Art Before Dishes (or How Prioritising Creativity Makes You a Better Human)
So many people admire art and artists, but one of the saddest things I sometimes hear people say is “I’m not creative” or “I can’t draw”.
My heart goes in a million pieces because we are all creators. But only some of us learned to prioritise art. I’m not going to go into social-economical discussions or the privilege of art in this blog post - even if I’m very (VERY) aware of them, but I want to focus on that word, “prioritise”.
One of the things that makes me the happiest in life is being able to create.
It’s what I’m good at, hence I put time in it.
But before I got good at it, I had to put time in it.
It’s a loop.
We get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We wake up early, go to work, come home tired, make dinner, watch tv and go to bed only to repeat the same routine the next day.
This routine can be draining and exhausting, leaving little time for what sets your heart on fire.
What if we were to prioritise our creative pursuits before our daily chores and responsibilities? What if we were to put "art before dishes"?
I come across this mantra a few years ago, and I loved it ever since.
It’s not that my dishes are piling up and my house is a mess, but if I want (and need - physical need) to paint, then I have to clean up fast.
And I've come to realise that giving priority to creating art at the end of the day makes me a better human. It allows me to connect with my inner self, cultivate a sense of purpose, and find peace and joy in the process. Art for me isn’t just a form of self-expression, but a way of life that brings me personal fulfilment and a good dose of happiness.
When I say "art," I'm not just talking about painting or drawing. Art can take many forms, including writing, dancing, playing music, photography, and so much more.
It's about finding what you're passionate about and allowing yourself to explore it fully.
In a world where we are constantly bombarded with external stimuli (I’m looking at you Instagram!!), it's easy to lose touch with our inner voice. We become so focused on what's happening around us that we forget to pay attention to what's going on inside.
Have you ever scrolled through few reels to then find yourself drained by them a few minutes later?
Creating art gives us a chance to slow down and listen to ourselves. It allows us to tune out the noise and focus on what truly matters - our passions, desires, and dreams.
Prioritising art, I feel, also helps us cultivate a sense of purpose in our lives.
We're not just going through the motions of everyday life; we're actively engaged in something that matters to us.
We aren’t just watching a reel, we are actually making something, from within.
And this sense of purpose then will carry over into other areas of our lives, giving us a renewed sense of motivation and drive.
Art can be a therapeutic and it can help us find peace and joy in the process.
When we're in the flow of creating something, we're not worried about the outcome. We're not concerned about whether it's good or bad, or what other people will think. We're simply enjoying the process of creation. This state of flow can be incredibly calming and meditative. It’s where we thrive and it allows us to let go of our worries and be fully present in the moment.
I know that it can be hard to prioritise art when there are so many other things demanding our attention.
We feel guilty for taking time away from our family, chores and responsibilities.
However, putting "art before dishes" can actually make us better at our other tasks. When we're taking care of ourselves and nurturing our creative side, we're better equipped to handle the other demands of our lives. We have more energy, focus, and motivation to tackle our to-do lists.
Whatever your priorities are, see if you can shuffle them around, grab a brush and… for just half an hour create for the sake of creating. And then, do it again tomorrow.
Do it again until art before dishes becomes your mantra too!
