Is it okay to have a talent and simply enjoy sharing it with others, and not make a lot of money from it?

If my dad was in his 20s or 30s today, he probably would have already read countless blogs about turning his creative hobbies into a profitable business.

It’s just as important to enjoy the act of creating, and to let your family, especially your kids, watch the process.

My dad, Norman Spikes, served in the U.S. Army for 20 years and retired during the early 1990s.

He died a few years ago, at age 66, from complications after having surgery.

This is a picture of my dad, my sister and me during the early 1990s when my dad graduated with a business administration degree.

My dad was a creative person. His talents included singing, drawing and cooking. He, along with my mom, encouraged me to develop my own talents.

He left me, my family and his friends with some great, and at times funny, memories.  My dad also taught us some valuable lessons.

Here are 4 great lessons I learned from having a creative dad:

1. Our talents can help us relieve stress.

My dad spent the weekends drawing and cooking, or watching TV shows about those two activities. And yes, artist Bob Ross’ TV show on PBS, was a part of quite a few of our Saturdays while I was growing up. It wasn’t until I was a teenager that I realized some people were watching Bob Ross’ show ironically. Still, sometimes “happy little clouds” can help you unwind after a long week at work and/or school.

2. Sharing our talents uniquely connects us with each other.

Do you want to make friends? Live in the South and let people find out that you make your own barbecue sauce. That’s what my dad did. He also sang in his church’s choir and gave his drawings to various family members and friends.

3. Teach your talents, knowing that the results may vary.

My dad tried to encourage me to draw, especially during my middle school years. It didn’t work. The only subject I came close to failing in middle school was art.

He was more successful at teaching me how to cook. I don’t enjoy cooking, but I can make a few simple meals, whether it’s dinner for myself, for a dinner party or for a potluck.

When my dad saw that I wasn’t going to be a visual artist, and that I was a decent cook, he decided to encourage my own interests in reading and writing. He bought a lot of books and drove me to my extracurricular activities which included debate and various youth groups.

4. Sometimes, our talents put food on the table, literally.

That’s what my dad’s cooking did for us.

Money is great. But certain talents can also provide for other basic needs such as:

• Food (cooking)
• Clothing (for example, the ability to make and design clothes) and…
• Shelter (such as the ability to build or repair household fixtures)

My dad didn’t make a lot of money from his artwork, his cooking or from singing.

But I’m grateful I had a father who found ways to enjoy and share his talents. And I’m glad he encouraged me to develop my own talents, even though my interests were different than his own interests.

If you’re a dad, or a mom, and you’re trying to find ways to earn money doing what you love, then that’s great. I hope you will check out my past posts and future posts on this blog about how to do that, especially if you love to write.

Money is great and it’s important. But it’s not the only goal.

It’s just as important to enjoy the act of creating, and to let your family, especially your kids, watch the process.

Happy Father’s Day!

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Did this post inspire and help you? How did your dad encourage you? Share your favorite memories about your dad or about being a dad in the comments below.