The Finale of Creation
“Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.” - Vincent Van Gogh, displayed on a letter board in front of a dandelion-knit blanket.
Editor’s note: This post brings the Creative Creations series full circle. Over the past weeks, I’ve explored challenges in art, writing, photography, and learning. All of them were designed to push me out of my comfort zone and stretch my creativity in different directions. Now, with this final post, I’m reflecting on how each piece fits together and how the practice of creating, no matter the form, has shaped me along the way. Also, this piece will continue to evolve as I do.
Now welcome back, curious minds and creative spirits. Today marks the last chapter in this season of Creative Creations, and it truly feels like things have come full circle. What began with sketching, grew into writing, stretched into photography, and expanded into everyday learning has led us here, to this final moment. Each challenge building on the previous challenge l until they wove together to create something bigger. These weren’t just one-off projects, they were stepping stones, each shaping the way I see creativity, consistency, and growth. But together they’ve shown me that creativity isn’t about mastering one form, it’s about showing up, experimenting, and letting yourself grow through the process.
Let’s take a look back on how the journey has unfolded:
Sketch-Tember (Art Challenge)
Pen to Page (Writing Challenge)
Photo Finish (Photography Challenge)
Everyday Epiphanies (Learning Challenge)
Together, these challenges remind me that creativity isn’t confined to one medium, it’s about the willingness to try, to learn, and to keep showing up. Here are the prompts that kept me on my toes (and sometimes scrambling to catch up).
Begin at the edge (A moment where life felt ready for a shift)
It was the middle of summer when life changed for the better. One moment I was overthinking everything, and the next, I was lying out at the beach tanning without a single care in the world. Had you known me before this, you would have thought the Earth had tilted on its axis, or something. Because before this shift, I cared. Arguably, a bit too much. While I undoubtedly loved the people in my life, I let actions or words that hurt me go unsaid for years because I didn’t know how to handle it. At times, it was as easy as letting someone know something they said bothered me. The problem was I didn’t know how to resolve it or what skill it was that needed work. After trying to improve in various ways over a long period of time, one night, I had an epiphany, an idea. This idea changed my whole perspective and mindset. I realized that I was allowed to speak up (not literally) but that I should take up space in this world. I’m allowed to address issues that make me feel uncomfortable, unheard, or whatever it may be. I don’t have to take mistreatment from anyone. I can choose to walk away at any time. And so, I felt this overwhelming sense of empowerment, inspiration, and excitement. It was as though I let go of the weight of the world that I had been carrying on my shoulders for far too long. And I finally had the chance to be carefree and present. To live life on my own terms. I can’t even begin to tell you how much joy it brought me once I recognized that we don’t have to go around carrying this weight around all the time. It was freeing. I just wish I knew this sooner.
A familiar place (Describe a location that’s part of my daily life).
There’s a place I used to visit all the time with my family dog (”sister”). In the beginning, my other family member would come too. We were the three amigas/Musketeers (whichever saying you prefer). We’d take walks elsewhere and while we still do, this place will forever remain as one of our favorites. It was peaceful. There were trees, bushes, and flowers all around. The path was hilly as it was flat. And we could change the direction of the pathing. We came when it was hot, cold, rainy, or snowy. The weather didn’t stop us. It was and still is one of our favorite places to go not only because we experienced it together, but because we gave it meaning. It meant something special to us.
The thing I couldn’t ignore (A thought, a feeling, an event that sparked curiosity or restlessness).
You know that moment when an idea pops in your head? When you can’t get it off your mind, no matter the distraction you have in front of you? Yeah, me too. One second it can be clear. And the next, I have several ideas all at once. It’s like a powerful surge of information out-of-the-blue. My brain acts like it “can’t stop, won’t stop”. Once I’m able to express the idea in a creative manner through art, writing, or working out, then I can focus to bring that idea to life. Some ideas take longer to put together and others, shorter. Do you find that you are the same way or how is your process? Comment down below.
A sign, real or imagined (Something small that felt like a nudge forward).
During a difficult season of my life, I felt lost figuratively (not literally). I was asking God/the universe for a sign that I was on the right path. One day while I was out for a walk taking in the fresh air and admiring the view, a stranger ran past with his music blasting. It just so happened that the song was one of my favorites. A classic piece that can help me no matter the day, no matter the mood to feel inspired. When I heard it, I couldn’t believe it. Out of all the songs in the world, it was that one. In that moment, I felt a rush of excitement, joy, happiness. That little moment in my day sparked my motivation and inspiration. I even listened to it when I returned back home. The melody I find to be just right. Perfect ear scratcher as they say. I’m curious about your own experiences, how about you, do you believe in synchronicities or coincidences? I would love to hear your thoughts.
A quiet decision (Moment I knew something had to change).
After going through one of the toughest experiences of my life, I knew that I had a choice to make. It was to either keep experiencing life the way I had been, where I gave people opportunity after opportunity, chance after chance without sharing the things that bothered me. Or I had to choose to address the issue and/or walk away depending on the situation. I decided that I wanted to improve. So, I began addressing situations and asking more questions. While I won’t go into details regarding the specifics, my intention was good. Rather, it was the idea I had of how it all going, that is up for debate.
An old habit or comfort (Something you’re leaving behind, either literal or symbolic)
A few years ago, I made the decision to not drink coffee as often. I was in a phase of trying to eat and drink only healthy options, and I wanted to get to a point where I was drinking only black coffee as I heard it was healthiest. So, little by little, I began to use less packs of milk, sweetener. I think it was four at one point so it tasted more sweet than bitter. After some time, I got down to two. Then, I started drinking less often. From a few days in a row to every other day or every couple days. It wasn’t an addiction by any means, but I definitely enjoyed having a cup of coffee for periods at a time. While I didn’t achieve my goal of drinking black coffee, I did stop for quite a bit of time. Now I drink coffee on occasion.
Unexpected help (A person, quote, memory that encourages me).
I believe I’ve shared this story before. But for anyone new here, years ago while working a job, I was having a conversation with some “regulars” when one of them asked if I was going to watch a sporting event. I said no, explaining that I didn’t have a TV at the time. They expressed their empathy, and we continued to talk about holiday plans. After a few days go by of not seeing them, they come back in and gave me a card (what I believed to be a holiday card), I said my thanks and went about my duties. It wasn’t until later that day when I was shocked to discover a gift card. Presumably to buy a TV. I was caught off guard by one of the best surprises “quote, unquote” strangers gave me. It wasn’t the monetarily value but the thought that mattered most to me. They even inspired me to create my own tradition. For that, I will always be grateful. And before you may ask, I informed my company’s management of the gift I received and they said it was okay to keep the gift. Some companies have policies on that and some don’t.
Packing the essentials (Metaphorically or literally, what do you carry into the unknown).
For any overnight trips, I make sure to have a bag packed of clothes, toothbrush, toothpaste, the normal stuff. But outside of that normal stuff, would be my personal essentials, which is a travel size blanket and pillow. For as long as I can remember, I have to take my pillow and blanket with me or I don’t sleep well. I don’t particularly love using other people’s blankets or pillows. I will but I don’t get good sleep. It’s more of a germ/safety blanket type of thing.
The 1st step (A small but defining action that starts the journey).
Hmm… this one is hard. I’ve frequently heard people say that the hardest step to make is the first one, and I agree. It can be hard to put yourself out there, especially if it’s something you’re not comfortable with or unfamiliar with. But I think it’s the most important step from my own experiences as it gets the ball rolling, inspiration sparking. The harder part for me is keeping the momentum going.
Looking back once (A quick reflection before moving forward).
Thinking back to high school, I pictured my life would go a completely different way. I was young. I was unsure. And I was afraid to make the wrong move. But then, life just happened. It wasn’t bad because it didn’t go the way I had pictured it, it just wasn’t the same. I ended up having different life goals, a different meaning of success and happiness. And most of all, I started to become more self-aware of feelings and emotions I hadn’t figured out how to express yet. Through some challenges, I also became more confident in myself and abilities. That’s how crazy life is. You never know what to expect. It’s both freeing and terrifying, at the same time. So if there was anything I could tell my younger self, it would be that change doesn’t have to be scary. It can be freeing just as much, or more. Once you take the first step, everything gets easier.
A new environment (Describe a space or feeling of unfamiliar territory).
When I attended school out-of-state, I was thrilled for this new adventure. A new opportunity to meet new people, experience new foods, try new things. But I was also uneasy, unsure, and even hesitant. Learning a new environment takes time. Whether it be moving to a new location, a new job, or just knowing your way around. It’s a big world. And while it was scary at times, it was just as exciting at others. It’s that I didn't let fear prevent me from exploring or allow it to lose my curiosity. I continued on in spite of it all. So, if you’ve just moved somewhere new, got a new job, or are just finding your way around, remember this, you’ll figure out, one way or another. If you’re in the moment and not sure what the next step is, give someone you care about a call. It helped me.
1st obstacle (1st challenge, internal or external, that makes you pause).
How to choose just one, kidding, kind of. One of the first obstacles that I recognized as a road block in my life was my quietness. If it wasn’t a teacher telling me I need to talk more, I felt like it was society in some way, shape or form was saying I was too sensitive. Honestly, I just expect it now. It’s something that I’ve dealt with my whole life. I even started overcompensating for it at times because of those assumptions. It wasn’t that I needed attention as I actually prefer against it. Or that I needed to have things my way. I just needed a place to feel safe and comfortable, which trust me, would be hard to miss. I’ll have no problem talking your ear off about the same old thing, over and over and over again.
An unexpected moment of beauty (Of something small gives hope).
Anytime I spend time in nature, on a trail, or walking on a pathway seeing the tree limbs moving in the wind or when I stop to smell the flowers (not literally, usually only figuratively). I find nature to be inspiring in more ways than I can communicate.
A conversation (Real or imagined, that shifts my perspective).
I had a conversation with someone recently that I’m close too, and it made me wonder how many people are conditioned to just go with the flow and figure things out on their own. Instead, of either asking questions about things they really want to know or don’t understand. Do you find yourself reaching out to ask clarifying questions or do you prefer staying to yourself and figuring things out on your own?
Doubt creeps in (A moment of “What am I doing?”).
I don’t know about you but anytime anything meaningful or important comes my way, I ask myself this. Now whether this is what people mean by Imposter Syndrome or something else, I’m not entirely sure. What I do know, however, is that of the videos, images, etc that I’ve seen, it talks about how doubt often creeps in right before a big moment. And that instead of believing it, to face it head on. In other words, think of it like nerves you have right before you perform on stage. Don’t let yourself or anyone else talk you out of something. Unless it’s something dangerous, of course. Instead, recognize the doubt as nerves. As the anticipation of doing something you love, something you find meaning in, or something that means a great deal to you. Take a few deep breaths and excel.
Flashback (Share a memory that explains why this journey matters).
This journey matters because not everyone is fortunate enough to live a whole life. Too many lives are taken prematurely. So while the going may get rough at times, it helps me to recognize that we only get this one life and to enjoy it while we can.
A symbolic object (Something found or remembered that represents strength or guidance).
A deer is symbolic to me as it reminds me of someone important in my life. A person who had great life advice from what I’ve heard. But also someone who never made me question my worth. Someone who took the time to listen and made me feel heard. They had to be a strong individual to raise a strong individual.
Crossing paths (A person, an animal, even a fleeting memory that feels meaningful).
This has only happened two times in my life. But both times, were just as meaningful. It was when a butterfly landed on me and wouldn’t let go.
A choice (A decision that will shape what comes next).
You know what I love? Writing, art, working on my geography skills, improving other skills. Any guesses?
The turning point (A moment that reminds you why you started).
This is both a simple yet complicated question. I began because other people inspired me. Thus, I set out to inspire those who inspire you.
A quiet morning (A pause, a breath, a shift in tone).
While I don’t necessarily have a preference between quiet and hectic, a quiet, steady morning is delightful. It’s nice to be able to wake up when your body is ready too. To eat food when you’re hungry and not just on a schedule. And to see the sun coming up and rising. I also enjoy a fresh smell of crisp mornings when there is frost on the ground, and a subtle breeze in the air.
Seeing progress (Subtle signs you’ve grown or changed).
The biggest one is that I no longer felt like I need someone to accomplish something. I want other people in my life because I enjoy their presence and love doing things together. But if there is an activity I really want to do or a place I really want to try and no one is available, I will do it on my own. I used to wait when someone could do it on their schedule to the point I’d switch my whole schedule around to make things work. But I’ve learning the art of boundaries, balance, and compromising.
A lesson from the journey (Something I realize about myself or life).
Life doesn’t need to be taken so seriously. To all the serious, tense girlies (and guys) out there, it doesn’t need to be that way. It’s okay to take a step back, to laugh at all the lizard memes or dogs being told they were adopted videos. To have inside jokes with your friends. Or to just be. Just make sure to take some time out of your day to laugh at yourself, if not at a meme or inside joke every once in a while.
One last hurdle (The moment you almost give up or step back).
Is there ever really one last hurdle though? While challenges can feel unbearable or impossible at times, they can also be exhilarating and empowering when hard work pays off. Hurdles are part of the journey. It challenges us to change how we are doing things, to keep things fresh, and to learn. As much as I wished we didn’t have to live in a world where we experienced pain (emotionally, mentally, or physically), realistically, it’s bound to happen at some point. And when it does, keep going. Keep working towards your dream. One day you’ll reach it.
Help appears again (Internal, strength, support, literal hand).
This one doesn’t really make sense to me. If anyone has any clue, let me know.
The breakthrough (A moment of clarity, victory, big or small).
I feel like I often experience these, or what I believe to be these. Oftentimes, when I get stressed out or feel overwhelmed, I cry. I try to prevent it from happening in front of people as I find it to be embarrassing and even more stressful. But after I cry and release all the emotions I’ve held in, I feel a sense of relief. And with the relief, I often experience moments of clarity where I recognize things I’ve overlooked or connect things I’ve missed. Anyone else? Or is that just me? Just me… okay.
Returning home changed (literal or metaphorical, how does home feel now?).
This is such a bizarre experience. The thing about spending a lot of time in the same place or moving to another place and then returning to a place you once called home is bittersweet. Because the place you’ve been most recently, now feels like home. You know how to get around, know the hot spots, and you know your favorite places. So, when you return, it can be overwhelming. I know when I returned back home after a couple years away at school it felt disorienting in a way. Not literally, but more in the sense of not remembering street names, the shortcuts when going somewhere, or the popular places, especially when they’ve closed down or relocated. No longer having the same support system or friendship groups near by or to hang out with. It can be hard. There’s also that nostalgia of missing a place you once called home. Think of it like grief. Not to the same extent by any means but you miss people, places, and things that remind you of this other piece of your life. You miss those adventures. Those people. And those memories that were made there. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that things, places, relationships will remain unchanged, once you return. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Oftentimes, when you move, your life shifts. The dynamic changes. You get a new perspective. You learn, you grow, and you change. And suddenly the life you once knew when you left, is no more. It’s a reminder that life goes on, no matter the situation.
Sharing your story (A reflective post inviting others to embrace my experience).
I reflect quite frequently as I believe it helps me grow. By looking back, I can improve on past mistakes I’ve made, situations I could’ve handled better, or things I didn’t see as clearly and work towards being a better person each and every day. Now while this message may not always be clear, I hope as you read through my posts, you find a community of people similar to you. People who’ve made mistakes, regretted choices that felt right, or even moments of self-doubt, self-sabotage, or Imposter Syndrome. Inspire Those Who Inspire You isn’t just a platform where I share lessons and try to challenge your thinking, my hope is that it’s a place where you can find other good, kind-hearted people who’ve made honest mistakes, who have genuine regrets, and who are authentic to themselves. In other words, a community of courage and growth. A place where the past doesn’t have to hold you back but instead allows you to flourish just as you are today.
The ripple effect (How this change impacts others).
Every day, we are faced with choices. Some are good, some are bad, and some are neutral. But just because we make a mistake or choose incorrectly doesn’t mean that we aren’t good, nor does it mean we aren’t bad. It just means, we’re human. I share these experiences not because I’m telling you how to live your life or to push my beliefs onto you, but to get you to think outside the box, to push yourself, and to challenge your perspective. I want you to let go of your doubts, of the things that hold you back, of the mistakes you carry and learn to just be —to accept yourself as the person you are today. Because while it is easy to get stuck on how we used to be or how others perceive us to be, it doesn’t mean we are. Instead, I hope you remember that there is greatness in you whether you recognize it or not. You have the power to create change. You have the ability to be better than you were yesterday. And that there is a community of people, like me, cheering you on, every step of the way.
A symbolic closing image (A sunset, open door, metaphorical “the end”).
Well, that’s all I got for today folks!
Invitation to the reader (Ask followers about their journey or story).
Now I’d love to hear from you, what’s a challenge, project, or season in your life that’s pushed you to grow? What’s your own Creative Creation” story? Share it with members, in the comments, or with others, because your journey might spark someone else’s epiphany too.
And with that, another challenge comes to a close. While this post may mark the end of my prompts, it also brings me back to the heart of this whole series: Creative Creations. Each entry, whether drawing, writing, photography, learning, or blogging, wasn’t just about producing something new. It was about shaping myself in the process.
The title of this piece The Finale of Creation, will anchor it, but what really matters is what it stands for. The willingness to create, to experiment, and to grow in public. That’s the thread running through every challenge.
If there’s anything I hope you take with you, it’s this:
Consistency beats perfection - Missing a day doesn’t erase your effort. Coming back is what matters most.
Curiosity is fuel - Whether it’s trivia, art, a random new skill, each discovery makes your world bigger.
Your voice matters - Blog posts, drawings, photos, whatever medium you choose, has the power because they come from you.
So while this may be the final chapter of this Creative Creations series, it doesn’t have to be the end of your own journey. Keep experimenting, keep creating, and most of all, keep showing up.
But don’t go too far because tomorrow, I’'ll be sharing the start of something new. A brand-new series is on its way. One that is filled with its own twists, surprises, and discoveries. I won’t spoil it just yet… but let’s just day it might take creativity in an entirely unexpected direction.
As a signature of my blog, I’d like to end this post with a suggestion to “Pass on kindness.” There’s no time like the present to Inspire Those Who Inspire You. Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can have a direct, positive impact on someone else. Go out there today and change someone’s life for the better!
***These are my personal opinions and may not be those of my employer.**
