As I type this, a squirrel just fell out of a tree, and some other squirrels are running around like crazy squirrels (can’t say crazy people, though that’s what it’s akin to) trying to figure out what’s going on.
Oh good — he’s okay.
Though — the squirrels are really a nuisance.
Don’t @ me, but I do not like squirrels.
We used to have a fox in the neighborhood that took care of them quietly… but the last few years no fox (where did that delightful little rodent eating creature go anyway?!), we now have an influx of squirrels. Like, at least 20 per tree and we live in a large tree-ed neighborhood. They swing and jump and are kind of fun to watch until they dig in your yard and hiss.
But — those squirrels kind of got me thinking. We need the fox to show up to see something new from the squirrels… something different — to see the squirrels * dare I say it * INSPIRED to go to a new place…
Well my friend, lucky for you the fox doesn’t have to show up in our own lives daily so we can get creative. In this blog, I’m sharing 3 easy everyday habits to help you unleash your creativity.
START IN THE QUIET
First of all, the easiest easiest EASIEST way to start your day to unleash your creativity is to start quiet. This can mean a world of different things, but for me, it means two things specifically:
reading my bible in the *semi* quiet
journaling about what I’ve read and getting all my thoughts out
I started this really a long time ago, but got really faithful about it in January when I read The Artist’s Way. For me, starting my day in the truth is imperative — even if it’s one verse or a whole chapter, I want to start my day knowing the plans God has for me and reminding myself that I’m His child, and He has created me for a purpose. Reading God’s word helps me understand better what that is so I can use the gifts He’s given me to do His will.
As for journaling, getting my thoughts out helps me leave it all at His feet — I get to rid myself of my own negative self-talk and give up being the best, caring what others think, and remember that He has a place for me in His plan, and He makes me sufficient because His power is made greater in my weakness.
Sounds like a simple task, but truly, it’s how I habitually start my days and when I don’t, I can tell and my creativity (which is truly a gift from the One who calls me to create) suffers measureably.
GET OUTSIDE
I feel like I say this all. The. time. GET OUTSIDE.
When we get outside into God’s creation we are IMMERSED in the beauty that He created. He spoke it into being. With His WORDS, y’all. There are ENDLESS creative things to see in the world. We can look at the colors of birds, the different shades of grasses or dirt, the textures of each, the shades of the sky, the way the clouds move but stay up in the air, the fish, the trees — the list goes on and on and on.
Getting outside everyday helps your eyes see what’s been created in the world and get inspired. And when it’s a daily thing, it’s like a snowball that gets bigger and bigger and bigger. Inspiration just doesn’t stop.
CLOSE YOUR EYES
In the most basic sense, the thing keeping you from being creative is YOU. Close your eyes. Picture yourself being creative in any way you can.
**PS you’re probably a lot more creative than you realize**
Enjoy the quiet. Pray. Meditate.
But most importantly — remember that YOU ARE creative. You were created to create by THE ORIGINAL CREATIVE. He made you just as you are and placed you in the moment you are in to do His work. You have a purpose, and while I don’t know what that is, the quieter you are, the easier it will be to know what that is.
So, there you have it — 3 easy everyday habits to help you unleash your creativity: quiet time, get outside, and pray.
Now my friend, if you’re ready to unleash your creativity, first take this quiz and find out WHAT KIND OF CREATIVE ARE YOU?! Because I’m calling B.S. on the whole “I’m not creative” life most people are living.
