Creative Stirrings

This article was originally published in my monthly newsletter. August’s newsletter features a Tactile Scavenger Hunt! Sign up in the box to your right for monthly creative living inspiration!

What do you do when you recognize that stirring inside, that little tickle at the base of your spine or in the centre of your soul that tells you it is time to create something new? What do you do when you hear that call from the other side of the mountain, the invitation to stretch into a bigger venture, a whole new art form, a brand new life? What do you do when your creative spirit invites you to grow?

1. Say it out loud

Magic happens when you share what you’re dreaming of. Here’s a great example from The Bigger Game leadership training I attended. The leader expressed her longing for more joy on the subway. It turned out one of the participants owned subway-level video terminals and in less than 3 minutes they were strategizing on how to use that medium to bring smiles to commuters!

2. Be brave.

Stepping into your dreams is courageous. Start flexing your bravery muscles. Take the lead from my dear friend Jessie Marianiello’s Be Brave Project. Inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt’s statement “Do one thing every day that scares you,” Jessie encourages people to spend one month doing just that. What brave step will you take today?

3. Be open.

Whatever you’re creating, whether it’s dinner, a book or a business, remember that it’s a living project. Every step of the way you will receive feedback and information. Keep your eyes and heart open for learning and opportunities that might just make your project even better than you’d imagined.

4. Take Care of You

As you expend your creative energy, remember to take time to refill your well. Go for walks. Drink lots of water. Have a nap. Take in a movie. Develop your own self-nourishment techniques and make sure you apply them – liberally.

5. Celebrate Your Progress

Acknowledge yourself for showing up and taking a step. So often discouraged clients come to me and say, “Jamie, I didn’t make any progress this week.” Then as they get into the details, they realize in fact that isn’t true! Noticing and celebrating each step along the way keeps our energy up and reminds us what we’re capable of.

What’s stirring in you?