Each person has a bit of creativity in them that is expressed in unique ways. Some are creative in their cooking, sewing, problem solving or in their parenting. In addition to the many ways creativity is expressed, there are also degrees of creativity. Some enjoy making things because it relaxes them, it’s a fun way to spend time with friends or they just want something they aren’t willing to spend money on, so they make it themselves. Then there are individuals who believe that the desire to create is part of their soul – what they were born to do. Unfortunately, many creative souls don’t make time for their art or they have given up their passion because it doesn’t seem a priority compared to their other duties and responsibilities.
Instead of giving up and pushing creative pursuits off until the time is right, why not start now? Many mistakenly believe that creative expression has to take a lot of time and take up a lot of space. Creativity doesn’t have to be done perfectly. The creative part of the soul can be kept alive by squeezing in a little creative time each day. Here are some ways you can make it easier to keep creative expression a priority, without disrupting the day:
A place for your stuff. It doesn’t require a big area, maybe even just a drawer – a place where you can keep pencils, paper, paints or a sketchbook for quick and easy access.
Pencil it in. Sometimes it’s better to have a slot designated specifically for time spent creating. Especially if you tend to “wait until the perfect time”. The perfect time never arrives unless it is made a priority.
Spend just 15 minutes doing your thing. Even though 15 minutes isn’t very much, you don’t have to use valuable time searching for supplies, since your supplies are already on hand. 15 minutes is enough to write a few lines, do some drawing and doodling or taking a couple of photos. If your space allows, leave your project out, so you don’t have to use time setting things up or putting them away before the project is finished.
Allow yourself to be bad. Especially in the beginning, don’t get caught up in trying to make something perfect. If you have been without a creative outlet for a long time, you may get hung up on wanting to make something beautiful, right away. Nothing kills creativity faster than the pressure of unrealistic expectations. Allow yourself to produce ugly, yucky, garbage if that is all you are able to do now. No one else has to see it. Keep your “garbage” and steadily spend time making things, then you can look back to see the progress you’ve made.
Play nice. Be kind and tell yourself that creativity is something that is part of your uniqueness and it is as important as any other activity in your life.
It’s sad when someone who is passionate about creating has given up their dream. Don’t be that person! Maybe now is not the best time for you to pursue your passion full time, but it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Making time to express your creative self will help keep your dream alive and make your life more meaningful.