In this episode that celebrates my 20-year-anniversary as a full-time freelance writer, I offer six lessons learned, plus three qualities needed for creative life. 

These two little words -- made up of a total of five letters -- are fairly limitless in their potential. They pack easily, you can take them wherever you go, and they can answer some of the biggest questions you have. You'll want to use them well. 

Linda Lee picked up paintbrushes later in life -- after a long-held interest in photography and while working hard in her professional life in association administration. She's a friend of many years, and I was interested in how she serves as example of pursuing her creative purpose. The first part is the idea itself. The next is the learning process. The growing awareness that creative activity brings its own reward provides fuel to keep going. 

What creative idea do you have waiting in the wings? What type of structure will help you get it done? Choose the time and place that works best for you -- and then show up day after day.

Your stories mean something -- the ones you tell, the ones you remember. They're important in how you sort through the things that matter. If you've told a story about a time when you were afraid, what if it's actually a time when you were very brave? What does that tell you about the callings on your life today?

Observation is part of the toolbox that lets you see what's wrong that you can make right, or lets you see who needs help where you can lend a hand, or lets you find a creative way that you can make a difference in someone else's life.

Having someone get in your business is part of life -- whether bosses, customers or other types of gatekeepers and officials. Collaboration is also part of the creative journey. Sometimes it's a joyful encounter. Other times, the attitude is more like, "Well, if I must." But it's a good thing either way. 

There's something in the human heart that can be powerfully resilient, especially when someone is able to tap into a tangible way to use their difficult experience to make a difference in someone else's life. 

Sometimes in order to produce, to create, and to release your creative project into the world, you just have to do it. You have to go with good enough or about right, or you'll be stuck in perfection. Don't be afraid to make a choice, or even to make a mistake in this choice you make. 

Having too many ideas -- too many plans -- is like having too many ways to not get something done. But a limit sets your focus and removes the things you could do and instead helps you get to the thing you will do.