It'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