ORIGINALLY POSTED ON 2/6/2024

As humans we are designed to think creatively. Think about when you were a kid playing with your friends and creating new games. Or at elementary school, remember how fun it was to mold Play-Doh or make a mess with finger paints. You were indeed being creative; it came naturally and was joyful. Therefore, even if you have not created any art for a long time, whether for you that is painting, drawing, poetry, or journaling, you are still a creative being. Creativity is a skill we all naturally possess. It is the ability to express one's heart and the ability to problem solve, which leads to innovation and advancement as a society. However, if you do not work on this skill it will never develop to its full potential. So how do you embrace that part of yourself and fall back in love with creating? Honing in on that skill or any skill really, is like a relationship. A true, strong relationship takes time and effort. It is not always easy or perfect, but in the end, it is always something beautiful and worthy of your love and dedication. Whether you are new to your creative journey or it has been on a brief pause, here are some tips and tricks to help you fall in love with creating again. 

1. Make it fun! To keep the spark alive, you need some excitement. Take the opportunity to play again. Think about your favorite arts and crafts activities as a kid. Was it finger painting, coloring, or maybe you enjoyed sitting in the field at recess making daisy chains? That is the perfect place to start.Take this opportunity to experiment. Try new mediums, take a writing or art class, or search the internet for project ideas, and maybe. Thanks to modern technology there is a multitude of resources at our fingertips to get those creative juices going.

2. Let go of your inner critic.This will take practice, but it is possible. Listen, I still struggle with this, too. The key is simply to start creating. Do not look for perfection. In fact, when I am creating, I will make mistakes and sometimes those mistakes make my art better. Yes, as Bob Ross says those are, "happy little accidents." Recognize this is your time to play and use your imagination. Your imagination is endless and there are no mistakes, only opportunities to grow.

3. Make it part of your routine.You DO NOT have to create every day to be creative. I take a couple hours two to three times a week to practice, and usually in the evenings. I found a time and schedule that works for me, and you can do the same. The key is to be consistent.So ask yourself: When do I feel like my best creative self? Is it in the morning or evening?Do I feel better spending 10 - 30 minutes each day working on a project or is it better to take a couple hours on the weekend to let my ideas flow?Once you find that time, block it off! Allow that time to be your time to exercise that creative side of your brain. 

4. RestRemembering to rest is necessary because, we cannot constantly work at full speed. You will get burnt out, and your creative time will begin to feel like a chore instead of a time you can enjoy. Several ways you can rest your brain and get that creative inspiration back are to:

  • Go for a walk
  • Sit outside 
  • Play a board game or puzzle
  • Read a good book
  • Meditate
  • Listen to music and dance
  • Take a nap if you need it

Taking a break from your creative project will allow you to miss the practice, reset your heart and mind, and comeback to it at full force.

5. Reflect and appreciate your creativity.After completing a creative project, or maybe while you are still in the middle of it, take a moment to step back and appreciate your work. You have created something unique to you and was not in the world before. Appreciate the time and effort you took and be proud of your accomplishment.