Have you ever wondered why there are so many cooking, crafting, and DIY blogs? I believe this is the reason why:
“The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before.
“Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty.” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Happiness, Your Heritage).
I have found this to be absolutely true. If I am feeling down, cooking lifts my spirits. It’s not just because I am cooking–it’s because I am creating. I am always amazed at how much better I feel after I try a new recipe, or make a family favorite. Even if the food doesn’t turn out as well as I had hoped, I still derive energy from the process of creating.
But what if you don’t think you are “crafty,” or what if you actually hate cooking, sewing, and hot-gluing? The “traditional” methods of creating are not the only options open to you. Mary Ellen Smoot, former Relief Society President for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints says:
“You might say, ‘I’m not creative.’ I’m here to tell you, you are. You are creators. Have you ever coaxed a smile from a baby? Have you ever taught someone to forgive? Have you helped someone learn to read? …. Organized a family reunion?
‘Do we recognize in our own lives the opportunities for creation that are there? Do we prize the gifts, talent, and choice spirits that God has given us? Do we share the creations of our hearts, minds, and hands with others?
“If you are unhappy, if you are feeling weary, troubled, or disillusioned, may I ask you to try something? Instead of dwelling on your troubles, focus instead on creating something remarkable, something of … significance.” (Mary Ellen Smoot, We Are Creators).
We often think that “creation” has to result in something tangible. But we can create feelings, experiences, and memories. God has given us all special gifts. Every single one of us. Part of being happy is discovering those gifts, and using them for the betterment of ourselves and others.
Again, from Mary Ellen Smoot: “Creation isn’t drudgery. Creation flows from love. When we do what we love, we rejoice along the way.”
What do you create that lifts your spirits? Leave your answer in the comments below!
And remember, if you missed any previous installments in the Happiness series, you can find them all on my Happiness page.
Lynette Blue says
I guess that’s why I enjoy doing my counted cross stitch. I’m no good at creating things from scratch but I’m quite good at following instructions and by following the charts I can turn out some beautiful creations.
oliviA heilmann says
I was having a really, REALLY bad day yesterday but still had duties. So, I took my youngest to his campfire-Pack mtg…albeit a bit begrudgingly. Before I left I grabbed 5 sticks and a box cutter. Sitting at the back of the crowd, I took all that pent up frustration and created 5 marshmallow roasting sticks. I handed out sticks to those who either forgot or never had one and then I helped the smallest little one in the group create a s’more. 🙂
Creation certainly changed my attitude.