Carving out Creative Time

"Fountain of Inspiration, Waveny House, New Canaan, CT" acrylic, 9 x 12, available

Carving out Creative Time 
I get it. everyone’s schedule is packed. Mine too. We all wish for a few more hours in a day or another day in the week. So instead of adding something else how about reordering or better yet, carving in. What if we started our day thinking how can I be creative today? Oh Linda that’s easy for you to say, your an artist,  your job is to be creative. Honestly, I think everyone is creative. We were born that way.  But some how, some where along the way the belief that the “gift of creativity” is only for artists: painters, musicians, actresses, etc . 
That thinking is really narrow minded. Aren’t we creative when we pick out an outfit to wear in the morning? Aren’t we creative when we look in the refrigerator and select a few items to combine together to make a meal. The definition of creativity is the use of imagination or original ideas to create something. It didn’t say something perfect. Just something. It’s more about the act of creating that brings great joy. 

Here’s two examples: My mom who is in her seventies just started to play the ukulele two years ago. As far as I know she never played a musical instrument, maybe the piano when she was young but not while I was growing up. I can’t tell you how happy she is when she plays with her group of friends. Is she planning to go on America’s Got Talent? I don’t think so but that’s not her goal. It’s just for the pure enjoyment and it’s something new she never thought she could do. I’m so proud of her! 
My daughter sent a text message last night “I need help”. She just moved into her first place and she doesn’t have much cooking experience. so Sunday afternoon we spent a few hours together side by side chopping and stirring to make her favorite homemade chicken soup. By Wednesday all the leftovers were eaten and now she’s ready to make it on her own. I talked her through the recipe, step by step and when we reached the last step she said “wow! I can’t believe I just did this! I made my first batch of chicken soup by myself !” Enjoying the creative process at your finest!
Big or small, it doesn’t matter but seeking to be creative even in the ordinary daily routines can bring great joy into one’s life. 
It starts with a mustard seed thought “I am creative. Being creative brings me great joy.”

Ok so those of you naysayers who still say “ I’m just not creative” ... ugh... how about carving out time on your calendar and labeling it “pretend to be creative” (wink, wink)
Now go out and create it’s your job too!