Chapter 1: A New Chapter of Growth

Each December, I take a moment to reflect on my aspirations for the upcoming year. I ponder over the goals I wish to achieve, the obstacles I aim to conquer, and the exciting new hobbies I can explore. However, this year feels particularly profound as I approach my 50th birthday in August.

Reaching this milestone is significant; in biblical terms, the number 50 symbolizes liberation from burdens. The notion of freedom resonates deeply with me as I embark on my 50th year—a time I consider my Year of Jubilee. While I haven't felt encumbered in my first 49 years, I realize that I have tucked away my creativity, almost as if I placed it in a box and walked away.

In a corporate environment, creativity often feels unwelcome. When you are a highly creative individual, your ideas may not align with conventional expectations or the themes of meetings. This disconnect can lead to a gradual suppression of your creative voice, resulting in silence over time.

For me, that silence began in 1982 when I stifled my creativity. Now, four decades later, I am dedicated to unearthing that creativity and amplifying it. What I yearn for most this year is Creative Growth. I intend for my creativity to be my guiding star.

My focus for creative growth this year centers on self-expression—through writing, speaking, and various art forms. Below is my list of twelve activities aimed at enhancing my creative development this year:

1. Engage in weekly writing sessions in nature.
2. Create a painting of a landscape.
3. Sketch a landscape.
4. Join a fashion photoshoot featuring textiles from diverse cultures.
5. Explore cuisines from different cultures.
6. Begin learning a new foreign language.
7. Attend an improvisation workshop.
8. Participate in an African dance class.
9. Join an African drumming class.
10. Enroll in a creative novel writing course.
11. Write and finish my first novel.
12. Learn how to braid my daughter's hair.

These activities resonate with me and will aid my creative growth this year. This is what I desire most in 2022.

Carpe Diem!

Chapter 2: A Year of Expression

As I embark on this journey, I am excited about the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. Each step I take is a step towards reclaiming my voice and unleashing my creativity.