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

Week #28 and it’s our first week of 2025! A new year is upon us. The future looks bright. New beginnings, new opportunities, and new doors. 52 weeks to write a beautiful story we can look back on.

In this week’s issue, the theme is to look back and use awe for the future.

Without further ado…

Let’s start the ride!

(Missed Episode 8? Here you go!)

Main Wheel

One of my favorite quotes from Edna Mode is, "I never look back, dahling. It distracts from the now." That's something I strive to live by. Every person who has an aim and works to sharpen their craft lives by that quote. It's a great mindset to have.

The past is nonexistent. It only exists in the neurons of our brains that serve as memory. As cliche as it sounds, we cannot control or shape the past. Our thoughts cannot revive the consumed moments. The only moment and reality you and I have is called present. Only now can we create and experience life.

However, there are times when looking back is quite helpful or necessary. No need to say it, you already thought of that school's reason to study history. There is nothing wrong in looking to the past to learn from it. It's a useful tool in the toolbox.

Yet, when we do so, we seldom use the past to spring and foster amazement in us. We seek learning and disregard awe. Yes, the past can inspire awe in us.

How? It's simple. You have probably done that already. When you look back and see what you've achieved, how far you've come, and what you've overcome, you feel a sense of amazement. You're proud of what you've realized. And that boosts you in a wonderful way, even though the events have already passed.

It is even easier for creators and creatives to do so. There is no creativity without the word create. When you create, you've used your creativity. You were creative. By default, by just making something, you triumphed.

Moreover, you might have not just created, but you blew your past limits. You tried methods you were reluctant to use. You explored areas you never had before. You created things, yes, but you did so at a constant and consistent frequency. You grew more passionate about your craft. And you even produced your magnum opus. When you look back, you are amazed.

Perhaps your past was not so wonderful. Perhaps without looking back, you know that you could have been way better. You did not give those past moments a proper effort. You fear looking back because you would feel disappointed. It's totally comprehensible. Still, even with that, you can be amazed.

You can be excited about what you haven't created. You can raise your enthusiasm for the creative areas you would discover. You look forward to the frameworks you have yet to utilize. You can anticipate with joy the momentum you have the chance to create. You can be in awe of the opportunities for exponential growth you have.

Hence, whether you choose to look back and are amazed by how much you've progressed, or you choose to not look back and are amazed by how much you can grow, the essential is to use awe as a catalyst for the present. And the present will create the future you desire.

So, let the awe inspire you and me to evolve and create more. To be creative is to create. Whatever helps you create, helps you remain in your creative journey.

Therefore, as long as you are creating, you win. There is no finish line. As the poet Rumi once said, "As you start to walk on the way, the way appears." So, cheers to the next steps!

Inspiring Wheels

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

• "For the Sake of It" - season eqpt. | An amazing short film about the beauty in the reason of doing something for the love and passion you have for it.

• "This Kid summed it up." - Ali Gallop | Yes, it’s another Ali Gallop video. It’s a pretty short one but still heartwarming. To say anything further would spoil the great storytelling and the reveal of the takeaway. So, just enjoy the experience.

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/january-2-2025 😉 😃

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