Entering My 30s: What I’m Learning About Creativity and Connection
Originally published on October 06, 2024.
Next week, I’ll be celebrating my 30th birthday. It's a milestone that has me reflecting deeply about the next decade of my life—my "30s era". Hence, lately, I’ve been intentionally opening myself up to experiences that might help me define the direction and vision I want for the next ten years.
Lessons from Folklore
This weekend, I took the opportunity to join a reading group led by Egyptian-Filipina writer and curator, Farah Fawzi Ali. We dove into Eastern Heathens: An Anthology of Subverted Asian Folklore, a collection of stories that puts a unique twist on folklore from across Asia. Our group—a mix of people from different backgrounds—came together to learn about cultures outside of our own. I loved being able to connect the themes in the book to cultural contexts from the Philippines. It was exciting to share stories about Filipino folklore, and even more so to see how fellow participants in the group enjoyed learning about them.
Despite our differences, it’s incredible to see how these stories share common teachings, beliefs, and lessons that transcend borders. It’s a reminder that human experiences often overlap in ways we don’t always realize, and those parallels can be a powerful way to connect with others.
Branding and Community
I also spent the latter part of my weekend attending a branding workshop specifically for artists and creatives led by Emirati jewellery designer Alia bin Omair. With my experience in branding, I could have easily worked on my personal brand alone, but there was something special about going through the process alongside fellow artists and creatives. Sharing ideas and receiving feedback from both Alia and the group added a layer of insight that made the experience invaluable.
It was an afternoon that helped me clarify my personal brand, and in the process, I discovered new brands and places in Dubai I hadn’t heard of before. The workshop not only helped me focus but also reminded me of the importance of being around like-minded creatives.
Creativity Thrives on Human Connections
This whole experience reminded me of the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone, trying something new, and being intentional about expanding my network. Sure, we can do professional development from the comfort of our homes, and yes, AI can help us plan and strategize. But there’s something irreplaceable about going out there, meeting new people, and building relationships in person.
It's easy to get stuck in our bubbles—scrolling on our phones, working in isolation—but that doesn’t really push you forward as a creative. Art, ideas, and inspiration have to be shared and discussed. Building human connections and engaging with your community is something we should actively pursue, no matter how digital our world becomes.
