Lately I've been thinking more and more about creativity; the kind you have when you're a child. The kind where hours go by with just you and your thoughts. Where the day-to-day worries and frustrations don't creep in and take over. The kind where you have to be brought out of your reverie by your mother calling for you at dinner time. I've wanted to gently let this kind of creativity back into my life. So below are five ways I am learning to let creativity back in. I hope they inspire you to open the door to a more creative life. What are some ways you let out your creativity every day? Let me know in the comments.
- Put down the devices. I know for myself, it is super hard to put down my phone after a long day of work. I love to quote, unquote turn off my brain and let me mind relax. However, wasting time scrolling through other's curated pictures on Instagram is not the most relaxing way to wind up a hard day (especially when that "fear of missing out" or jealousy starts creeping in). Even if I don't end up doing anything that I would deem creative, I think it's important to have social media breaks and not to use my phone like a crutch for when I'm tired at the end of the day.
- Join a club, take a class, etc. Some of my best memories are from my choir days. Time spent with others who loved music and who came together in song. There was such creative energy flowing. Joining a choir, taking a dance class with the hubby, or starting a book club are all ways to get those creative juices flowing.
- Practice saying no. It's ok to say no to things that hinder your creativity, or take up extra space in your life. And on that note...
- Set aside time to be creative. Whether it's three hours on the weekend practicing your craft or thirty minutes a day journaling before bed, it is imperative to schedule it in (and then keep the appointment with yourself!).
- Let yourself just be. In today's world, it has become hard for me to sit with my own thoughts. I'm constantly in a rush, despite having some many options to save myself time. When I try to sit and let myself be, I feel guilty, like I should be doing something (even if that something is just googling a question I had earlier). So I'm trying to practice, letting myself be, without the constant influx of information from my phone, the computer, television...sometimes it's nice to just be alone with my thoughts; after all JK Rowling thought of Harry Potter while sitting on a train...
Always,
Megs