Sustaining Creativity During Tough Times
Recently, I read an article over at Creativity Portal that really hit home with me.
In the less-than-desirable economic times we find ourselves in, there’s a lot of heartbreak and sorrow. Just about everyone has been affected — some more than others — faced with difficult circumstances and trying decisions.
My husband and I haven’t been immune to this wave of difficulty. In September, he was laid off from his job. With Mississippi unfortunately boasting the 3rd highest unemployment rate in the country, we had some decisions to make. First and foremost, I would search for a full-time job and leave my freelance work to an “extracurricular” activity. Second, we knew there wasn’t much opportunity where we were living at the time.
So, to cut this long drama to its somewhat shorter version….here we are in Nashville. Most of our belongings are spread between our parents houses back home and we are living out of extended stay hotel, searching for jobs. Thank the good Lord, Josh starts a new job in February, but things are harder than they’ve ever been — financially, emotionally and especially CREATIVELY.
I never imagined it would be this hard for me to get a job. I have a masters degree and some invaluable experience. It’s easy to get down on myself and when that happens almost every ounce of creativity seems to drain right out of my soul.
BUT,
I am working on that one. Helen Read’s article is a great reminder for me - and anyone else who’s struggling with difficult times.
AND,
Even in the InTown Suites there is inspiration and creativity to be found. Here’s a few things I’ve been doing to keep my creative spirit alive and as well as I can hope for at this point.
Mandala Coloring
The mandala is ancient religious symbol, usually a complex circular design, found across many different cultures. Coloring the various patterns is a soothing form of meditation.
Stress relief and inspiring art all in one. Perfect when you’re living in a hotel!
Playing Around in Photoshop and Illustrator
There are so many great tutorials and tips for both Adobe Creative Suite products. Since I do have my computer, it’s a great way to pass some time creatively.
Here’s some Illustrator and Photoshop links to keep you busy for months.
Reading
There is nothing in this world like curling up and losing yourself in a good book. Inspiration abound.
Leo at Zen Habits has a great post about the love of reading today.
Best of luck in all your creative endeavors!
How Is Creativity Important In Your Life?
Linda Dessau posted an article at Creativity Portal a few days ago. The article, “What Does Creativity Bring To Your Life?,” is based on interviews she did with 19 different artists. And, it got me thinking about what creativity means in my life because it is such a huge part of everything I do.
In Linda’s article she identifies a number of themes that popped up throughout her discussions. Some stick out more than others, and some truly hit home.
Creativity brings a spiritual connection
Julia Cameron talks about how writing is not an act of pontification, rather one of revelation. I think you can extend that descriprion to include all practices of creative expression. It’s that idea of letting go — letting go and letting yourself become a channel for creativity.
When you can step back far enough and take your ego out of the picture, the creative process becomes this incredible path of discovery - even for the artist. Surprises wait around every corner of enlightenment.
Creativity brings a return to home, a “normalcy”
As my wedding day approaches, I find myself with less and less time to explore all the creative outlets that I love. When I finally find those intimate moments to put my creativity to work, I am immediately at ease, back in my element. When I am away from creating for too long, I become somewhat like this grumpy toddler who’s been toted all over town on mom’s shopping excursions, and wants nothing more than to go home to the place she knows best. For me, that is creativity.
Creativity brings a sense of self-worth and identity
Who am I without my creativity? It is how I make my life and my happiness. Creativity is who I am. I am fulfilled when I write or paint or create something exceptionally special. But really and truly, I am just satisfied when I am writing or painting or creating something. The process is what makes it special for me.
Creativity heals me
I am truly amazed at how powerful self-expression can be when you are hurt or suffering. Truly amazed.
Creativity brings happiness, energy and power
Are there days when you feel so inspired and so fueled by creativity that it almost overwhelms you? Sometimes I will find myself flipping through a magazine or perusing some website, and all of a sudden it’s like someone flipped the switch for my creativity. And they didn’t just flip the switch to ON, they turned it to the highest setting I’ve got. Do you know what I’m talking about? Holy cow, what a rush.
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So, what does creativity bring to your life? Do you identify with any of the themes that Linda listed in her article?
4 and a Half Decades of Leadership → 4 Lessons From Sen. Ted Kennedy’s Legacy
{1} Sticking to Your Principles and Beliefs Is Important. Constant Evaluation of Your Beliefs and Consideration for Others’ Is Even More Important.
He may not have invented the word compromise, but Sen. Edward M, Kennedy certainly perfected it. Reaching across party lines to work WITH Republicans, he has helped create some of the most significant legislation this nation has seen in the last half century. Despite regular criticism from his own party, Kennedy learned long ago that compromising on the issues doesn’t have to mean compromising yourself.
{2} Tragedy Does Not Mean “Defeated.”
The number of Sen. Kennedy’s triumphs is numerous, and sadly his tragedies number just as many — the shocking deaths of two brothers, a car wreck that included a dead female staff member and a LOT of controversy, a failed attempt at the 1980 Democratic Presidential Nomination and many more character building trials. And, all had to be faced in the public eye.
For a family America subconsciously associates with tragedy, Edward M. Kennedy has been the face of strength, the patriarch who carried his family through their most trying times. Even as the one with a malignant brain tumor this time around, he seems to be taking on that very same role - rallying the troops through another one of life’s hard lessons.
{3} Nurturing Your Relationships - Family, Friends, Colleagues - Is the Most Important, and Most Honorable Investment You Can Make in This Life.
One thing in particular has stood out while watching all the media coverage on Sen Kennedy in the last 24 hours: the genuine respect, honor and affection that Sen. Kennedy’s colleagues have for him.
My thoughts, and my humble prayers are with Senator Kennedy, my dear friend Ted, with his wife Vicki, and with the members of the Kennedy family. I hope and pray that an all-caring, omnipotent God will watch over Ted, and keep Ted here for us and for America. Ted, I love you, and I miss you.
He’s not just the patriarch of the Kennedy family. He’s the patriarch of our family.
He has the time, the patience, and the talent to argue his case, and sometimes not so quietly. You can have a very vigorous exchange, and two minutes later he’ll be slapping you on the back.
…it’s our job now to support him in the way that he has supported us for so many years. He’s not just a great senator, he is a great friend. He is beloved by me, and beloved by my colleagues.
{4} You Don’t Have to Be Top Dog to Make an Impact and Initiate Positive Change.
Sen. Kennedy’s failure to secure his spot as the 1980 Democratic Presidential Nominee was a personal loss, but one of the greatest gains the citizens of this country have received. I guarantee Kennedy’s hand played a significant role in at least one, if not many, pieces of legislation that you depend on.
Just to name a few…
- Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA
- Fair Housing Act Amendments (FHSAA)
- National Military Child Care Act
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Family and Medical Leave Act
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- Family Opportunity Act
