One of the most important things I do in my business and in my creative life is to pause. To put things at a standstill. And to look in the rearview mirror to see how far I’ve come.

Even the days when I feel I’ve accomplished nothing can be celebrated when looked at in tandem with the little steps that were taken over a span of days, weeks, and months. Little steps add up to giant leaps.

I look at the evolution of my creativity the same way. While I believe we are all born with creative souls yearning to be released, I also believe that the creativity we are born with needs to be nurtured, encouraged, and put to use in order to grow. And with that use, your creativity will evolve.

My painting is the perfect example for me. As my predominant creative outlet, I can see its constant growth. My work is ever-evolving. My style is growing to where it wants to go. As much as I might try to direct it, it has a life of its own. And when I let my creativity take its own path through my work, I see that it truthfully reflects who I am when creating it.

Some days that means it reflects joy. Some days it reflects healing. Some days it reflects a struggle. But it is always me.

One of my absolute favorite things to hear from people who see my work is that I have a style that makes them happy. The truth is, it makes me happy, too. But I also know that it will change. It will grow. It will continue evolving, as it’s done each and every time I’ve picked up the paintbrush, put pencil to paper, or eye to camera lens.

In a way, I’ve come so far. At the same time, I still have so far to go. Nurture your creativity. Encourage your creativity. Put it to use and let it evolve. You’ll be astonished with what you can create.