July 4: Protect your creative spirit, it is essential for inspiring and enriching the world.

Protecting Your Flame: The Virtue Behind Creativity
For those who have been following for the last 15-20 days, I understand the setup might not be ideal, but let's move forward. For newcomers, welcome! This channel is dedicated to artists, aiming to enhance their mindset through storytelling. We're here to philosophize, to ponder ideas, and to discuss mindsets that might help you. As a photographer, graphic designer, and teacher, I hope these insights resonate with you. Today’s topic is about "protecting your flame," a concept tied to the virtue that drives your creativity. The text guiding this discussion reads: "Protect your own good in all that you do."
When we talk about protecting the flame, we are discussing the core virtue that fuels your creativity. Protecting creativity is important, but understanding the virtue behind your creativity is even more crucial. This virtue might be the desire to change the world, to find joy in your work, or to help others. For instance, street photographers capturing society's essence or war photographers documenting the harsh realities of conflict do so driven by a deeper purpose. Their virtues hold them steadfast, guiding their creative endeavors.
I recall a movie about a photojournalist who dedicated her life to documenting wars. She finds an apprentice with a similar passion and dedication. The story culminates in a poignant moment where, despite facing death, the seasoned journalist protects her apprentice, ensuring the continuity of their shared virtue. This act goes beyond self-sacrifice; it's about safeguarding the flame of creativity, ensuring its perpetuation through another.
This narrative illustrates a profound truth: the flame within you, be it any virtue, is invaluable. Our responsibility is to keep this flame alive, despite the challenges. Others might let their flames extinguish, but our task is to ignite the world with our creativity and virtue. This, in turn, can inspire others to do the same.
Creating these videos hasn't been easy. Transitioning from a classroom setting to this format posed challenges, yet I persisted. My hope is that if anything I say motivates you, it means my flame is igniting a part of your world. Similarly, you can inspire others with your creativity and virtue.
There will be days when your flame burns brightly, and others when it barely flickers. Regardless, our duty is to protect it and ensure it never goes out. If you're facing difficult circumstances, whether you're out of a job, overwhelmed by demands, or feeling demotivated, seek support. Find ways to persevere because the world needs your flame. Without it, the world is a lesser place.
Artists often feel undervalued and struggle with self-worth. However, our creativity is essential not only for ourselves but for the enrichment of the world. So, protect your flame at all costs. Keep it alive for yourself, for art, and for creativity. Do not let it diminish. Thank you for being here and for your dedication to your craft.