We are all special in this world. We have unique fingerprints, and each has our voice to make or create whatever we can dream up.

I like to write, but I had a teacher after teacher (and family members) dissuade me from becoming an author. Why? People told me that it didn’t pay a lot of money.

Still, I love to write, and I decided to keep writing (though I did have a big slump from my mid-20s up through my 30s). I wrote short stories, articles, essays, but I had given up on writing other books because I couldn’t figure out how to get the book published.

Then the Kindle arrived, and indie publishing exploded. That allowed me to use my creativity and dream up new worlds.

What do you want to do? How can you be original?

Are you an artist, a singer, write music, recycle plastic bottles into unique art installations?

For a long time, I let other people’s opinions keep me in check. You don’t have to do that. You can be original.

Like to write? Create a blog. Enjoy talking? Start a podcast.

If you need help with writing, there are many free author tools to help you (i.e., Scrivener, Google suite, Pocket, and Calibre).

And if inspiration is something that you need, I recommend that you watch Amanda Palmer’s TED talk on the Art of Asking.

When I feel down, and people are trying to hold me back, I find the best medicine is to focus on the positive. Watching Amanda Palmer’s video gave me a lot of inspiration and impressed me with her creativity and boldness.

And if you are still looking for some help on how to be original, then be sure to pick up Adam Grant’s book Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World. We have so many opportunities to learn and to experiment with our creativity these days that there is plenty of room for us to explore and embrace art.

When I felt down and trapped as a kid, I created things. I wrote up stories, made up new worlds, and dreamed big.

Often as adults, we forget that we used to have that power. Find what used to make you happy as a kid and follow your passion.

I hope you enjoy the road ahead and embrace your creative side.

Like what you’ve read? Be sure to check out my other posts in my Let Go and Be Free blog.