One great form of self-care (and securing your own oxygen mask) is to satisfy your need to be creative.

“The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul… We each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before.” – Dieter F. Uchtdorf

The happiness and satisfaction that come from creating something can lift our mood and bolster our self-confidence. You don’t need to be a master painter or professional musician to create something. You already have the greatest tool you will ever need to be creative: your mind.

The problem, then, is to hush the inner voice that says you can’t. The voice that tells you you’re afraid. In no uncertain terms, tell that voice to shut up.

Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love talks about fear like this:

“And what I have to sort of keep telling myself when I get really psyched out about that is don’t be afraid. Don’t be daunted. Just do your job. Continue to show up for your piece of it, whatever that might be.”

If you think you’re not creative, think again. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• Plant and nurture a garden – even if it’s just a flowerpot or two on your windowsill.
• Color – Adult coloring books are all the rage these days!
• Teach yourself a skill like knitting or watercolor – YouTube is a wealth of information for just about anything you can imagine!
• Write a poem or short story – and don’t worry if it’s “not good enough.” Nobody has to read it but you.
• Rearrange your living room to make it cozy and inviting for family and guests.

If you show up, so will the creativity. It just will. Filling your need to be creative is an excellent way to secure your oxygen mask. If you feel personally fulfilled, it’s easier to help others feel the same.