"We have the power to reshape our perspectives, uplift our homes, jobs, and schools, enrich our communities, and ultimately, impact the world POSITIVELY, through each small act of positivity we choose to embrace."
Welcome to our monthly
Do Something Positive initiative!
Each month, we feature a theme centered around spreading positivity and kindness. We invite you to join us in embracing these themes, sharing your experiences with us and others, and offering suggestions for positive actions to take each month. Let's make a difference together!
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October Is “Do Something Creative” Month
Short Story: “Grandma’s Porch and the Paintbrush Promise”
Sierra had no idea what she was doing.
She stood on her grandmother’s porch, staring at a dusty wooden bench with chipped paint and spiderwebs tucked into the corners.
“You want me to do what with this?” she asked, holding a paintbrush like it might bite her.
Her Grandma Jean smiled from the rocking chair, sipping spiced cider. “Make it yours. Be creative.”
“But I’ve never painted furniture.”
“You’ve never painted furniture yet. October’s the perfect time. Do Something Creative Month, remember?”
Sierra rolled her eyes but dipped the brush in bright teal anyway. “It’s gonna look like a kid’s project.”
Grandma Jean shrugged. “Maybe. But it’ll be your expression. That’s what matters.”
As the afternoon wore on, Sierra found herself humming to the rhythm of brushstrokes. She added yellow sunbursts to the backrest and little vines curling along the legs. She painted a quote on the seat that Grandma used to say:
“You don’t need perfect. You just need true.”
By sunset, the old bench looked completely new—and completely Sierra. Imperfect. Vibrant. Joyful.
Grandma Jean stepped forward, running her fingers across the words. “Now that is a work of heart.”
And Sierra, cheeks smudged with teal, grinned. “Okay. I admit it. This was… kind of amazing.”
What Does “Creative” Mean?
To be creative means to use your imagination or original ideas to make something new. It could be a painting, a poem, a recipe, a solution to a problem, or even a unique way to spend your day. Creativity isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being brave enough to express yourself.
7 Creative Things to Try This October
1. Repaint or repurpose an old object.
Turn a bench, a jar, or a shoebox into something beautiful or useful.
2. Write a short story, journal entry, or poem.
Let your thoughts wander without rules.
3. Create a “One Day in My Life” photo diary.
Use your phone or camera to capture the ordinary in an extraordinary way.
4. Try a new craft—crochet, collage, or origami.
Use your hands to make something real.
5. Act out a scene from a book or create your own skit.
Let your inner performer play.
6. Start a sketchbook or visual journal.
Draw what you feel, see, or dream about—even simple shapes or patterns.
7. Make a “Soundtrack of Me” playlist.
Choose songs that tell your story or match your moods.
Conclusion: The Creative Truth
Creativity is not about being an artist—it’s about being authentically you. Whether it’s painting a bench, writing a story, or humming a tune you just made up, creative acts nourish the mind, uplift the spirit, and awaken the soul.
Here are just a few of the benefits of doing something creative:
• Mental clarity and focus
• Emotional release and stress relief
• Improved problem-solving and confidence
• Stronger connections when shared with others
• A renewed sense of joy, wonder, and possibility
...the Paintbrush Promise
So this October, don’t worry about perfection. Just pick up the brush, the pen, the instrument, or the camera—and begin.
Because, as Grandma Jean says, “You don’t need perfect. You just need true.”
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What are you doing this month?
Share your observations, activities, and suggestions to encourage others to
DO SOMETHING POSITIVE.