Have you ever stopped to think about what it takes to be a creative thinker? Admittedly it’s not something I’ve thought too in-depth about. I had my own definition in my mind of the types of people that were creative thinkers before I took a course in the Spring of 2021 aptly called, Development of Creative Thinking (EDPS 611).
My husband is one of the most creative people I know. However, it’s only been recently that I’ve considered his method and creations as “creative.” For most of our 23 years of marriage, I would have said I was the creative one (even though I’ve struggled to call myself that at times) since I studied graphic design in college and later taught myself photography. My view of creativity involved color, art, storytelling! However, my definition of creativity has been changing (thankfully) and the Development of Creative Thinking class helped push me to be more creative in my views and definitions of creativity.
When I read about Maslow’s 15 Characteristics of Self-Actualized People (here’s a good overview of some of them in real-people speak) I immediately thought of my husband who until this class I wouldn’t have termed “creative” because I was thinking about it in the world of the arts. Once my eyes were opened to his creativity, it’s a wonder I hadn’t seen it before. Of course, I would have said he’s a problem-solver, a fixer, he has lots of “ideas”. But I was missing seeing him as a creative thinker, and that’s exactly what he is. I’m thankful I had the opportunity to do my creative person project about him because it was like putting the missing pieces of a puzzle together and watching it all click into place. I have a great appreciation for my husband, but seeing his mind through the lens of a creative thinker helped me understand his sometimes zany ideas better.
If you’re interested in learning more about my husband’s awesomely creative mind, see the little presentation I put together below.
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