Creativity as My Guiding Value: A Mission to Live and Inspire

Pen and ink contemporary fine art by Doug Ashby.

Creativity is the foundation of my life and the lens through which I view the world. It informs every action, decision, and interaction, shaping my identity as an artist and human being. Through creative expression, I connect with the essence of life, finding purpose and fulfillment. My mission is to cultivate and nurture creativity in all aspects of my existence, while exploring how this gift can be a source of inspiration and value to others.

I can’t pinpoint the exact moment when I realized creativity permeated nearly every part of my life. It may have been when I returned to playing guitar and piano after many years. I had taken time away from music but was drawn back, this time with a desire to write my own pieces. Though music has now taken a back seat to visual art, the spark remains. At the core of everything I do, whether it’s creating a new meal or planning my next artwork, is the desire to make something unique. My wife jokes that we never have the same meal twice because I’m always experimenting in the kitchen. A day isn’t complete unless I’ve worked on my art. This creative drive defines me and is one of my core values, guiding my life daily. But I also wonder, how can I leverage this creative life to bring value and service to others?

While my ideal day would be dedicated solely to creative pursuits, life often demands otherwise. However, my daily commitment to creating is what fuels me, providing the strength to push forward. The creative flow I experience while making art grounds me and fosters a deep sense of well-being that extends into other areas of my life. When I’m immersed in the act of laying down dots for a new pointillist piece, I lose all sense of time. These moments of flow are sacred, and my passion for creating stems from wanting to experience them more often. Creativity isn’t just an outlet—it’s the energy that drives me.

As I’ve thought more deeply about my life as an artist, I’ve begun to reflect on how this creative identity intersects with my personal values. Until recently, I hadn’t fully examined what it means to live within creativity as a core value. I believe that gaining a deeper understanding of who I am will elevate my work and open new paths to a richer, more meaningful life. What does it mean to be an artist, and how does living a creative life impact other areas beyond art itself—such as problem-solving, relationships, and communication? If creativity defines me, how does it integrate with all my other values?

In order to grow as an artist, I need to understand where my creativity connects with something larger than myself. I’ve often led an unexamined life, but I know that when I’m embodying creativity, I feel more connected to the world. These micro-moments of creative flow, though small, resonate outward into larger realms. For example, in my role as a teacher, I’m at my best when my authentic creative self is at the forefront. In those moments, I can mentor, collaborate, and solve problems more effectively. Perhaps the answer to living a more fulfilling life is to focus on these small, creative moments and let them drive what matters most.

Considering all of this, I wonder how my creative life can serve others. Is it selfish to focus on my own fulfillment, or is this process necessary before I can truly be of service to others? For years, creating art has been something that nourishes my inner being, satisfying the itch. While I share my work with the world, this has always felt secondary. Maybe it’s time to consider how the act of creation can add value beyond myself. My career as a teacher has, in many ways, been about service, though it wasn’t the original reason I pursued teaching. Perhaps this is the bridge between my creative life as an artist and my desire to offer value to others. Could my art fulfill both personal satisfaction and communal purpose?

Living a life committed to creativity comes with challenges. There’s uncertainty, self-doubt, and societal pressure around what it means to be an artist. Yet, these challenges are necessary for growth. My work in education has provided a safe, predictable path, but I now feel it has led me to stagnation. Perhaps it’s time to embark on a new journey that throws me into uncharted waters, where struggle and uncertainty lead to transformation. I know that embracing a more deeply creative life will make me stronger and ultimately happier, despite the challenges ahead.

So, is this my call to action? To fully live my value of creativity? I believe it might be. I declared at the start of this post that creativity is my guiding force, and any delay in living that truth is simply a postponement of the inevitable. By embracing this creative life more fully, both personally and professionally, I can unlock the benefits that come from living with purpose. I invite you to join me on this journey—one where creativity is not just a value, but a way of life.

As always I hope that you enjoyed the At and thoughts. If you wish to connect further please leave a comment and I promise I will respond.

Thanks,

Doug