The most content people I know have found a form of expression that makes them feel alive. Whether it's writing, art, dance, crochet, music or something else, creativity can feed our inner world. Even more so for us introverts, given creative expression can feel like returning home.
The shadow side of creativity is talked about less often. When approached without care or balance, creativity can drain us, leaving us feeling raw, exposed, and more disconnected than ever before. And if we're people who prefer calm, low-stimulus environments, sharing our creative side can make us feel like a raw onion peeled and exposed down to our core. In my opinion, creativity is not optional: it's vital. I love this clip with Ethan Hawke.
The difference between creativity that feeds us and creativity that drains us often comes down to how we engage with the practice. And the expectations attached to sharing what is often an incredibly vulnerable part of ourselves.
Creativity as a superpower
For introverts, creativity offers something invaluable: solitude with purpose. It's no surprise that many introverts describe creativity as a lifeline. Watch what happens when psychologists look at the lives of the most creative people according to Susan Cain.
Almost everything has changed in my life since I began journaling at 12, but at 38, writing continues to be the one constant. Staring down a blank page or screen daily isn't necessarily easy, but I always find comfort in journaling for my eyes only.
Whether you're drawn to writing, sketching, cooking, or something else, creativity can become a lifeline because it allows us to:
- Process emotions and create a refuge where one's voice can be heard without interruption.
- Allow feelings and sensations to move organically throughout our bodies as needed.
- Articulate thoughts that feel too big to speak out loud and share with someone else.
- Give our minds a well-earned rest as we fully engage in our activity of choice.
The above are just some examples of ways creativity can feed us when we create the space to embrace ourselves fully and without the noise and demands of the outside world.
Creativity as a gateway
So often, our best ideas arrive during moments of flow rather than through forced effort. Usually, the harder we try to force ideas, the more we unknowingly push them away. Creativity opens the door to these breakthroughs by quieting the noise of daily life and giving space for insights to surface. Meetings highlight this for me. If asked to brainstorm on the spot, in the moment, I seize up. Hours later, in my own space and time, the ideas flow effortlessly. When we create without pressure, we allow ourselves to access ideas that might otherwise stay hidden beneath the busyness of life.
How many writers, musicians, and other creative people have you heard confess that their best ideas surface while they aren't working at all? I've had this experience. While walking one day about a decade ago, I turned a corner and a character's name came to me like a bolt of lightning from the skies: Willow Willpower. At that moment, I knew I was going to write a picture book. And I did (that's the short version of the story). Since I don't have kids, I am the least likely person in the world to deliberately think of writing a picture book. The idea came from somewhere else.
The hidden cost of creativity
Creativity doesn't only require time and energy: it dares us to embrace vulnerability. We must show up consistently and be ok with the inevitable fears of potentially falling short that can surface. This is part of being human. And then there's the 'b' word — boundaries. Carving out time for ourselves to be creative often looks like saying no to external demands, which can lead to guilt and worry about disappointing those closest to us. This is often especially relatable for introverts in midlife, already stretched thin by family commitments, work, and other responsibilities. If every moment of your day is scheduled, creativity becomes even more of a non-negotiable in my books.
It's also important to acknowledge that creativity can deplete us depending on our approach. Here are some questions I ask myself while creating as an easy way to check in with my body, mind and spirit:
- Is my inner critic taking over?
- Do I feel more disconnected during or after engaging in this activity?
- Has this become yet another thing to do on my list for no benefit?
The fear of being truly seen
Creativity is deeply personal. It's so much more than words on a page or paint on a canvas; creativity contains pieces of our inner world that are rarely visible. This is why sharing our creative work can feel like standing under a spotlight, completely exposed. The fear of rejection often creeps in: What if no one understands? What if I make a fool of myself? What if my work is not good enough?
For many, particularly introverts, these fears can be paralysing, silencing ideas before they exist. Yet the chance to connect, be seen, and discover that our voice matters, even if our creations are not appreciated by everyone, makes creativity such a powerful form of self-expression.
Overcoming the creativity boogeyman
Most things in life are worse in our minds than they are in reality. Don't get me wrong, the silence after sharing a piece of writing, the rejection of a pitch, or the lack of recognition can feel crushing. As a writer, I've experienced more rejection than success. However, I continue because writers write.
Perspective is everything. When creativity is reframed as self-care rather than performance, the fear of failure loses its grip on us. Your work doesn't have to be perfect, polished, or even shared to matter. What matters is showing up for yourself, experimenting and allowing yourself to experience something new.
Making creativity sustainable
Creativity can be a double-edged sword. At its best, creativity nourishes us, offering introverts space to recharge, process, and spark our brightest ideas. At its worst, it can leave us feeling exposed, drained, and overwhelmed. Here are some simple ways to ensure creativity is energising you while being sustainable:
- Start small and work on consistency.
- Focus on presence over performance.
- Practice self-awareness so you notice which activities energise you and which deplete you.
Ultimately, creativity should never feel like another demand on your time as it’s a gift you're giving yourself and others (if you choose to share your work).
Looking for a digital journaling tool?
The reflection app has become a great tool in helping me to ensure my journal remains a friend rather than spiralling into a foe (i.e., a place where I beat myself up for all the things I ‘should’ have done and achieved by now). I love the insights and ability to be coached on those days when I need a little bit of help in gaining perspective. When you use my affiliate link, you'll get 40% off the premium version, which I highly recommend to unlock all of the features like a pin for security, insights, coaching and more.