I feel like my creative output has increased significantly since getting involved in the Unitarian
Universalist Congregation of Gwinnett. Right now, I’m involved in the Men’s Group, Sweet MUUsic (UUCG’s House Band), writing for the Words of Wisdom, and I write letters through a
program with the Church of the Larger Fellowship. I think there’s something about the practice of imagination and creativity that breeds more of it.
I changed majors several times in college, eventually settling on something like a theatre
major/English minor. I enjoyed the heady side of literary criticism along with the manual
creation of stagecraft and acting. After graduation, though, I went through long stretches of
limited creative outlets and output. I know, now, that I need this in my life. My challenge today is the time constraints that come with work, family, and the rest of the important things in life. I told myself before we expanded our family that I would focus my limited free time on music
because it provides creative outlet, intellectual stimulation, fellowship with my bandmates, and
more.
Still, I find it hard to slow down sometimes. I recently sent a flurry of messages about a project
that the Men’s Group will be presenting in a few months to a friend/partner in the project because, once we decided that this project will happen, my mind was awash with ideas. Also this week, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about music, practicing music, and arranging music for the band. Maybe it’s because it’s a diversion from the challenges in life, maybe it’s just fun. I think I’m keeping up with all of it for now.
~Ian Van Sice
