Michael Lake is a person who likes to ponder the mysteries of physics. He writes:

If multiple possible futures exist until we chose one, then why could we not have multiple possible pasts? For this idea to work, we would only know the possible past(s) that fit out current location in space/time. If this idea does not work, then the “arrow of time” may tie in. Many particle reactions appear valid if you look at them forward or backward in time. You might think that multiple timelines, particle reactions, and the arrow of time all tie together.

He has posted a .pdf document of some of his ideas about abstract physics, which were, sadly, used against him negatively as evidence of schizophrenia by doctors. We believe that such abstract and creative thinking should instead be encouraged by doctors. People with mental disorders should be strongly encouraged to explore their gifts and pursue their unconventional ideas, rather than being pressured into hiding the “evidence” that they are unwell.

Michael also runs a website called WhyHope.com, where he speaks out about the stigma and hatred he faced as a person with manic depression.

Virginia Woolf was a writer who experimented with stream-of-consciousness, a style of writing where the thoughts and psychology of characters are mixed with narrative in an often-fractured way. Wikipedia says that she “is considered one of the greatest innovators in the English language”.

Virginia Wolf also suffered from several mental breakdowns. At times she was depressed, hearing voices, and known to be somewhat awkward and eccentric. Sadly, she committed suicide in 1941, at the age of 1941.

Creativity can begin flowing even in the most unexpected situations. A blogger named Emily, worked at a chain frozen custard shop and found herself in a tricky situation during an inspection:

As is often done, the inspector decided to ask me a question.

“How would you make a single-scoop vanilla cone?”

“Well… you would get a cone, and fill it with a filler scoop…” I looked to the managers for help. They nodded encouragingly.

“Then you would… use a round green scoop, and a flat green scoop on top?”

Unfortuately, her manager and the inspector did not appreciate her sense of humor. But that is not the point; her response was strange and creative in a weird way, which is why we appreciated it.

Emily talks briefly in the same post about being put on Zoloft. Her comments are quite familiar and worth a read. The journal does end in May 2004, though.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Alanis Morissette says:

I think I have a book in me. Having been so freaked out about my bouts of depression and everything that I’ve experienced, I’ve actively sought out different ways to turn to my innate joy. There’s been many different workshops and books and journaling and artistic expression that I’ve done that I would love to put into one book and share with people.

She also talks about her show, a “rockumentary-style sitcom” that will be premiering on Comedy Central in the fall of 2005.

Creativity manifests itself in countless ways. We are not just looking for paintings and sculptures; we are looking for other types of work or expression that might not necessarily be considered art by conventional critics.

Whether you are a dancer, a computer programmer, a teacher, a babysitter, a stay-at-home father, a grocery store cashier, a professional chef, a doctor, a garbage collector, or a tax collector, we would like to hear about the times when you have felt creative. These experiences can be at work or at home.

We will also be exploring the web to find examples.

You can submit your stories, art, etc. to editor@enervive.com. Please let us know whether or not you would like to remain anonymous.