Called to Be Creative: A Guide to Reigniting Your Creativity

by Mary Potter Kenyon

"I’m not creative. I could never do something like that. I don’t have time to be creative."

Does any of this sound familiar? Do you find yourself wishing that you had pursued your creative talents before it was too late? In a world full of creativity, there is no such thing as “too late.”

Called to Be Creative is for anyone looking to reignite that tiny spark inside of them and invite creativity into their lives through simple, everyday practices. A certified grief counselor and a Program Coordinator for Shalom Spirituality Center, Mary Potter Kenyon walks you step by step through the process of exploring your true potential in this inspirational guide to embracing your innate creativity. With in-depth research from the most notable creative authorities, insight from creative pioneers, her personal experiences, and small activities to kick-start your own creative revolution, Kenyon offers you everything you need to live a more creative life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

192 pages, Paperback

Published August 18, 2020

About the author

Mary graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a B.A. in Psychology and is certified as a grief counselor, trained under world renown grief expert David Kessler. She is an author, widely published in magazines, newspapers and anthologies. She teaches writing workshops for area community colleges, libraries and writer's conferences and does presentations and workshops on utilizing creativity in your everyday life, jumpstarting your natural creativity and facing grief with grace. She is the author of several books, including the award-winning "Refined By Fire: A Journey of Grief and Grace," with a foreword written by New York Times bestselling author, Cecil Murphey and "Called to Be Creative: A Guide to Reigniting Your Creativity," Mary and her husband Nick Portzen speak on the power of prayer in marriage and are currently working on a book on the same topic.

Reviews

[Miranda Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Sometimes we instinctively know what will bring us happiness."

Mary Potter Kenyon used to love to write as a kid but as she grew older, she grew out of the just-for-fun writing.

It was only after the loss of a loved one that she realized how much time she sacrificed and how much she neglected her creative side.

In this book, Mary Potter Kenyon takes us on her own journey to bring back her creativity and her passion for writing.

"Whether it was cooking, gardening, spending time with animals, sketching, writing, empathetic listening or music, there was something you were drawn to as a child, an activity that brought you joy, that you can reignite now as an adult."

She has activities scattered throughout the book that are designed to help the reader find that early-passion and their creative side.

And of course, she always asks the question.

"So, what are you waiting for?"

This was such a fun book!

This is my first time reading a Mary Potter Kenyon book but gosh-dang do I want to pick up everything she's ever written and just spend the weekend reading her books.

I loved her writing voice - it was a gentle and encouraging sort of tone (far removed from the kick-you-in-the-behind sort of self-help books I typically see).

It felt like she was an old friend, talking to me about her life and her adventures - and giving me some much-needed advice about how to open up my creative side.

The life events she pulls from were poignant and effective, and really drove the point home about embracing an artistic outlet.

I loved the diverse activities in this book that tied into each chapter's theme and have already tried out quite a few.

All in all, I'm really pleased with this book and cannot wait to keep going!

With many thanks to Familius Publishing and Mary Potter Kenyon for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

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[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book explores what it means to be creative, and how to unleash your own creative energies. There are tips for exploring different arts or hobbies, and advice on gaining confidence and taking risks. I love how this book encourages the reader to try new things, learn from failure, and embrace anything and everything creative!

The authors spends a lot of time talking about her mother and how creative she was, including excerpts from her mother's journals and photos of her mother's artwork. I was not expecting this book to be quite so autobiographical, and I got bored with the long stories about the author's family.

I enjoyed all of the inspirational quotes about creativity and art from famous people like Thomas Moore, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Anne Dillard, and even Albert Einstein. There is an entire chapter about gratitude and how that sparks other good things in your life.

At the end of each chapter there are little one page bios of people who discovered their creative spark in some unique way. I found those a little boring too, and mostly skipped them. If you like stories about Granny's old furniture and going camping with the grandkids, then you might enjoy them.

There are also activities that you can do at the end of each chapter. You can color a pattern, write a letter, make a vision board, create a mind map, or complete a meditative writing exercise. These activities were okay, but didn't get me particularly excited or inspired.

I guess this book just wasn't what I was looking for. I wanted more practical tips on being creative. I wanted lists of things to try. I wanted a workbook to fill in. There is some good advice and some tips, but so much of the book is stories about other people, and how they were born and got married and had kids and died leaving behind a marvelous legacy of creativity. Okay, yay for them. I didn't want a biographical book. I wanted a "How To" book.

The focus of this book is the author's OWN journey through creativity, but I wanted to take MY journey, not hear about someone else's. And a lot of this book is about mothers finding time to be creative, and I'm not a mother so I can't relate to a great deal of the book.

There are some very good tips and excellent advice in this book, but it's buried under all the stories about things I didn't care about. The writing is excellent. The story-telling is great. The author does a great job exploring many different aspects of creative flow. It just wasn't for me.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts and are not influenced by anyone.

[Mary Kenyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I devoured this book. Each chapter is filled with encouragement and inspiration. If you’re looking for something to feed your creative soul, this is it."
—Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author

[Jaimie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creativity. Merriam-Webster defines creativity as "the ability to create”. In Called to Be Creative, author Mary Potter Kenyon, not only writes about creativity, what it is, what it means, how it affects and benefits us mentally, physically, emotionally, and even spiritually, but she does so by graciously giving the reader a glimpse into her own life throughout the book. This book will grant the permission we often feel we need to be a little (or a lot) creative, and you will be inspired and encouraged, for yourself, and I dare say for others in your circle, as you read through the pages. The chapters, each with their own creative focus, are supported by research and resources throughout the book and the easy-to-do exercises at the end of each chapter allow for the very guidance and reference we seek. Write in the margins, underline the ah-ha moments that speak to you, and get your creative self active.

Called to Be Creative, whether read individually or with a group (yes, even a Zoom group during pandemic times), belongs in everyone’s hands. It’s a book club book, a girlfriends group book, a book for those who are single or married, it’s even a book for guys (and dare I say it would be a fun challenge to create a space and opportunity for that to happen!). It’s perfect for families, for creative minds, and those who don’t see themselves that way. A teaching tool for young moms, homeschool moms, and moms looking for a way to cure summer boredom. Add this book to your reading list, discover or uncover the creativity within you, embrace the creative opportunities, and be ready to be amazed as you laugh and smile, enjoying the creative moments within your everyday journey.

[Amanda Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book – I’d like to recommend it as required reading for every human. Using the gifts that God has given us allows us to feel energized and satisfied in a way that nothing else does. This book will inspire you to find your purpose and pursue it wholeheartedly, and I can’t think of any better recipe for a happy life than that. If you want to fulfill your potential and help your children fulfill theirs, this book is for you. If you want to make the most of your life and not just survive it, read this book! I will be keeping my copy to reread but I'll be buying some copies to give away, too. It's that good.

[Cheryl Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book on creativity includes interesting food for thought, new-to-me info from studies that have been done related to creativity, and also examples and stories of creative people. Also important are the exercises to do throughout. I'm still working through finishing those up and have been enjoying them. Always fun to get the creative sparks going!

[Patricia Tiffany Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Potter Kenyon has written a bright, welcoming invitation to “reclaim your box of crayons” as she dispels the myth that creativity is only given to a select few. Her book is filled with hope for anyone who longs to transform their life into a creative playground as we emulate the Master Designer. I loved reading the personal tone the author mastered as she might have been sitting beside me, speaking to my inner creative soul. You simply must read this book to find that we all have hidden creative spirit that God has gifted us. If you’ve ever sat discouraged, wondering why “other people have all the talent”, you need this book to “reclaim your own box of crayons” and start creating the joy and beauty God intended us to create. Practical and inspirational stories and projects ooze from the pages of Called to Create. This reference will serve as a reminder that each one of us has been called to create. And that we can’t compare ourselves with another. Do yourself a favor and bless your family and friends with sparkling creativity. Enjoy the colorful, poignant stories of people like you. I love the quote by one of the artists in the book about her husband. “You’re soaring,” he’d say. “I love seeing you this way, following your passions. This is your time to fly.” Let the Mary Potter Kenyon, an artist and writer with three names, help you learn to fly and follow your passion and creativity. This book encourages us to release the art locked inside of each one of us just as God has gifted us and not to compare ourselves with others and their gifts.

[Susan Tollefson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Potter Kenyon’s book Called to be Creative invites all of us to hear our own call to be creative. Mary shares her creative journey with such an open heart that she makes it seem possible in all our lives.

She, and the many creative thinkers she weaves into her story, teach us to value our creative selves and to transcend our own limiting beliefs and fear of failure.

It is also a beautiful story of Mary’s artist mother and her profound influence on Mary and her siblings.

Because of this book I decided to write down five things to be grateful for every day and send weekly letters to loved ones.

Mary’s book is inspiring, intelligent and wise. Read her book and you’ll discover that you too are called be creative.

[Patti Stockdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how the author starts the chapters with her mother's words and wisdom. Called to Be Creative: A Guide to Reigniting Your Creativity is encouraging and inspiring, the perfect impetus to explore untapped creativity. This well-written book is an excellent reminder that it's never too late to try something new.

[Mary Jedlicka Humston · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you believe you don’t possess a creative bone in your body, you will have certainly found more than one after finishing “Called to be Creative” written by Mary Potter Kenyon.

“Called to be Creative” is a balanced mix of research, a variety of life stories about several creative souls and thought-provoking exercises to spark your personal creative juices.

I highly recommend this insightful and delightful book.

[Jessica Speer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left me feeling inspired and excited to tap back into the creative pursuits that I lost in adulthood. Through her own beautiful story and research, Mary Potter Kenyon reminded me that like anything, creativity takes practice. This book is packed with inspiration and a clear path to tap into this important part of ourselves.

[John Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

A both moving and inspiring book. Mary writes with a style that captures the devastation of losing loved ones, but also her overwhelming sense of optimism and belief that life will get better if we learn to embrace our creativity

[Joan Kramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each time I read Mary's newest book, I am amazed by the flow of her words. She becomes a better and more expressive writer with each successive book. It is as if she has written each book exclusively for me. I often read her books in one or two sittings, determined to "finish this book", unable to put it down until I reach the last word.
Mary Potter Kenyon is my sister. You could believe that is why I love her books. It is only one reason, as we share many of the same life experiences. I also love her books because of her frank honesty and self knowledge, her willingness to share even difficult or humiliating episodes in her life which many may have experienced themselves.
"Called to be Creative" is a book which is written especially for anyone who yearns to be creative but does not believe they have any talent. For those who know they are talented but say they are too busy or do not know how to get started, Mary includes sections with questions to answer or notes written, chapters of interviews with creative individuals, and examples of various kinds of creativity to spark your imagination. Interspersed throughout the book are quotes from our mother as well as others.
Reading "Called to be Creative" could very well change your life. As our mother would say, "God has given each of us talents, and He expects us to use our gift to make the world a better place". If we have purpose, which often happens when we create, it makes life more enjoyable both for ourselves and for others.
After my first read of "Called to be Creative", I will read it again more slowly and do some writing myself, taking notes and answering questions in the sections they are included. I also plan to dust off my art supplies and charge up the battery for my Nikon 3200 camera, as I have not done any painting or used that camera for some time. Thank you, Mary, for inspiring me to use my talents.

[Monica H (TeaandBooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have often heard people say that they don't have a creative bone in their body. I heartily disagree with that statement. I believe we all use creativity in more ways than we realize. Mary Potter Kenyon's new book, Called to Be Creative inspires all sorts of creativity and reminds the reader that they are indeed creative in many ways.

For me, reading Called to Be Creative was like sitting down with the author at the coffee shop and chatting about writing, artwork and all the things that we mutually enjoy that take a bit of creativity. I enjoyed her conversational tone. I also liked that each of the twelve chapters concludes with an inspiring real-life story from another creative person and an assignment to do something creative--for example, writing in a journal or making a vision board. For the purposes of this review, I read straight through the book and made some mental notes regarding the assignments. However, I plan to go back through and do the assignments and I am really looking forward to that. Throughout this book, Kenyon shared quotes from other books that had inspired her in the creative process--many of those books were also books that I had enjoyed. All the way through the book, I just felt like she was a kindred spirit. At the same time, I am in awe of this woman who had eight children and yet found time to write and create. I didn't come from a big family or have a big family so that amazes and inspires me. Kenyon also dedicated this book to her mother who inspired her creativity even though she also had several children. I think this book would be encouraging and inspiring to anyone looking to spend time writing, doing artwork, writing music, or creating in whatever way God has gifted them.

I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions within this review are my own.

[Virginia Pillars · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always thought of myself as a creative person with multiple interests from crafting to sewing to writing. Many people have expressed an interest in creativity to me with a sigh, "I haven't a creative bone in my body." This book dispels that notion with studies and a variety of examples of people the author knows or met with exemplary creative juices. I recommend this book to everyone. As I said, I think of myself as a creative person, yet I know there are times I give up too easily when I try something new. It's either too hard or I did a terrible job and the perfection gene in me shut it down. I like the permission Mary Potter Kenyon gave me to fail at something. The important thing is to try new things and perhaps discover a new passion.
I liked the examples given on how to ignite creativity. My favorite lines from this book:
"Not only does gratitude enhance your creative life—it enhances you. "(Page 127)
"It makes sense that humans are not only meant to be creative but to be generous as well." (Page 128)
"...a way to reduce your stress level so you can be more creative, searching for things you can be thankful for in your life is a great place to start." (Page 130)
"I’ve found eudaimonia. Loosely translated, the ancient Greek word means figuring out one’s purpose in life, given their unique set of talents and capabilities, and pursuing goals that give their life meaning." (Page 180)

As I finished this book, I wished I could have met her mother and her husband. Both of them inspired the author by the way they lived. Wouldn't it be nice if each one of us did that for another person?

This new book releases on August 18. Grab yourself a copy. And one for someone who has convinced themself they "don't have a creative bone in their body."

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Mary Potter Kenyon’s Called to be Creative is like sharing a good cup of coffee and a long conversation with your best friend. She encourages and challenges all while baring her own soul and sharing her writing journey.
But lest you think this is only a book for would-be writers, let me assure it is not. Kenyon maintains we are all creative because we are made in God’s image. Creativity is baked into who we are as humans. And it evidences itself in a myriad of ways—not limited to the creative arts we traditionally think of like painting, sculpture, writing, and the like.
For proof, she points to her own and her mother’s lives. Large families and limited resources did not halt or diminish their creative impulses. Rather, Kenyon asserts, life circumstances pushed them to creativity to survive. After all, feeding a family of ten on a poverty budget demands considerable creativity.
The biggest detriment to honing our natural creativity is our negative self-talk. We are often reluctant to try a new activity because we convince ourselves we won’t be good enough and might even fail. But we need to give ourselves permission to do so simply because we want to or we enjoy it. Kenyon encourages us to allow time for such activities and see the impact they can have on our stress level and outlook on life.
Clippings and notes from her mother’s life, quotes and statistics from authoritative sources, and exercises to prime the reader’s creative energy comprise Called to be Creative. My only regret—as an early reader--is that I don’t yet have a hard copy to jot my own notes and do the exercises. Placing my pre-order now.

[Dallas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing, inspiring book! I enjoy all of Mary Potter Kenyon's work, but this is perhaps my favorite of all her books. Called to be Creative changed the way I view myself as a creative being, and the creative process as a whole. Now I truly believe we are all creative and begin as creative beings -- we just sometimes lose our sense of possibility along the way in life. As a writer myself, I was putting so much pressure on myself to "be creative" that I lost the sense of playfulness innate in creativity. Called to be Creative helped me find my way back to my inspired inner self. I love the way that Kenyon expertly weaves together her own experiences, her mother's story, research, examples, moving stories from other people, and interactive prompts in this gem of a book. If you feel like something is missing in your life, perhaps it is that creative spark. This book will bring you back to your creative home.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps you think your life is over, and you don’t have a creative cell in your body. Think again. In Called to be Creative, author Mary Potter Kenyon encourages and supports you. With a wealth of stories from her life and that of others, she will challenge you to eliminate statements like “I can’t do that” or “I’ll never be creative.” You will find the author’s creativity and joy contagious, and you’ll do far more than you ever dreamed possible. I highly recommend this book in Kindle, Audio, or paperback. Gift your public library, college or university, and place of worship with a copy of Called to be Creative.
Yvonne Ortega
Professional Speaker, Trainer, Coach, Mentor
Author of the Moving from Broken to Beautiful® 4-Book Series

[Pat Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book to inspire anyone at any age group to get creative, no matter your age or how little talent you think you have! Endearing excerpts from the authors life and lives of other creative people who are written about. There are even small incentives and practices set up for you to work on if you so desire. Very well written!

[Rachel K · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Called to be Creative” is an inspiring read that helps you get excited once more to use your hands, mind, and imagination, to create. There is nothing more pleasing then producing something of your own making.
A sharp knife will remain sharp as long as you maintain it, but become dull when neglected. Our talent is much the same, but it not only becomes dull without use, it also gets lost, and one day you realize that it’s missing and you don’t know where it went. At that point you have to decide if you will put the effort into finding it once more.
This book not only helps us realize that we lost something we once loved once we “grew up”, but helps us rediscover it, encourages us to. Encourages us to perhaps try other things that we’ve been interested in but were always too intimidated to try.
I loved this aspect of the book, but I also really loved the authors own story and what led her to writing this.

When you let your creativity die, you let a piece of yourself die. And that shouldn’t be something you allow to happen.

[Joy Kidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Potter Kenyon's book on the uplifting power of creativity is even presented creatively. Each chapter includes a beautiful blending of Mary's ideas and stories, stories of other creatives she's met and worked with, as well as ones she's read about. Mary's mother was so creative, even with limited resources and several children. She left behind many examples, and even notes, which are included.

"Ignite" at the end of each chapter is a chance for the readers to try something creative, a new way of thinking about your own creativity, a list to spur new growth and ideas for your own time to fly.

Insisting that everyone is creative, each carrying our own fingerprint of the Creator, Mary is vulnerable and honest about her own journey to discovering her own creativity. Mary's other books are so compelling because they too are vulnerable and honest.

At the end of the book are several valuable pages of resources.

"Called to Be Creative" is a book you'll want to give to friends, but you'll want to keep your own copy as you explore the activities and work through your journey of reconnecting with your very own creativity.

[Lorri Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're wondering what is next for you, pick up a copy of Called To Be A Creative. Kenyon will convince you that each and every one of us has a creative side and she'll give you the encouragement you need to pursue your next chapter.

[Carla Manly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This heartening book gave me the much-needed reminder that my once-quashed creative spirit lives inside me...waiting to be loved and enlivened. Thank you for this most powerful reminder!

[Shelly Mendenhall · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

Very informative book. Enjoyed it greatly. Would recommend to any and all creative people. Not just writers or artists.five stars

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Called to be creative by Mary Potter Kenyon is a fabulously inspirational guide on creativity! A mix of facts and quotes and personal stories along with guidelines to jumpstart your creativity. And what is creativity? Creativity lives in all of us, our god-given gifts and talents that we just need to bring to the surface. Recognizing that creativity comes in many forms, this book gives us the tools and inspiration to foster our own creativity. I highlighted so many passages in this advanced e-copy! I've always been a creative soul, often in ways that we would consider more traditional. But this book also made me recognize some of the non-traditional things that I do that could also be called creative and that is a new concept for me. Called To Be Creative has encouraged and inspired me to do some new things including but not limited to mind mapping and a new (to me) way of day-to-day journaling to further spark my creativity. This book would make fabulous book club  choice!  So go ahead, read and reach deep, recognize and cultivate  your creative talents and be Called To Be Creative!

[Susan A. Hoffert · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a luxury we'll take 'when there's time'. Time's been in abundance these past months, distractions stilled, yet creativity gets pushed aside for 'more important' things. Called to Be Creative turns this thinking on its head. It's re-set my priorities. My soul actually needs this time!

In the midst of busy everyday, Mary encourages us to take time; seek the healing brush of creativity and welcome it into our life in whatever medium ours takes shape. Written as a practical, gentle guide to creating more time by scheduling occasions for creativity, the author gives examples, encouragement and facts to support how this feeding of our inner need by claiming space for expression actually creates in us a refreshed heart. "It's all about what we choose to do," Mary Potter Kenyon explains weaving the story of her mother's art and a kitchen table offering herself a place to begin to re-shape life as she crafted it anew. "The issue is the quality of your life."

“Creativity has the power to alter the darkness in our lives. . ." was only one of the many quotes covering scads of yellow sticky notes beside my chair. In addition, Mary name-drops titles of books on creativity to refill my Want To Read with new inspiration. It's a book to mark up, underline, quote from and take to heart. It's done my soul good in this time of dryness to be reminded that it is never too late to listen to our calls to be creative once again. Thank you for allowing me an early read.

[Jeff Bobin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think of yourself as someone that is not creative? We are all created to be creative.

While we are all creative it expresses itself differently in each of us. Learning to take advantage of our own creative thinking to find new opportunities throughout our lifetime.

Many of the changes in our lives come unexpectedly and others we plan for. During those transitions we need to find creative ways to travel the changes.

While we often think of art, music or something like dance as creative how often to we think of the need to be creative in speaking or cooking? We are far more creative than we think we are and this is a journey through the author's personal discovery of that creative side and her own expression of it. Then she helps you see how it could play out in your life if you are willing to be a little creative.

[Michelle Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book, I felt like the author was a life long friend. I really connected with what she had to say and would like to meet her sometime. Also living in Iowa, it may be easier to go to a talk. 😀

As a kid I felt drawn to create through art and journaling. I allowed my time to be consumed with other stuff as I got older, like responsibilities, marriage life and kids. Over time, it felt like something was missing. Reading this book encouraged me to think about my past and my present to understand what feeds my soul. I've started journaling more, praying in color, and playing around on my violin and keyboard. Intentionality is important and this book helped point me back in the right direction in being more true to how I was wired.

[Jolene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book. It spoke to my heart and soul, reaffirming the call I answered years ago when I left a traditional career to become a writer. Reading about Kenyon's journey to regain her creativity was like chatting with a friend. Not just a friend, but a kindred spirit who knew just what to say to encourage me to pursue my latest writing project.

In Called to Be Creative, the author has crafted a unique offering. It is part memoir, part scrapbook, and part workbook, and I loved it all. If you are struggling to find your creative footing, if your creative flame needs rekindling, or the story of a person who dared to follow her dream appeals to you, you should read this book.

[Janice L]

Called to Be Creative reminded me we all strive to be creative as children. As we grow we are forced to stifle the creative outlets to conform to man made expectations. Creativity is not only mentally healing, it can also be physically healing. Let your mind wander, paint outside the lines, throw in that splash of color. Then smile at anyone who challenges you - bless their heart!