to be creative is to feel.

the world tells us that we are too sensitive; as if the gift of emotion is a burden.

they fear what they do not understand.

they have kept us running from the only thing that

deeply connects us with ourselves. with others.

creativity, when done well, is reuniting with the part of us that was stolen.

the part of us that felt safe

to collaborate.

to empathize.

to play.

to do.

all things that require us to feel something.

emotions are messages that help us navigate this life.

your voice of judgment convinces you to dismiss them.

it is the deepest act of abandoning yourself.

reclaiming what it means to feel is not a linear process.

you can’t rid of your judgment, but you can choose not to listen.

you can still build a fort in your living room.

you can try that new thing and absolutely suck.

you can ask the questions you’ve been avoiding your entire life.

even when the judgment is pervasive:

do it scared.

create with your heart.

fail greatly — until it doesn’t hurt anymore.

By: Amber Peskin

Year: Senior

Major: Social Work and Entrepreneurship

Hometown: Cincinnati, OH (West Side!!)

Keywords: Empathy, Connection, Reclaiming Creativity

Fun Fact: I’ve been a nursing assistant since I was 17