"Create" according to http://dictionary.com

1. to cause to come into being, as something unique that would not naturally evolve or that is not made by ordinary processes.
2. to evolve from one's own thought or imagination, as a work of art or an invention.
3. Theater. to perform (a role) for the first time or in the first production of a play.
4. to make by investing with new rank or by designating; constitute; appoint: to create a peer.
5. to be the cause or occasion of; give rise to: The announcement created confusion.
6. to cause to happen; bring about; arrange, as by intention or design: to create a revolution; to create an opportunity to ask for a raise.
-verb (used without object)
7. to do something creative or constructive.

In an audio book by Clarissa Pinkola Estes called The Creative Fire she talks about all the different ways we create.  Making dinner, having a baby, planting flowers are all creative.  We don't have to be a master artist or certified anything to create.

I don't know why, but we all seem to need to create.  However, many of us tend to compare our creations with those of others and feel that we fall short.  The best way I know to conquer this is to keep creating.  Do it and do it until you own your own creative gifts!

Here are some ideas to use the creative part of your brain.  Any activity that exercises the imagination will help with other activities, so these suggestions are like going to the Creativity Gym.

Crossword Puzzles - Thinking about vocabulary that isn't your normal usage gets new brain cells firing.  It requires just enough focus to free your mind of the worries of the day and allows creativity to start flowing.

Mandalas - Draw a circle and freely draw with colored pencils or markers. There are no rules, just free flowing creation.

Reading - Read anything that interests you.  Any new information will create new areas in your brain from which you can draw inspiration.

Google Image Labeler - a feature of Google Search that allows you to label images and help improve the quality of Google's image search results.  This is a challenging and fun activity that helps use a part of your brain that you might not use normally.

Make Dendrites - The part of the brain that grows  is made up of little things called dendrites.  The only way to make dendrites is to experience a new, unique experience.  So try to do something you've never done before at least once a week.

Learn -  Try to learn something new every day. No matter how small, it will help expand your creativity. What is 12 x 432?   Learn that today :)