Hi! Welcome to the 4 CreativeWheels newsletter — your weekly dose of insights on creativity and fuel for your creative journey.

We are now in week #34. The world is currently in a confusing state. But, is that new? The future seems uncertain. But again, is that new? What has been certain is that we’ve been having a great time here. And another certain thing is you will enjoy this week’s issue!
 
In this week’s issue, we will explore a reason why you should start to create, create, or continue to create.

Without further ado…

Let’s start the ride!

Main Wheel

Toes on the line.

That's the emotion you feel when you create. It starts with the ongoing pursuit of seeing your idea come to life. And it ends with the delight of witnessing the existence of your creation. It's there. You can observe it, admire it, love it, or hate it. The buildup, no matter the outcome of the line you crossed, is what makes it worthwhile. And there lies a wonderful reason to create.

The creative process is quite tricky. It comes with its ups and downs. Sometimes one thing works and sometimes it does not. There is that sense of uncertainty all creatives deal with. To put up with it, creatives, craftspeople, and creators cling to a reason to create.

For many of us, the big reason is identity. We are creatives, artists, craftspeople, creators, or entrepreneurs, and so on. We just desire to make something, to bring something from our minds to the world. Whenever we are in the process or want to be in the process, the "This is what I am, This is what I do" rings in our minds and hearts. Sometimes, it rings even with doubts.

All creatives, craftspeople, and creators have their own reasons to create. Many of them share common reasons to create. One reason is not above another. Most of them stem from each one's experiences and journeys.

For me, it started when I was young. To create has been one of the main constants in my life. Before I could walk and speak, when I had the strength to hold a pen, I drew. I loved and still love the act of drawing. I could draw for hours, and I did draw even when I was told not to. I thought I only loved drawing. But my curiosity proved otherwise.

It was drawing, then came music. I loved music, especially the music production part. I loved the adventure of transforming thoughts into melodies. I loved how I could move people or even myself by pressing keys on the keyboard. And I adored listening to great artists who challenged what I believed was great music.

When I became old enough to write sentences, poetry entered the stage. The power of words became another obsession I acquired. To paint pictures with letters and travel into a different universe with stanzas, while enjoying the ride, looking at the metaphors and rhymes, was a discovery I could not let go.

Yet again, other forms of creative outlets and mediums entered my life. I used to think that the biggest reason why I loved creating was that I loved to do so. That was true and still is true. I love to create. I also used to think that the most important reason was that I loved to bring things to life. That is also partly true. Nevertheless, there was a reason I knew existed, but I failed to pinpoint it. Hence, I kept thinking and observing myself as I create.

Still, I did not get answers. So my logician brain thought of a nice idea. The idea was to observe other creatives as I kept observing myself. And I did. I did so for several months to see the reason I had in mind, but could not get it out of my head.

The more I observed, the more I could notice that reason. I could see it in others and their words when they talk about creating and creativity. Yet, I did not find the word that would represent it.

"What is it?" I kept wondering. I knew the cliche reasons. But then on a certain day, I watched a video, and it clicked. I don't remember who the speaker was. He was an athlete. Yes, an athlete. I know it doesn't sound like the best source for an answer to my quest. I was surprised as it actually was what I was looking for.

The athlete was talking about the feeling that comes after crossing the line. The feeling when an athlete finishes their race. He explained how that feeling is more than happiness. It cannot be given. It can only be discovered and earned. It does not happen when you cross the line. It actually builds up from each step you take and expands when you arrive at the end.

The sensation in question is only gained after striving for something. Eudaimonia is what it's called. Anyone who has ever created or create things has tasted it. And that was the reason I was looking for. That is the underrated and fulfilling reason we create. It is to find eudaimonia.

Eudaimonia is the feeling you get after going through a journey and arriving at the destination. You start with an idea of your desired end. Yet, it's uncertain. You stride toward crafting what you have in mind. You face unexpected events. You make mistakes. Things can go wrong, and you have to start over. Sometimes, you wonder whether it'll all be worth it.

The more the journey is uncertain, the better you form that sensation. It's the feeling of joy from the fulfillment that comes when you work hard on something, really hard, and you work on it to completion. You see the final result. And the whole process, especially at the end, gives you eudaimonia.

It walks well with creating because it helps sustain the process. To know or feel that you'll be more than happy to reach the end product is a catalyst to keep working. It is also a reason why many start another project after completing one. They want to dwell in that state.

Moreover, going a level deeper, it refers to living in a way that fulfills your true nature and potential. It’s not about temporary pleasures or external successes. It's about achieving a sense of well-being, meaning, and purpose that comes from bringing more than what you have been given.

Yes, curiosity, problem solving, self-expression, inspiration, human connection, legacy, impact, exploration, fun, and many other reasons are wonderful. They color the creative process and make it tremendous. Without them, most of those who create would not even think about starting. But eudaimonia is one of, if not, is the, reason we all cherish yet seldom reflect on. Still, we all sense it and love to meet it.

There are creatives who love the process of creating. They smile through each step. And some hate the process. The difficult and treacherous parts that come with creativity just make it hard for them to love the process.

Yet, for the two camps, they appreciate the stage when they experience what they've been working on. Sometimes, the end product is wonderful, and sometimes, not-so-great. However, in both instances, after the reflection that usually occurs, creatives look forward and think of the next adventure. The next chance to know eudaimonia.

It's not even about making the greatest piece in history. It's not about cranking your magnum opus in every attempt. It's all about the completion, the adventure from that spark from your neurons that brought an idea, and using that spark until it explodes in billions of glimmers when you reach the completion of your idea. And then you have a flourishing flame that warms your heart.

That is the underrated and fulfilling reason to create. There is no criterion to delight in this reason. You might have years of experience. Or you might be new to creating. It doesn't matter. From the day-ones to the veterans, it's all the same. You and I always have this opportunity to live eudaimonia. And that is a blessing within reach and an adventure that awaits.

Inspiring Wheels

Here are two (or more) creative works that you’ll not regret checking out:

• "But What If…" - Ali Gallop | This is a masterpiece. From the start to the end, there is nothing to add or remove. It’s amazing. I don’t even want to make a preview comment because it will spoil the experience. So, just enjoy 6 minutes of greatness and wholesomeness!

• "What No One Tells You About Being Creative" - Koji | A wonderful piece about the nature of art and how it relates to life and living.

Want to share this issue of 4CW with a friend, colleague,… any human being? Just copy and paste this link: https://4creativewheels.beehiiv.com/p/april-10-2025 😉 😃

Thank you so much for reading! 

As always, feel free to reply to this email & share your thoughts, stories, and any experience related to this topic. I’d love to hear them!  

C ya next Week! 

Embracing Creativity™,

Richard M.

Want to work with me? Contact me here