Rediscovering Creativity on My Own Terms

I’ve always considered myself an artistic person. Creativity has been a constant in my life, whether through cooking, art, writing, podcasting, or now, 3D modeling and printing. But lately, I’ve been reflecting on how the expectations of others have shaped—and sometimes drained—the joy from my creative pursuits.

Walking Away from Writing (For Now)

A while ago, I wrote a memoir. I poured my heart into it, but after going through the publishing process, I became disenchanted. The writing community, while often supportive, is also one of the most backbiting, competitive, and unsupportive groups I’ve encountered. Everyone has an opinion on how a story should be told, and with each rewrite and revision, my book transformed into something I barely recognized. What started as an enjoyable creative process became tedious, a task rather than a passion. Eventually, I realized I wasn’t writing the book I wanted—I was writing the book others thought it should be.

That realization made the decision clear: I shelved it. I’ve decided to step away from writing entirely, at least until the end of the year.

Hitting Pause on My Podcast

My podcast was another passion project I genuinely enjoyed. But as I tried to stick to a schedule, meet deadlines, and maintain engagement, it, too, became more of a job than a hobby. The pressure to constantly create content took away the fun, and I found myself dreading what I once loved. So, I hit pause on that as well.

Finding Joy in 3D Modeling & Printing

With writing and podcasting on hold, I found myself drawn to something new: 3D modeling and printing. Unlike my other creative pursuits, this one is purely for me. There’s no audience to please, no expectations to meet, and no feedback to alter my vision. I make what I want, when I want, and I’m having an absolute blast.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about bringing an idea to life in a tangible form. As the saying goes, “Give a man a hammer, and everything looks like a nail”—well, give me a 3D printer, and suddenly I’m designing and printing things I never knew I needed. It’s relaxing, rewarding, and best of all, entirely mine.

Creativity on My Own Terms

This shift in focus has reminded me why I create in the first place: not for approval, not for deadlines, but for the sheer joy of making something. I may return to writing and podcasting when the time feels right, but for now, I’m embracing the freedom of creating without constraints.

And honestly? It feels great.

©️2025 Tate Basildon