Meaning is another of the “big topics” touched on in my book “Developing Multiple Talents.” Like passion, meaning is another central element in how we choose which of our creative abilities or talents to develop and express. Or choose not to: If it isn’t meaningful in some way to use a talent, why bother? Well, maybe if you […]
Eric Maisel
Positive Obsessions
“Sometimes creativity is a compulsion, not an ambition.” Actor Edward Norton (in Entertainment Weekly ew.com), commenting on the documentary “The Devil and Daniel Johnston” (2006) – about a manic-depressive singer. The language we use to ourselves and others about having and pursuing creative talents can have a big impact on our attitudes and motivation. For […]
Working with depression
“I was feeling so sad all the time, and I couldn’t shake it. I started burying my feelings, and it got to a point where I couldn’t even tell my family or my friends, ‘I’m twisted,’ or ‘I’m exhausted,’ or ‘I’m so angry.’” Alicia Keys added, “I became a master of putting up the wall […]
Depression and Creativity – Are They Connected?
Mood disorders often impact creative expression. About one percent of the general population suffer from manic-depression (bipolar disorder) and five percent from major depression during their lifetime. As many as a quarter of American women have a history of depression. According to an Allhealth site article, “The risk of depression among teen girls is high, […]
Dealing with depression to access our creativity
Musician Shawn Colvin explained on an episode of the Oprah show (“Depressed, Mentally Ill and Famous”), “Part of the way I’ve dealt with my depressions in the past is I’ve had the ability, if necessary, to just check out. There have been times when I’ve not shown up at work.” In a press release, Colvin […]