How Bob Ross Taught Me to Embrace Change and Be More Creative

Google the name Bob Ross, and you'll undoubtedly find many quotes, memes, and "happy little ___" jokes floating around. However, beyond those jokes and memes is something much more profound. I know it sounds wild, but have you ever watched an episode of The Joy of Painting? If not, you really should. I recently re-discovered these videos when I saw they were being streamed live on a Twitch channel, and it couldn't have come at a better time. I needed help; somehow, Bob Ross could deliver it in spades.

Professional Changes

My career took an unexpected turn when Elon Musk took over Twitter. The environment that was once so vibrant and full of creative energy suddenly became chaotic and uncertain. I had always thrived on consistency and routine, but the sweeping changes that followed the acquisition turned my world upside down. The pressure to deliver bigger, better, and more innovative content than ever before was immense, and I found myself needing help to keep up. The "creative wave" I had ridden for so long had crashed, leaving me drained and burnt out. I began questioning whether I wanted to continue down this path, but I knew I needed to push through.

Personal Challenges

As if the professional upheaval wasn't enough, the COVID-19 pandemic brought another set of challenges. The lockdowns and social distancing measures led to a more sedentary lifestyle, and I began to put on weight. This was a stark contrast to my previously active routine, and the weight gain soon resulted in musculoskeletal issues. The once-energizing runs that helped me brainstorm new ideas and relieve stress were no longer an option, as my body couldn't handle the strain. I was devastated. My health had always been a priority, and now it felt like all my hard work was unraveling before my eyes.

Enter Bob Ross

That's when I discovered the Bob Ross Twitch channel. I began binge-watching The Joy of Painting, and it quickly became more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. The show itself, a product of 1980s public television, may not seem like much at first glance, but beneath the surface lies a powerful message that resonated with me deeply.

When you buy that first tube of paint, you get an artist license. It gives you unlimited power, and it says you can do anything on this canvas that you want to do.

Bob Ross starts every episode with a blank canvas. As he paints, he allows his creativity to flow naturally, never forcing anything. He embraces the unexpected, and rather than being discouraged by mistakes, he incorporates them into his work, transforming them into something beautiful. Watching him paint reminded me that creativity doesn't belong in a pre-constructed box. It involves letting go of control and trusting the process.

The only prerequisite is that it should make you happy. If it makes you happy, then it's good.

Redefining Creativity and Change in My Life

As I continued to watch the series, I began to think about the challenges I was facing—both professional and personal—and how I could apply some of Bob Ross's philosophies to them. I had spent so much time fearing change and beating myself up over my physical setbacks, but what if I approached life more like a painting? What if I embraced the uncertainty and allowed my creativity to guide me through these difficult times?

That's when it clicked. I realized I could redefine my life and turn these challenges into opportunities. I began walking daily, focusing on small steps to regain my health. I also decided to start a new career that brought me back to my roots—being creative in ways that reignite my passion and purpose.

The journey hasn't been easy, but just like Bob Ross, I've learned to embrace the process, trust in my creativity, and find happiness in life's unexpected twists and turns.