Baby steps count...
Rachel Ellen AndrewsIt's been a slow start to 2013 here. The rush and self imposed pressure to get my Goddess Inspirations Yearbook finished before Christmas and then the holidays themselves left me feeling very low in energy.
So, how to get back in the creative flow? I reminded myself of the oh so useful mantra 'Baby steps count...'
The Universe just needs you to show up. It doesn't matter how small a step you take. Maybe, it's tidying your workspace or studio, prepping some pages for art journalling, collecting some inspirational quotes or even doodling on the back of an envelope.
I'm not preaching, I'm reminding myself (!) that this is what I need to do when I'm feeling stuck or (sometimes) so anxious that nothing seems possible, even while I truly believe that EVERYTHING is possible and that we create our own reality.
With this in mind, not having picked up a paintbrush, glue stick or even a Sharpie since mid November, because I had been writing instead of painting, I ventured back into my little conservatory which serves as my studio. I tidied up. I gave myself a space to work in. I did a little journalling and doodled some mandalas. And I found some small canvases I prepped a while ago. I decided I would try some 'tribe' work on canvas instead of paper.
To keep myself on track ie being creative every day, I'm taking part in the Creative Every Day Challenge run by the lovely Leah Piken Kolidas. It's an easy going, low pressure challenge. Being a part of this is encouraging me to be creative every day but if I miss a day or two or do something other than painting/journaling such as baking a cake or going on an art date then that's absolutely fine. If you want to join in just visit Leah's website at the link above and see how it could work for you.
I also joined a group on Facebook called 'A Piece a Week 2013' - a place to inspire and be inspired - to encourage and be encouraged. A piece a week is a comfortable target for me to encourage my own creative process. You can still join if you want to, just click the link and ask to join.
How is the new year finding you? What baby steps are you taking in your creativity? Or gigantic, magical, scary type steps!!? I would love to know what you are up to these cold winter days so please share in the comments...
Counting those baby steps, from my creative heart to yours
Rachel xox
Reader Comments (7)
Hi Rachel,
I loved reading your pages this morning. My name is Joan or Joanie to those who love me, LOL. I've done just the opposite of you, I stopped writing and started painting, one a day average, I'm an addict for sure since I start my day with the paintbrush, charcoal, pencil or pen and I sneak out of bed after my husband is asleep and paint some more. My work is ecclectic to say the least, whatever strikes my fancy is what I do. My husband asked me if I thought perhaps I was manic, which, if so, then hooray for me, I get a lot done! It actually started when my mother visited me one afternoon and ended our visit by telling me she didn't love me, never did, and had no maternal instincts, so "Live with it Joan." I watched her leave, went into my studio and had a major meltdown. I had six blank canvases, I took a huge brush and black paint and started to cry and wail as I furiously painted one canvas after another. My neighbor heard me from the street and came running. I handed her a canvas and brush and told her to just start painting. She did one, then said, "Ok, time to talk." What a godsend she was that night, my mother lives at the end of our road and we haven't talked since. Anyhow, I have painted some pretty graphic pictures depicting her since and if I have painted 200 since that day, then so what. It keeps me sane. I'm sure I pay Michael's or JoAnn's electric bill every month, but what the Joaniehey, I buy my clothes at Walmart to make up for it. Thanks for listening, I've enjoyed my tea and biscuit with you this morniing.
Warmest of wishes,
Nice post! Don't forget to add it to our Linky pool!
http://alatvianrita.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-piece-week-january-15-21_15.html
And I'd highly recommend to deactivate the CAPTCHA thingy :)
Rachel, it's so good to see you here. Your work is so inspiring! At the moment I'm under the pressure of a deadline....stressful, and knocks the creativity right out of me. So that is exactly why I started a photo a day on Flickr. Then when I get a break I go ahead and paint as many page backgrounds as I can...you're right, that really helps : ) Being ready for bits of creative time is the shortest distance between me, and finished journal pages, poetry, short stories...etc.
Lovely website you have...I'll be back! : )
Hi Joanie thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with me xox
Thanks Rita! I have added the link.
Lynn, thanks for your great comments and sharing how you keep your creativity going. Good luck with meeting the deadline!
Hi Rachel it's lovely to read your blog as always.
It's also great to know that other people feel as I do sometimes.
Having been unwell over Christmas I have not done any of my usual creative activities, instead I have plunged myself into the world of literature. As you know I love to read but at present I am reading even more than usual & more than one book at a time. Instead of beating myself up about it I am giving myself up to the escapism & allowing myself to be transported through time & place through these books.
Whilst finding it enjoyable I also feel I am learning as I go.
Thanks for sharing as always xxx
Thanks for sharing what you have been up to Kerry :) Sounds fab! xox