Once, I actually defined creativity: “Creativity is also the practice of making meaning in a way that preserves humanity and invites conversation, no matter what belief systems are in the room with you.”

Thinking about it afterwards, I realized that this Shelbish definition has a pretty obvious foundational lens in it. I obviously want the meaning I make to do something—and not just little things. BIG things like “preserve humanity” and “invite conversation, no matter what belief systems are in the room with you.” 

My creations do spring from that soil since that’s just the way I experience the world (in that way, I’m not too different from my characters in the Ever Afters).

But that’s not true for everyone.

Actually, for someone who is already experiencing some creative blocks, having such a loaded definition of creativity can make things feel harder than they already are. That’s pretty much the opposite effect I was going for. 

So, I can revise the Shelbish definition. It’s my glossary after all, and since I’m growing and changing all the time, so is my understanding. 

So, the new Shelbish definition of creativity is much shorter. 

“Creativity (noun): the practice of making meaning, preferably in a way that supports life.”

Spoiler Alert: there’s a foundational lens here too. Creativity is still the practice of making meaning, but personally, I still want my creativity to do something. I want it to support life. 

If that still sounds kind of heavy to you, I completely understand. 

I’d just like to point out: you too are a part of life. 

So, what I’m really saying is that I would prefer if creativity supported—at bare minimum—the life of the creator in some way, even if it’s just to add a little more joy to your life.