LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO NOT CREATE
It is time to buy new canvases, papers, colours, and get messy and creative! I know I should not wait another week or month to feel settled to create. What do we call that again? Procrastination. But I know how difficult it is for most of us creatives who work another full-time job and often have another full-time life.
How do we take that time to create? It’s tricky. And it also depends on other life circumstances, such as if you are single, have kids, or are in a relationship, etc.
A rather radical way to make me think and kick into action is to ask this question:
So if you know that you would need to leave this world next week, what is it that you want to leave for others that can inspire them and spark positive vibes?
I believe that a lot of people “waste” their creative potential output by spending their time on scrolling through social media feeds, reading negative news, and watching Netflix dramas instead of spending their time - maybe even offline - brainstorming ideas and dreams. But I also know that some of you face increasingly intense jobs that require a lot of energy daily, and make it a real challenge to get into the zen of creation.
When we ask people about their values, we often hear them reply “honesty, growth mindset, creativity, change, community, health” and so on … then when you compare it to what these people spend their time and money on, most often that is not aligned with the values they just mentioned. Your values are reflected in where you invest your time and money the most. Not in what you say your values are.
Words are words. Actions are actions.
A quick guide to getting you started with your creative idea:
What idea(s) is/are coming back to your mind all the time, throughout all the months, weeks maybe even years? Write it down!
What day and time of the week works best for you to spend on creating it? Write it down and block it!
Do you think you are not good enough? Please forget that thought immediately! It just blocks you from your creative flow.
What tools and materials do you need to organise? Do it within one week if possible!
Make it a little project even if you think nobody would ever care about it because that is not the point anyway. You do this for yourself.
Do a bit of planning and goal setting, and add even deadlines, but don’t stress yourself. This is just to help and support but not to add extra stress.
Then start the first part, be proud of yourself, don’t necessarily share it immediately with others, keep working on it, and check in how it makes you feel.
Congratulations! You have become a CREATOR! Amazing. How does it feel?
Both abstract digital paintings were created in the evenings, and after work on iPad with the Procreate app.
