"Muse"....(n) someone who inspires another in the creative arts, especially poetry.

Does everyone have a muse who is creative?  Must everyone have a muse?  What is the true purpose of even having a muse?  Does one just "appear" when needed?  What constitutes creativity?  How do you know if you have a muse?  These questions have been niggling in the forefront of my mind the last few days.  I look around and put myself in the shoes of some of my favorite authors and artists and I can't help but wonder, "Who was their muse when this was created?"  I think I may have come up with an answer to that question.  I believe that most art, whether writing, art, poetry or even a movie are not inspired by anyone.  Then there are those very special "pieces" that stand out in everyone's mind.  I believe that THESE are the ones that are inspired by a special "muse." 

Think about it.  There are many pieces of art or books that have a tendency to stick out to everyone who has seen them, read them, or admired them.  And having recently been to a country that was founded on art, it has become even more clear to me.  When a person thinks of Michelangelo, what do they think of?  The statue of David, the Sistine Chapel, and the Pieta.  But does anyone rememeber "Bacchus," "Man and Mollusk," or even "Moses"?  And what about authors?  I happen to adore Jane Austen.  Most people think of "Pride and Prejudice" or "Sense and Sensibility" when they hear her name.  But what of "Catherine"?  Do you know this was one of her first works?  Hmmm.  Makes a person think, doesn't it?  What happened to each of these great "artists?"  My guess is that the more famous works had muses in their artists' lives. 

So what's my point and what does this have to do with me?  I will tell you.  I started writing when I was a teenager.  The times that I believed to write my best during those years was when I had someone to inspire me.  Most of the time it was some hurtful time that casued me to pick up a pen and paper and write either prose or poetry.  Most of those writings were kept in a diary, but I will admit that some made it to the light of day where someone else read it.  I seem to remember receiving compliments on those pieces.  However, when I just wrote for the sake of writing and to keep things "fresh", I didn't write as well.  So what was the difference?  I wasn't "inspired." 

I started this blog about 2 months ago.  I can almost remember, as it was yesterday, the day I sat down and wrote.  Would you like to know how I came to that place?  I have a muse!  I have someone who inspires me now.  Someone who inspires me to be my best, to write my best, and to put my heart out there for all to share.  And do you want to know why I share my heart?  Because in spite of the mistakes I have made, I have a good heart.  It's not that I want to prove anything, but I just want those outside of my close circle, and some within, to see that I am growing.  I am maturing.  I am learning so much about myself.  And I want everyone to understand that "me" better.

I sing more now.  I laugh more now.  The world is beautiful.  I can see the rainbow through the clouds.  I can see the  light through the fog.  I can see beauty through the grime.  I am reborn!  Do I need a muse?  Not really, but it sure does make my writing better.  Am I creative without a muse?  Of course I am.  The Lord created me in His image. But having my muse makes everything "better" in my life.  Thank you, my Muse, for being so wonderful! 

And for everyone out there reading this, think about something.  Where is your creativity?  Is it in something quiet, like writing?  Is it something artsy, like art?  Is it something active, like expressing yourself in dance, a sport, or activity?  Do you believe you are at your best?  if so, do you have a muse?  (Think about those in the Olympics now.  Most of them attribute their "greatness" to a family member who has inspired them.)  And if you think that you could probably push yourself a little, look around?  Maybe you just need a little inspiration.  Maybe you just need to find your muse.