We are All Called to Create.

A few weeks ago, I stood in front of my son Caden’s art installation at The Momentary in Bentonville, Arkansas, as part of the Kaninifest event. The organizers had commissioned him to create a feature piece representing oneness, hope, and liberation. The room buzzed with energy, but everything else faded as I took in his work. I saw him—not just as my son, but as an artist, pouring his soul into something real. Something urgent. He wasn’t just making art. He was telling the world, “Here I am.” It was bold. It was raw. And as I watched people interact with his piece, I felt the weight of what it means to create blended with my immense pride as his father.

This experience reminded me of something that has slipped a bit this year—I need to create. We all do. No matter how busy or overwhelmed we are, we have to make time for it. Life will never hand us the time, and our minds—our over-caffeinated, overstimulated egos—are always going to whisper, "There are more important things to do." That’s the lie. That’s the bullshit narrative we’re fed to keep us small, to keep us numb.

That’s why I’m writing this essay now, even though my schedule says otherwise. Because in that moment, standing in front of Caden’s art, I remembered: creating is not a luxury—it’s a responsibility. It’s a call to arms.

When we create, we elevate our consciousness. We break through the noise and enter a space where numbness, disengagement, and apathy are impossible. Creativity wakes us up. It cracks us open. It reminds us that we are here, alive, connected to something bigger than ourselves. Most people walk through life half asleep—numbed by routine, mindlessly scrolling. But when you create, you can’t help but engage with the world. You become more aware, more present.

That’s the magic of creation. It’s more than just making art or writing a song—it’s about starting conversations that need to be had. Real conversations about love, justice, art, spirit, and priorities. The world drowns us in trivialities and distractions, but creation cuts through that noise. It forces us to confront what actually matters.

And here’s the thing—creating also reminds us of our divine birthright. You want to talk about real power? It’s not found in boardrooms or political offices. Real power is the ability to bring something into existence that wasn’t there before. When we create, we tap into something primal, something godlike. We’re co-creating with the universe, collaborating with the divine, and playing our part in the cosmic dance. That’s the power of creation—it’s a reminder of our incredible capacity to shape the world.

But its not all unicorn farts and rainbows. The world doesn’t want you to create. The systems we live in don’t care about your art, your music, or your soul’s expression. They want you to stay in line. Be productive, be efficient, don’t rock the boat. But creating is an act of rebellion. It’s a giant fuck you to the system that tries to keep us numb, that wants us to accept we’re just cogs in a machine. When we create, we’re claiming our freedom. We’re saying, “I refuse to be small. I refuse to be silenced.”

Think about it—oppressive systems always target the artists first. Why? Because they know how dangerous creativity is. They know that when people create, they start asking questions, they start challenging the status quo. Creation is dangerous to those who thrive on control and conformity.

Leaders need to be dangerous. They need to create. In this new era of human-first organizations, creativity is no longer a luxury—it’s a leadership skill. The leaders who will drive the future forward aren’t the ones following the same tired MBA playbook; they’re the ones who think differently, dream bigger, and inspire others to do the same. Creativity is the fuel for leadership. It’s what allows us to tear down the old, broken structures and build something better.

“My wish: use art to turn the world inside out.”
- JR

As I said, sometimes I don’t feel like creating. Sometimes the resistance is overwhelming. Maybe you related to that. Maybe your mind also tells you you’re too tired, too busy, or just not inspired. So how do you push through when you don’t feel like creating?

Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Acknowledge the Resistance: The first step is to recognize that the resistance is natural. It’s your ego trying to protect you from discomfort. Fear of failure, fear of vulnerability, fear of being judged. Call it what it is, and then lean into it. Don’t run from it. Tell yourself, “I see you, but I’m creating anyway.”

• Create a Ritual: Don’t wait for inspiration to strike. If you’re waiting for the muse, you’re going to be waiting a long time. Show up every day or every week, no matter how you feel. Set aside time and commit to it. The act of showing up is the most important part. The flow will come when you honor the ritual.

• Start Small: If the idea of creating feels too big, start with something small. Write a single sentence. Draw one line. Sing a few notes. Creativity is a muscle, and like any muscle, it needs to be warmed up. Don’t put pressure on yourself to create something grand every time. Just start.

• Remember Your “Why”: When you feel stuck, remind yourself why you create. Why do you make art? Why do you write? Why do you sing? Maybe it’s because you have something to say, or maybe it’s because someone, somewhere, is waiting for what you’re going to make. Reconnect to the purpose behind your creation and let that fuel you.

Creating is not a hobby. It’s not something you do when you have extra time. It’s essential. It’s essential for joy, for purpose, for focus. When you feel called to create—even if it feels small or insignificant—remember that someone, somewhere, needs it. They might not even know they’re looking for it, but they are. Your creation might be the spark that changes their life.

So don’t wait. Don’t listen to the bullshit voice in your head that tells you you’re too busy. Don’t let the world convince you that creation is frivolous. It’s not. It’s your birthright. It’s your responsibility. You are here to create, to push back against the systems that try to silence us, to remind the world that we have the power to shape it, to bend it, to break it open.

And if you don’t do it—if we don’t do it—who will?

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If you want to support Caden, please follow him on Instagram - and of course, please buy his art. If you are a business owner and want art to be a part of your brand, he does incredible murals!