We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kari Lu Cowell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kari Lu below.

Kari Lu, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I didn’t choose to be creative; it is inherent in my soul. Everything I do is an act of creation, whether it’s creating a character while acting, creating yoga sequences, or creating plans for my love coaching clients. I tried a 9-5 job once and it was not for me, for many reasons. I don’t know what life would be like if I was not driven by creation. At times, I am envious of my friends who knew exactly what they wanted to do as an adult. I have many friends who are engineers, computer programmers, people who have logical, “realistic” jobs. I am envious because it seems like a simple path. You go to work, you come home, you have hobbies, etc. Of course, this is an oversimplification of their lives, and my partner is both a creative and someone who works well in the 9-5 world, and that’s kind of what he does. He leaves his work at work and works on his creative projects at home. I could not do that, and I knew I was not cut out for the 9-5 lifestyle since I was a teen. I remember saying in high school, “I never want to work in an office. That sounds awful!” And, except for that brief 3 month stint in an office mentioned above, I have never worked in an office. Can I say that I am happy? Honestly, I think happiness is fleeting. I am fulfilled.

Kari Lu, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The Freedom. Creation can take multiple forms. It does not have to be just painting or acting or whatever. I can dabble in all forms of creation, and maybe some will be careers and some will stay hobbies. Some forms of creation resonate more or less depending on what season of life I am in. Currently, what’s speaking to me is writing and performing. Honestly though, I think everyone and everything is creative because life is creation. I know so many people who are creative in their chosen fields. It may not be “art” as we know it, but a property manager who can put together huge houses of people who get along is creative. A computer programmer who can write code that makes a website is creative. I think part of my personal magic is being able to see that creativity in everyone, whether they are in a traditional art field or not.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Our society needs to value artists more. We have a culture in America of lauding celebrities while also saying that acting isn’t a “real job” (or any other sort of creative work). This needs to stop. Creation gives us culture, entertainment, and joy. Creation makes us think and helps us conceptualize our world. Creating is a real job that should be respected as much as jobs like being a lawyer or a doctor. Also, Universal Basic Income.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bookme.name/antisoulmatelove
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/karilucoaching
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kari-lu-cowell-3518167/

Image Credits
1st photo: Katie Lynn