Think You’re Too Old to Be Creative? I Disagree and Here's Why
I have never been able to draw. As a kid, I loved coloring but could never quite finish anything. My Lisa Frank unicorns, Rainbow Brite scenes, and Strawberry Shortcake adventures? All abandoned mid-color because I struggled to create a color story that made sense. When it came to drawing—well, let’s just say I can show you better than I can tell you (My Apologies in advance):
😂It’s OK feel free to giggle🤣
As a Capricorn Sun with Aquarius rising and an Aries Moon, fantasy and creativity have never been my strong suit. Give me a problem to solve, and I’ll dive in headfirst. But even problem-solving has its limits—just ask math. I’ve never been great at math, yet somehow I’ve spent 5 years as a computer programmer (math), followed by nearly 30 years in mortgage underwriting (oh look, MORE math). I thrived in my logic-based world just fine. Then I met my partner. He’s a graphic artist, and even after 20+ years together, his creativity still astounds me. Somehow, he passed that gift on to our daughter, who can draw beautifully, and my two adopted daughters, who are just as talented. For years, every time I needed a piece of art, I went straight to my in-house art king or, more recently, AI tools. I stayed in my logical lane, watching the artists in my life with admiration from afar. Repeatedly saying : “I’m just not creative”.
Have you ever felt like creativity passed you by—or that it was something meant for other people? What if I told you it’s never too late to find your voice?
Rediscovering Your Voice
Something shifted for me in October of last year. It wasn’t planned or expected—it just happened. Honestly, I didn’t even realize it until this week, exactly two weeks after my 49th birthday. I was looking at my time-blocked calendar—yes, I’m THAT girl—and it hit me: everything on my calendar was creative work. For the first time, I saw symmetry in the structure I’d built. Routine, which I once thought of as pure logic, had quietly become a form of creation in and of itself. In crafting my schedule, I was crafting the foundation for something bigger: a space where my creative voice could exist and thrive. Suddenly, I wasn’t just solving problems or tackling tasks—I was writing blog posts, mapping out ideas for e-books, planning social media content, and creating tools to inspire others. For years, I’ve been the person my family and friends turn to for encouragement and uplifting words. I could speak from the heart when it came to them, but writing? Writing was different. It scared me. But now, it’s as if I’ve given myself permission, and the words I’ve always given to others are finally finding their way onto the page. Writing gives "Logic Girl" a way to speak from her heart. It’s my bridge between structure and soul, between solving problems and inspiring growth. And as I’ve discovered, creativity isn’t just about making something visually beautiful. It’s about expressing who you are, building connections, and sharing your truth. For me, creativity lives in the rhythm of routines, the cadence of my words, and the purpose behind every little thing it takes to make Hey Life Happens come to life
Breaking Down the Myths - acknowledging and "re-writing" your limiting beliefs
Let’s talk about some common limiting beliefs and ways we can overcome—or better yet, ‘re-write’—them. So often, it’s these beliefs that hold us back from exploring our creativity and discovering what we’re truly capable of. The good news? We can change the POV.
Common Limiting Beliefs and How to Rewrite Them
Limiting Belief: “I don’t have a creative bone in my body.”
Rewritten Belief: “Creativity is a skill I can nurture, not a talent I have to be born with.”
Perspective Shift: Just like learning to cook or ride a bike, creativity is something we can practice and grow. Start small—doodle, write a journal entry, or try something new without judgment.
Limiting Belief: “Only people who draw, play music, or write poetry are creative.”
Rewritten Belief: “Creativity comes in many forms—planning, problem-solving, organizing, and even routine-building can be creative acts.”
Perspective Shift: Redefine creativity to include things like cooking, designing schedules, or even brainstorming new ideas. Creativity isn’t limited to the arts; it’s about innovation and self-expression.
Limiting Belief: “Being creative is a waste of productive time.”
Rewritten Belief: “Creativity is essential for my mental health, clarity, and growth.”
Perspective Shift: Studies show that creative activities reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall well-being. Time spent creating is time invested in yourself.
Limiting Belief: “I’m too old to start being creative.”
Rewritten Belief: “It’s never too late to explore and express myself.”
Perspective Shift: Creativity has no age limit. In fact, starting later in life often means bringing richer experiences and deeper wisdom to your creative pursuits.
Limiting Belief: “I don’t have time to be creative.”
Rewritten Belief: “Making time for creativity will recharge me and make me more productive in other areas.”
Perspective Shift: Even five minutes a day of creative activity can be a game-changer. Start with what feels manageable, and watch how it impacts your focus and energy.
Try This Today - Grab your journal, your phone, or even a random bill envelope you have lying around, and write down three limiting beliefs you have about your creativity. Once you’ve done that, take a moment to re-write each one into something empowering!
Here’s an example from my own life to get you started:
Limiting Belief: I’m too old to be wasting my time with creative things. I need to be responsible with the time I have left.
Re-Written Belief: I have lived a very ‘interesting’ life, and if I can share just one story that helps someone today, then that is a good use of my time.
Now it’s your turn—re-write your story, one belief at a time.
I hope you’re feeling empowered and ready to take on that dream creative project! If you’re ready to take that first step toward discovering your creative voice, here are three simple ways to get started today:
Start Small: Pick one creative activity—journaling, doodling, or even rearranging your living space—and try it for just 10 minutes.
Silence Your Inner Critic: Remind yourself that creativity isn’t about being perfect; it’s about expression.
Celebrate the Process: Every small step is a win. It’s not about the final product—it’s about showing up for yourself.
Discovering your creative voice isn’t about creating masterpieces—it’s about connecting with yourself and finding joy in the process. Remember, it’s never too late to rewrite your story and start something new. Your voice matters, and the world is waiting to hear it."
What’s one creative pursuit you’ve always wanted to try? Share it in the comments—I’d love to cheer you on!
