"La plupart des gens meurent avant d'être pleinement nés. La créativité signifie naître avant de mourir."

The essence of this quote is that many people go through life without truly living—without tapping into their full potential and embracing their creative side. Truly living, according to this idea, means engaging in creative acts and expressing oneself fully before life's end.

Historically, this sentiment has roots in existential philosophy and psychology. It speaks to the concept that many people conform to societal norms, never challenging themselves to explore their creativity or individuality. This phrase might echo the ideas of thinkers like Erich Fromm, who emphasized living authentically rather than merely existing.

To bring this to life, imagine an accountant named Sarah who, for years, followed the same mundane routine. She excelled at her job but felt something vital was missing. Every day felt the same, and her true passions were pushed aside. One day, Sarah stumbled upon an old set of paints she’d forgotten about. She decided to doodle a bit, just for fun. Before she knew it, she was spending every weekend painting, rediscovering a joy she hadn’t felt in years. Eventually, she started sharing her art online and even held a small exhibition. Sarah felt alive in a way she hadn’t before—she was truly living, not just existing.

Now, how can you apply this in your own life? Start small. Think about what you loved to do as a child or something that piques your interest. Maybe it’s writing, playing an instrument, gardening, or even cooking. Carve out some time in your week to explore these interests. Don’t worry about being perfect; the goal is to express and enjoy yourself. Creativity isn’t just about making art—it’s about looking at life with curiosity and a willingness to experiment.

Let me share a story. Picture Mark, a lawyer in his mid-40s, successful by all conventional standards but feeling a void. One evening, he recalls his college days when he played the guitar. On a whim, he buys a second-hand guitar and starts strumming again. At first, his fingers fumble, but soon the muscle memory kicks in. Playing music becomes his escape—a way to unwind, connect with old friends, and even write his own songs. Mark wasn’t planning on becoming a rock star; he just wanted to feel more alive. And that’s what creativity does—it infuses our lives with meaning and vitality.

So, think about what makes you feel truly alive. When was the last time you lost track of time because you were so engrossed in something? Chase that feeling. It’s not about impressing others or achieving fame. It’s about finding parts of yourself you didn’t know existed and letting them flourish.

To wrap it up, the wisdom here is straightforward: don’t wait until it’s too late to fully embrace your creative side. Engage with life passionately and creatively now. You don’t need to quit your job or make drastic changes—just start weaving a bit of creativity into your daily routine. Take that dance class, start that blog, or simply doodle in a notebook. It’s about being born into a life full of color and expression before you die.