The Importance of Creative Expression and How to Overcome the Barriers

Tony, age 50, stood out like a giant among the kids at his church's flute recital. Surrounded by elementary school children in frilly dresses and shiny shoes, Tony stood tall in a red bow tie, holding his flute with pride. He was well aware that the looks of surprise came from the younger musicians, but he found strength in the pride shining from his wife’s face in the audience.

But it wasn’t always this easy for Tony. He had a long history of self-doubt when it came to playing the flute again after 50 years. The flute case had followed him through each move, but he couldn’t bring himself to open it. The thought of picking up the instrument after so many years felt overwhelming. He didn’t know if he still had the lung capacity to play, and the memory of a harsh critique from his high school band director still haunted him. He also thought he didn’t have time—his busy life and his wife’s recent cancer diagnosis made creative pursuits feel secondary.

Why We Hesitate to Be Creative

Sound familiar? Many of us have creative dreams or ideas we put off or abandon. Maybe you’ve told yourself you’re too busy, too old, or not talented enough. Maybe you have a box of art supplies collecting dust, or a guitar that’s been sitting unused. Or maybe you’ve started, but always halfway, without fully committing.

Take a moment. Think about the creative activities you’ve always wanted to try but never did, or the ones you’ve started but left behind. Write them down—on paper or in a note-taking app. Once you’re done, read through the list. How does it make you feel?

Perhaps you feel regret, frustration, or a sense of loss. Maybe it’s a resigned feeling that this is just how things are. If you feel stuck, let's explore some questions that can help you unlock your creative courage.

1. What Do You Value Most?

In early therapy sessions with Tony, I asked him what activities he used to love but had neglected. His response was immediate: playing the flute. As he spoke about it, his eyes lit up.

He shared how playing the flute as a teenager was his way of expressing feelings when words weren’t enough. He also explained how playing the instrument was a form of stress relief—something that felt deeply soothing to his body. Music connected him to his late mother, and when he played his father’s favorite songs, it helped him feel close to both of them.

It became clear that playing the flute wasn’t just a hobby for Tony—it was a way to cope with grief, stress, and a sense of disconnection. Once he realized how much playing the flute aligned with his core values, he found the motivation to pick it up again.

What about you? What is it about creative expression that you value most? Is it the joy of self-expression, the peace it brings, or the connection it fosters?

2. What Are You Avoiding and What Are You Holding On To?

When we feel stuck in our creative pursuits, it’s often because we are either avoiding discomfort or holding on to limiting beliefs.

For Tony, avoidance meant avoiding his flute because he feared he wasn’t good enough anymore. Gripping, on the other hand, involved holding onto an outdated identity—comparing himself to younger, better flute players.

Here are some ways to recognize if you're avoiding or gripping:

• Are you gripping?
• Are you holding on to negative beliefs like “I’m not talented enough” or “I don’t have time”?
• Are you attached to an identity that doesn’t serve your creative growth, like “I’m too old to start” or “I’m too busy to be creative”?
• Are you focused on an outcome that’s out of your control—like winning an award or gaining social media followers—instead of enjoying the process?

• Are you avoiding?
• Do you give up when it gets difficult or frustrating? What feelings make you quit?
• Are you afraid to show your work to others? What do you fear they might think?
• Do you keep filling your schedule so you don’t have time to create? What are you afraid might happen if you prioritize creativity?
• Are you only half-committed, doing just enough to avoid failure? What would happen if you went all-in?

3. Are You Stuck in a Story?

We all have a story we tell ourselves about why we can’t be creative. For Tony, his story was: "I’m too old, it’s too hard, and it’s embarrassing to perform with kids. Everyone will laugh at me, and besides, my wife needs me."

What is the story that’s holding you back? What might you gain if you let go of it?

If you recognize yourself in Tony’s story, challenge those thoughts. It might feel uncomfortable, but untangling these limiting beliefs is the first step toward rediscovering your creative power. When you confront the story head-on, you create space for new possibilities.

Moving Forward

The process of re-engaging with your creativity doesn’t have to be perfect—it’s about reconnecting with what brings you joy, peace, and meaning. Start small, and don’t worry about the end result. Whether it’s picking up that old guitar, attending a painting class, or simply allowing yourself to doodle again, the key is to take that first step.

Ask yourself: What’s one small thing you can do today to reconnect with your creativity? It might be as simple as setting aside 15 minutes to sketch or writing down a few song lyrics. Whatever it is, allow yourself the freedom to enjoy the process, not just the outcome.