When I first read these beautiful words by Toni Morrison, I felt a little flutter in my chest, like a tiny bird finding its wings. To be free is a wonderful thing, but Morrison reminds us that true freedom isn't a destination where we sit alone in a quiet garden. Instead, it is a responsibility. It suggests that the moment we find our footing and our voice, our next natural step is to reach back and pull someone else up with us. It is about turning our personal triumphs into a bridge for others to cross.
In our everyday lives, we often think of power as something grand, like a throne or a title. But power is actually much smaller and much more accessible than that. It is the ability to listen, the capacity to share a skill, or even just the courage to show someone a new way of looking at the world. When we use our creativity to empower others, we aren't losing anything of our own; we are actually expanding the light in the room so that everyone can see more clearly.
I remember a time when I was feeling quite stuck in my own little pond, worried that I didn't have much to offer. I met a friend who was struggling with her confidence, and I decided to share some of the little creative writing tips I had learned. I wasn't a master, but by sharing my small 'power' of words, I saw her eyes light up as she began to find her own rhythm. Seeing her find her spark made me realize that my own freedom grew the moment I helped her find hers. It wasn't about being an expert; it was about the act of sharing.
We all have something unique tucked away inside us, whether it is a knack for gardening, a talent for organizing, or a way with words. None of these gifts are meant to be kept in a locked box. When we use our creative energy to lift others, we create a ripple effect that can change the world in ways we can't even imagine. Your creativity is a tool for liberation, both for yourself and for those around you.
Today, I want to gently nudge you to look around your circle. Is there someone near you who seems a bit stuck or dimmed? Think of one small, creative way you can share your strength or your light with them. You might be surprised at how much more free you feel once you start letting others shine, too.