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William Adolphus Dungee Jr.'s avatar

Many years ago, I was sitting in a coworker’s office. He was an administrator, and I—at the time a pastor—carried a deep passion for inspiring others and sharing insight through writing and content creation. As we chatted, he casually remarked that neither of us were creatives, since we both held supervisory roles and handled administrative responsibilities.

When he saw the look of disagreement on my face, he asked, “You don’t really see yourself as a creative, do you?”

Your post brought that memory rushing back. He never knew how hurt and angry his words made me. At the time, I didn’t even fully understand why his words cut so deeply. But with time, I came to see it clearly: his comment struck at the very core of who I am.

I am a creative. It’s not just what I do—it’s who I am.

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Temi Coker's avatar

man sorry you had to experience that. I'm sure they didn't mean harm but i'm glad you realize you are creative and that creativity isn't just in what you do but who you are! :)

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Jamal Robinson's avatar

Pure poetry bro.

"You are creative.

In your own way.

In your own rhythm."

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Temi Coker's avatar

Thanks Jamal!! Glad that resonated with you

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ZigZag Zee's avatar

One way I was creative this week was in a recent post I made on Instagram. It was simply a picture of me looking at the clouds but I wanted to add more to the post than just the picture, so I paired it with "books that fit this mood" (because I absolutely love to read) & that gave me more satisfaction/substance than only posting the image. So yea, I agree. We are all creative ✨

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Temi Coker's avatar

Wow thank you so much for sharing!! that's amazing! It's really just about self expression which you showed in your caption!

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Theresa Sampson's avatar

Hello, and well said. I was creative this week, after walking my dog, and writing about the joy of Spring.

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Temi Coker's avatar

Love that! Thanks for sharing Theresa!

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Zhi Ling's avatar

I’m was creative at cooking last week! I made curry oat fried rice and it was great!

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Temi Coker's avatar

That sounds SOOOO GOOD!! Cooking is a skill. I don't have it lol but I try haha

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Melina Vinasco's avatar

Needed this reinforcement today 🙂 I’ve been learning about how Indigenous cultures approach art and creativity, and it’s just like what you described. It’s woven everywhere and no “special” individuals or “creative geniuses” are elevated. Creativity is in our humanity and Western society has made us forget that. Love your framing that creativity is about how we see the world! Leaning all the way into my feelings this week to keep nurturing some creative projects 🙂

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Temi Coker's avatar

Ahh that's amazing!! Thanks for sharing and I'm glad this gave you even more clarity! lean into you feelings and keep nurturing your creative projects!! You got this, Melina!

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Dr. Gladys Ato's avatar

Love this reminder Temi. My creative expression this week has been in changing my old narratives that are worn out! It’s taken a lot of creativity to think new thoughts that are more expansive and meaningful to me based on where I am today.

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Temi Coker's avatar

We are in the SAME BOAT! That's something I'm also learning. Cause these old narratives have put me in a box and it's hard to see outside of that. My friends have helped me get out of that old narrative but it's so easy to slip back into that. Finding creative ways to remind myself of my gifts and what I do has been really encouraging.

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Dr. Gladys Ato's avatar

Aww I love that your friends have been that extra dose of supportive love to get out of the box! I also thank my friends for seeing me more clearly than I see myself 🥰

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Lindsay A's avatar

Glad you're back! I needed this reminder. "...it's bringing what's inside you into the world..." That's it!

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Temi Coker's avatar

YES!! I have to remind myself everyday. I'm 1 of 1. So my perspective, my art, my expression matters! I am Creative!

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Apr 8
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Temi Coker's avatar

Thanks so much for sharing! I've been meaning to read that book so thank you for that reminder. The art of focus and building! That's amazing and I'm sure it's no easy task but you showing up everyday even with your audio journals I'm sure will yield results in this holistic wellness journey you're in! Wishing you all the best and thanks again for sharing!

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Temi Coker's avatar

Thanks so much for sharing! I've been meaning to read that book so thank you for that reminder. The art of focus and building! That's amazing and I'm sure it's no easy task but you showing up everyday even with your audio journals I'm sure will yield results in this holistic wellness journey you're in! Wishing you all the best and thanks again for sharing!

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