Creativity is ‘the use of imagination or original ideas to create something’. Our creativity is that part of each and every one of us that is unique and special. We all have gifts and talents. Developing them is one of the greatest things we can do for ourselves and others. To create is to bring something into existence. It is about making something that was not previously there – in our mind or in our life. It could involve connecting people, solving a problem, doing a painting or work of art, or making or imagining anything new.

Creativity has a big part to play in our wellbeing as it makes us feel alive, engaged and connected. We cannot feel creative and negative at the same time. Enthusiasm for life and living is always flavored with a good measure of creativity. Everyone has it. In my work, I often find that some of the most creative people feel they aren’t creative because they do not write, paint, sculpt or sing. But creativity is something that is in all of us and it can be related to the arts or any area of life and living. It is about how we connect the dots. Children use it so well. They explore everything in front of them. They have no limits and no barriers.

As Steve Jobs says: ‘Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while. That’s because they could connect experiences they’ve had and synthesize new things’.

Entrepreneurs are known to be innovative and creative. In a way, we are all entrepreneurs in our own lives. An Entrepreneur is someone who organises a venture to benefit from an opportunity in the world. Daily we all make decisions to make the best of new opportunities and challenges that show up. Creativity is at the heart and soul of any person or business. It is our essence. Ultimately if we keep doing the same thing over and over, we will not just get the same result but we will eventually get less. Business that doesn’t innovate closes over time. Similar results apply to individuals and life. People that are not creatively engaged lose their appetite for life and living. A life without creativity goes stale and flat. Relationships without creativity become boring and mundane.

When our creativity is flourishing, it helps us thrive. It gets us out of bed in the morning. It is what differentiates us from others and it is the uniqueness we celebrate in others most. It is what makes us excited to be alive. Creativity takes courage as it often means going somewhere someone else hasn’t gone. Failure is part of the journey of deep creativity. It involves being fully present to connect the dots without limitations and walls. Creativity keeps you young, present and engaged in life. A quote I love: “There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.” Sophia Loren.

To connect the dots of your unique creativity, be present and open minded – without limits and blocks. Creativity comes from deep inside us and it comes out when we are fully connected to ourselves. Your ego will block creativity. Being attached to your greatness or any notion of yourself kills creativity. Boredom, darkness and frustration often come before a period of powerful creativity. Creativity is key to wellbeing. Being creative on a daily basis brings joy, excitement, vitality and a feeling of being alive.

If you are suffering from low mood or struggling to be happy, or you want to grow yourself and make more of your life, or simply want to boost your wellbeing and aliveness, explore and expand your creativity. Meditation greatly boosts creative capacity. When you fully engage in something, and connect the dots according to your own life experience and imagination something new, special and almost sacred unfolds to benefit you and everyone around you. For entrepreneurs, creativity can be a new or an improved business idea leading to the next big thing or better profits. For others it is a solution to your biggest problem or a reason to get out of bed in the morning – to feel excited and alive for the next chapter in the amazing book of your life.