365…day 6

The first week of January has come and gone and, just like that we’re into 2019. How’s it working for you so far? Keeping up those resolutions?

I have six days of creativity under my belt. Six paintings, six writings, and six photos. Well almost six photos. I took one this morning that I’m not overly thrilled with and am keeping the door open to the possibility of something happening later on today.

What I’ve learned thus far is it’s challenging being creative when you’re not in the mood to be. Forcing yourself to be creative…seems counter productive, perhaps even counter-intuitive, but I’m learning it’s the opposite.

By putting myself into the creative space, even if my whole heart and soul are not feeling it, I’m at least showing up, putting myself in a space to receive. You can’t win the lottery if you don’t buy a ticket. You can’t get water out of a tap until you turn it on. By showing up and turning on the “tap” every day, I’m allowing spirit to flow through, bringing ideas to me, allowing creativity to flow in and through me.

I’ve been amazed by the paintings. Starting with a blank canvas, having no idea what to do, or the direction it will take, I just follow my intuition, listen for clues, try this, do that, what do you want to do? Then following the advice, taking a step back and being amazed at the final result.

The photo a day hasn’t reached that level of creativity, yet. I’m going to dedicate more time to it next week and see what happens.

I think the biggest thing I can take away from six days of this creativity project is it’s not about the end result. It’s not about the quality of the painting, photo or writing, but about the process. It’s about showing up, everyday, ready to connect with spirit and challenge myself to listen to their guidance and follow it. I suppose you could call it a form of meditation. Whatever it is, I’m enjoying it and remind myself every day – enjoy the process. Don’t worry about the end product. And don’t worry about what others will think of it. No judging. No comparing. Just peace and love.