tl;dr: Creatives are different. Learning to embrace the lightness and the darkness.

Becoming aware that one is a “creative” is a journey of its own.

Recognizing that, as Jung said,

“The brighter the light, the darker the shadow,”

Carl Jung

Jessica Carson has written a wonderful book called Wired This Way: On Finding Mental, Emotional, Physical, and Spiritual Well-being as a Creator.

The book is about about helping creatives understand into which of 10 “creator archetypes” they fit.

In so doing, Carson helps you understand that the benefits of a certain creator archetype come with its own set of “dark” costs.

First, again influenced by Jung she emphasizes that it’s ok and necessary to have a “dark” side.

After all,

“How can I be substantial if I do not cast a shadow? I must also have a dark side if I am to be whole.”

Carl Jung

Then, she breaks down each of the 10 archetypes, highlight the strengths (light) and weaknesses (darkness) so that you are able to have a better understanding of yourself.

All of this is done in a friendly, conversational tone that opens you up to a willingness to “integrate” the light with the dark, just becoming more aware of them so you can achieve a degree of personal enlightenment.

Once you have that knowledge, you’re in a much better position to embrace your whole self.

While I’m not yet sure which archetype is me, as I fit into many of them, the mere recognition that the “darkness” is not to be suppressed, rather embraced has been really helpful.

If you’re a creative type and struggling with these types of issues, you may enjoy the book as well.

Big thanks to Chase Damiano for raising my awareness to this book.