I love the idea that we are all the artists and creators of our own life. All too often we allow routine and responsibilities to get in the way nurturing our creative selves.
We are happy to paint and play as kids, or with our kids, but not sure that these are things that adults (big kids!) need too. Worse, we make up excuses. Like not having the time or talent (please!) for creativity in our lives. Then we wonder why we feel flat, dull, or lacking inspiration.
Usually it takes something to move us – a dancer in synch with an internal beat, the way a painting or photo captures light, or a writer who perfectly expresses a moment in time. And we feel the yearning to express within for ourselves.
Creativity by its very nature does not have to stay neatly within traditional forms of art. It can be expressed in myriad ways, from a garden bed to a business plan. And that means it can become a conscious and vibrant part of your life – and far more easily than you think. A little homework for you.
Write a list of the ways in which you express your creativity and the ways you would like to. I challenge you to come up with at least twenty five things! (That’s creative in itself!)
In the meantime get stuck into this (no excuses!):
33 WAYS TO STAY CREATIVE
- Make lists
- Carry a notebook everywhere
- Try free writing
- Get away from the computer
- Be otherworldly
- Quit beating yourself up
- Take breaks
- Sing in the shower
- Drink coffee /tea from your favourite cup
- Know your roots
- Be open
- Listen to new music
- Surround yourself with creative people
- Get feedback
- Collaborate
- Don’t give up
- Practice, practice, practice
- Allow yourself to make mistakes
- Go somewhere new
- Watch foreign films
- Count your blessings
- Get lots of rest
- Take risks
- Break the rules
- Do more of what makes you happy
- Don’t force it
- Read a page of the dictionary
- Create a framework
- Stop trying to be someone else’s perfect
- Got an idea? Write it down
- Clean your workspace
- Have fun
- Finish something