Making Time for Your Creative Self!
Okay, real talk? Adulting is a time thief. Between crushing it at work, juggling family (chosen or otherwise), and just trying to, y'know, exist, carving out 'me time' feels like finding a unicorn in your sock drawer. And if you're a creative soul? Trying to squeeze in studio time on top of all that? I feel you. Deeply. Like I've been there, staring at a blank canvas after a long day, wondering where my muse went on vacation.
But here’s the thing: we’re not giving up. Remember those school days when we could just play? Well, let’s bring that magic back. I dusted off my inner strategist, looked at my calendar like it was a puzzle, and started making space—not just for 'stuff,' but for me. And the secret sauce? Setting boundaries. Like, 'Hey world, I need this.' And knowing why you need it. That's your superpower.
Look, this isn't therapy (though, honestly, a little creative therapy never hurt anyone). It's about remembering that you matter, your dreams matter, and your creativity. It's not a luxury, it's essential.
I started this blog 13 years ago because I believe creativity changes everything. And Dr. Shelly Carson backs me up: 'We are all creative. Creativity is the hallmark of human capacity that has allowed us to survive thus far. Our brains are wired to be creative, and the only thing stopping you from expressing the creativity that is your birthright is your belief that there are creative people and uncreative people and that you fall into that second category.' Let’s ditch that second category, shall we?
Let’s make some declarations of intention for creative freedom:
You are a creative powerhouse.
Turning a paperclip into a sculpture? That's a creative genius.
Creativity is for everyone, not just the 'artsy' crowd.
Your creative journey is uniquely yours—no comparisons allowed.
Ready to reclaim your creative time? Here are 10 ridiculously fun tips:
The One-Hour Muse Date: Start with one hour a week—just you and your creative soul. Think of it as a date with your inner artist. We’ll get this to daily, but let’s start weekly.
Morning Muse Minutes: 10 minutes of pure, unadulterated creative chaos. Doodles, dance parties in your pajamas, whatever makes you smile.
Creative Commutes: Turn your commute into a brainstorming session. Voice notes, daydreaming, audiobooks that spark joy.
Tech-Free Time Blocks: Put down the phone! Let your hands and mind play. Paint, collage, write, build—just create.
Tiny Projects, Huge Joy: Mini zines, 5-minute sketches, color explosions—small creative wins are still wins.
Playtime, No Rules: Schedule time to just… play. Let your inner child run wild.
Your Muse Corner: Create a tiny creative haven. A basket of art supplies, a cozy nook—make it inviting.
Creative Buddy System: Find a fellow creative and make it a date.
Choreography: Turn chores into creative rituals. Sing while you clean, write poems while you fold laundry.
Micro-Moment Magic: Snap a photo, jot down a thought, and write one sentence. It all adds up to creative gold.
“The creative act is not the province of some special few. It is the birthright of every human being.” — Joseph Chilton Pearce