That opting out [of creativity] that happens in childhood … moves in and becomes more ingrained by the time you get to adult life.

I watched How to build your Creative Confidence by David Kelly today and it really resonated with me.

I’ve never identified as a creative type. “I’m just a programmer”, I’d say. “I don’t have an eye for that design stuff”. But really it was a defense mechanism- a cop out- being afraid of judgement and criticism.

Here’s the truth. Everyone is an artist, musician, painter, singer, actor. Even you. Even me.

I just started oil painting a few weeks ago. For less than 50 bucks, I walked out of Michael’s with everything I needed to start slapping oil onto canvas. And I had no idea what I was doing. I’ve only made a few paintings so far, but people tell me they look pretty good. I’ve learned that it doesn’t really matter what they think, though, because I love...

It’s no secret that I love social media. And my friends love it too. We love it so much, that when we hang out in real life, at any moment, someone in the group is checking Twitter. It’s the norm, and it’s stupid.

Twitter and Facebook have changed the way that I interact with the world. I moved to Charleston in September knowing almost no one and, through Twitter, I’ve made so many friends that I’m lucky to have. Twitter is also how I met @noaheverett and eventually got involved with Twitpic. There’s no doubt that I owe so much to social media, but it’s consuming my life.

Plain and simple, it’s a distraction. I’m constantly devouring information, whether it’s what Ryan is having for lunch or an interesting TED talk about paper towels (seriously, it’s awesome, watch it). I’ve become an information addict.

I’m at a crossroad. I just turned 25 and while I’m extremely proud of what I’ve...