Creative Manifesto
I struggled greatly coming up with an idea for what I wanted to do for my creative manifesto. Honestly, I didn’t really understand what I was supposed to be doing because I felt like I couldn’t have one since I don’t really consider myself to be an “artist.” However, one of the biggest concepts I have taken away from this semester and this course is everyone is an artist. We are all creative in some way, shape, or form. I have always been creative in terms of music, and eventually also developed a love of putting together videos and slideshows. This is how I came to realize what I should create for my creative manifesto. I have put together a video of pictures of all the people who encourage me and prompt me to do what I do. Also included, are images of why I have chosen the career path I have and how that also influences my creativity and why I create. The music playing in the background is an arrangement of Away in the Manger that I created for my Grandma. One of her favorite Christmas songs was Away in the Manger and on her very last Christmas here on earth, I wrote this arrangement and then played it for her. Fortunately, when I played it for her, I also recorded it. This recording, though far from perfect, is especially special because it was my last Christmas with and one of the last times I played for my Grandma.
Why: I create music because music brings people together, expresses emotion when it otherwise feels impossible, and shares stories. Music is so powerful that it can unite, divide, encourage, or bring down. My goal is to encourage, bring together, and help others realize they are not alone. Experiencing hard and down times is not out of the ordinary and is okay. You may feel like the difficulties will never cease or that you won’t be able to come out successfully on the other side, but this is a lie Satan only wants us to believe. One of the most powerful tools Satan has is music. Lucifer aka Satan was the Chief Musician in Heaven until he was kicked out. He knows God intimately and he knows exactly how to use music to influence or communicate with others to turn or divert them away from God. I want to be a part of the positive influence that music has on people and bring them further away from where Satan wants them and closer to God and His kingdom. I have made the decision to study Psychology and work in law enforcement as a police officer and have a private practice as a therapist to specialize in working first responder families and kids who have endured abuse. Music is a great therapeutic tool and I hope to use it for others and myself. Just as it’s important to care for others, so it is to care for ourselves.
Who: My hope or goal is to utilize music as a way to encourage and minister to those who have suffered through emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. I also hope to reach or impact first responders and their families and families of those in ministry. Along with other people, I also plan on continuing to create for myself. Music is a great outlet and allows myself to release what I am feeling or finding ways to communicate and/or understand what I am struggling to communicate with just words.
How: I plan on continuing to practice and put forth much effort in stretching myself to continue learning and growing. I also desire to incorporate music therapy into my therapy practice and sessions with clients. They will have the opportunity to listen to and/or create music. Sometimes when we listen to music, we will find a song that pinpoints exactly what we have been trying to put into words or understand. They will have the opportunity to do just that if possible.
What: I want to bring healing to individuals, their loved ones, and even myself. I want to give people an awareness of other potential avenues to therapy and ways to learn more about themselves and how to work through the ups and downs of life.
