Encourage individuals to identify and resume creative activities they enjoyed during childhood.

Facilitate creativity workshops to help people discover and nurture their creative abilities alongside others.

Promote the importance of engaging in creative activities for the sheer joy they provide, not for external recognition.

Highlight inspiring stories, like Keith Alessi's, to motivate people to pursue their creative passions regardless of circumstances.

Suggest forming accountability partnerships or groups to foster regular creative practice.

Encourage individuals to question and rewrite any negative selfnarratives regarding their creativity.

Advocate setting aside a small, daily time for creative activities to gradually integrate them into one's routine.

TJ Dawe, a stage writer, director, and performer, encourages viewers to rediscover the joy of creative expression that they may have abandoned in childhood. He reflects on the societal pressures and personal inhibitions that often lead individuals to suppress their creative instincts.

The talk illustrates the transformative power of embracing creativity purely for its intrinsic joy. TJ shares anecdotes, including a powerful story of a former corporate CEO finding immense joy in learning to play the banjo after a terminal cancer diagnosis.

The message is clear: incorporating creative pursuits into daily life brings joy and satisfaction, contributing to a more fulfilling life. TJ inspires individuals to overcome resistance, seek accountability, and redefine their self-perception by embracing and cultivating their creative side. TJ, a prolific writer, director, and performer for the stage, has been crafting monologues and ensemble shows since the 1990s. Recognized as Touring Artist of the Year in 2004, he co-created and directed the internationally acclaimed "The One-Man Star Wars Trilogy." His co-written play "Toothpaste and Cigars" was adapted into the feature film "The F Word." TJ's versatility extends to satire writing, with humorous articles in notable publications, and contributing jokes to Scott Dikkers' stand-up comedy video series. His collaborative work with Richard Dreyfuss resulted in an interactive multimedia career retrospective. TJ's creative journey spans decades, showcasing his impact on both stage and screen. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

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Reading & Writing

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Creativity

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Books

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Videos

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Human Resources

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Can creativity save your life? | TJ Dawe | TEDxSurrey

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