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Creativity can be a great outlet to expressing your feelings, thoughts and ideas, especially negative ones that may otherwise crowd your mind. It may also help you to make sense of the world around you and your experiences in it.



Creativity can come in many forms, whether it be drawing, coloring, painting, writing, dancing, performing, photographing or even discovering new solutions to problems.



Check out these tips young adults shared on what they keep in mind when being creative and how they have been able to express themselves by finding their artistic voice.  

• There are no rules.
• It’s not about the “final product.”
• Don’t be hard on yourself if what you create isn’t perfect.
• Creating should only be for you.
• It doesn’t have to make sense.
• Sometimes the process of creating is the “story.”
• Create art when you want to, don't set a rigid schedule.
• If you are feeling frustrated with one medium, try another. If you don't like what you're drawing, paint. If you don't like what you're painting, write. If you don't like what you’re writing, take photographs.
• If you are feeling uninspired, uncreative and inartistic, try expressing it. If none of your ideas sound good, try expressing the most boring, bland, mediocre feelings you can. Even if it doesn't end up being a catalyst or a springboard for something else, at least you got some of those feelings out.
• There will never be "wrong" art. It may not turn out the way you want it to, but that doesn't make it wrong.
• Don't make yourself vulnerable through your art. Don't set yourself up for hurtful criticism.
• There will always be people who will never understand your struggle with a mental health condition. This also means there will always be people who won't understand or appreciate your work.
• You have the right to create, destroy and start your work as many times as you want.
• Use your favorite artists and creative thinkers as inspirations and muses, not benchmarks.
• Listen to music, read quotes or look at photos to relax and get inspired.
• Don’t judge your thoughts. 
• Daydream and imagine.
• If you’re stuck, take a break and go outside.
• Work with people who inspire and energize you.
• Experiment and try new things to jog your creativity.
• Practice, practice, practice. Creativity is like a muscle that needs a regular work out to stay fit.

Consider taking classes at your local community college or adult education program in writing, drawing, photography or related topics that can help you get your creative juices flowing



Remember, anyone can be creative; you can’t mess up. It’s just a matter of embracing your imagination and expressing what is already inside of you. So enjoy sparking your creativity and please consider sharing your creations in the Express Yourself section!