams
that declare,
"Your journey ends here."
(And shall I remind you
that a storm
is really your friend?)
Laughing river,
joyous song,
journey forward,
never ceasing.
Your internal compass
shall always guide you
to the lowest parts of the earth.
This excerpt is from Chronic Creativity: A Diagnostic Look at the Condition and How to Become Infected ©2001 Angela K. Mack. All rights reserved.
Angie Mack Reilly is a musical director, performing artist, blues educator and writer who has a wealth of experience and connections in the arts and entertainment industry. More