Find Your Unicorn Space: Reclaim Your Creative Life in a Too-Busy World

Welcome to a gentle exploration of the magic that lives within each of us—a magic that, too often, we let slip away as life’s storms gather. Today, I want you to imagine a space in your heart, as rare and radiant as a unicorn in the wild: your Unicorn Space. This is not just a hobby or a fleeting distraction. This is the vital, living zone of self-expression that makes you feel truly alive.

As we begin our journey, let’s pause and reflect on one simple truth: creativity is not optional. It is as necessary as sleep, as nourishing as food, and as essential as love. The world may try to convince us otherwise—telling us that only children or artists need to play, that fun is frivolous, that our value lies in what we produce for others. But the heart knows better. When we deny ourselves creative expression, we start to wither inside, becoming shadows of who we might be.

Consider the countless stories of people who, in the midst of daily chaos, suddenly realized how much of themselves they had left behind. There was the woman who, after years of caregiving and work, couldn’t answer the simple question: What do you do for fun? Or the man who, upon retirement, discovered a well of joy in hip-hop dance, lighting up not just his own life but those around him. Their journeys remind us that fun is not reserved for the young or the idle—it is a lifeline for us all.

Research echoes this truth. Studies from around the world show that when we engage in creative pursuits, we set off an ‘upward spiral’—more positive emotions, deeper social connection, a sense of flourishing that can carry us through even the hardest days. Creative time is not a luxury; it is a foundation for thriving. In moments of global crisis, like the recent pandemic, many of us were forced to slow down. Suddenly, the longing for something more—something joyful, meaningful, and deeply personal—rose to the surface. We realized how much we had neglected our Unicorn Space, and how essential it is to our well-being.

So, as we step forward together, remember: your creative self-expression is not a bonus or an add-on. It is your birthright. It is the key to weathering life’s storms, to finding joy in the rain, and to connecting more deeply with yourself and others. In the next section, we’ll explore why so many of us struggle to claim this space—and how to start giving ourselves permission to do so, even in a too-busy world.

Let’s journey onward, to discover the rules of permission that unlock your creative life.