Everyday Creative

Chapter SevenThe Courage To Give

Embodying a spirit of generosity

Darren Hill is a behavioural scientist, executive director and award-winning educator with broad shoulders, bold ambitions and a big heart. In 2019, he wanted to take his professional creativity to the next level. His vision was to write and perform a keynote for a national roadshow of events. It involved two spoken-word pieces, a daring video sync¹ and an unconventional guided meditation on death.

I loved the weekly call with Daz, getting an update on where he was on his creative journey. More than a few times he talked about pulling the pin. ‘Maybe it’s just not ready’, he said. ‘I’m not sure if I’ll do it justice. I just haven’t had enough time to prepare.’

I’m sure you can relate.

From the dizzying heights of possibility to the harrowing despair of inadequacy; the promise of adoration to the threat of humiliation. He was riding that creative rollercoaster, at full speed without a seatbelt, and it was glorious.

D-day came and after his first sizzling performance, a delegate approached him in the break. He shared with Darren that he’d planned on ending his life that morning. That he’d run out of reasons to keep living but somehow dragged himself to the conference. After seeing Darren’s presentation, he found a new hope, a new possibility for his life and a meaningful reason to keep living.

If Darren had quit when his creative process got tough — if he’d have waited until he felt ready, compromised his creative ...