Brainwashed

In Seth Godin's Brainwashed, he talks about how we have been brainwashed into thinking that being average, being the norm, is okay. This, however, is an improper assumption. Godin asserts that it is imperative to stimulate the creative and interpersonal aspects of being human in order to make as big of an impact as possible.

One of the ways to accomplish this is to connect. Social media in particular provide us with a unique opportunity to reach and interact with more people than ever before. This can be a powerful and influential tool for both change and success.

Another important aspect of being creative revolves around being generous. One person's individual talents mean nothing unless they are shared with other people, and the simple act of being generous fosters positive relationships and promotes further generosity.

A third creative impetus of Godin's is to make art. Devoting one's self to creative expression is often rewarding and can serve to break up the monotony of an otherwise mundane life. As Godin describes it, art is taking risks, and if you don't take risks, you aren't likely to be rewarded.

These three characteristics of a creative life tie in to this blog in a few ways. This blog allows me to connect with a theoretically limitless number of people. It provides me with not only an outlet of expression, but also with a means of communication. The blog format itself opens up a channel for generosity as well, in that those who read blogs can post constructive comments, compliments, or stimulating observations for other people to discuss. A blog is also a good way to make or share art, and also to take risks. In writing a blog, I am taking a risk because I am putting my own personal thoughts in the public domain. There is no telling what comments or repercussions one of my posts might elicit, and that is a risk for me. However, in order to get the reward of expanding my creative horizons and learning about different forms of self-expression, I have to take the risk of opening myself in the form of my written words up to millions of strangers.