Ever notice how creativity has a way of coming and going? And when it goes, it always seems to be at the worst possible moment, such as when your book is due.
Or when it WAS due. Weeks ago.
But I’ve discovered a sure fire way to spark creativity, even at its most elusive: the Creative Change Up.
There are so many ways to be creative, so when one outlet stops up, find a new one. For me, other outlets include:
Calligraphy
Singing
Gardening
Photography
Doing any of these things gets my mind off of my writing, giving me a much needed break. My focus is on different things–how my calligraphy pen is angled, the composition of the shot–and I’m working different creative muscles. When I come back to writing, I feel more relaxed and refreshed. And the words always seem to flow.
So next time you feel stuck, try a Creative Change Up. Shoot, even animals benefit. Just check out the happy little fellow below!
How about you? What other ways have you found to express creativity?
Three Out of Four Dentists Leaves One
So true. Thanks for the reminder. I often bake, make a flip-a-gram with toys or do a project around the house when my writing gets stuck. It’s amazing how a Star Wars-Pirate cake for the nephew can release my creative energy. 🙂
Oh, and I loved that dog!
Me, too!
When I played the utube video my dog started barking along! Creative outlets. Ahhh, yes. I decided to invest in a few charcoal pencils and some watercolor paints. Believed I had what it took to create, if nothing else, a wondrous piece of modern art. Sure looked easy enough at those art galleries. A splash of paint here, a glob there. My charcoal sketch turned out just fine. But when I added the paint, my modern masterpiece became a kindergarten creation. (Quoting my college age son, here.) Apparantly art is more difficult than I suspected. I am now onto the canning of exotic flavored jellies. The question remains–will anybody dare to eat them? Other than the dog.
Too funny! I bet you’ll find plenty of takers for the jams.
Painting. I can be free to paint any subject, in any way, with any colors and even my toddler can join in.
I love to paint. Haven’t done it for a long time, but I still remember the joy of seeing the canvas come to life with color and image.
Music and photography are my two creative outlets.
I’ve also discovered listening to music while walking helps.
I’m at the Oregon coast right now and having fun with photography. You see things with new eyes when you’re looking through the camera lens. Love it!
Your blogs always make me take a breath and remind me that it’s going to be ok. Good advice, wonderful video.
Thanks so much, Holly!
Photography, for sure. I can feel when I have not been able to take a break and capture some photos. Writing weekly sermons and writing a manuscript is both invigorating and draining at times. Photography helps tap into a different part of my mind and soul that does help release creativity for writing.
There was an episode of The Big Bang Theory that made the correlation between Albert Einstein working as a clerk in the Swiss Patent Office and his discovery of the Theory of Relativity. Sort of the opposite of being creative, but working as a clerk was certainly a break from physics.
Well put, Jason. Thanks.
Recharging creativity. Diversions from the status quo. Demolishing writers block. Hmmm… Glad you asked! I love to share. My mechanisms include research and study, of everything under the sun. The quest to see what makes things work and sometimes fail.
I hope this doesn’t sound silly but I spent a long period of time sporadically trying to decide which is the greatest of the arts. This project endured many months if not years. Dance, drawing, painting, writing, cooking, etc. Which one? I looked back to the beginning of known time. Starting with prehistoric men and women huddling around a campfire. Read the bible cover to cover, again. Researched, studied, pondered. Prayed, dreamt, considered. I meticulously scrutinized each “art” individually and its impact on the human race from time immemorial. Which is the greatest of all? Finally the answer came. It wasn’t the art I was silently rooting for. It was not the one I was most engaged and proficient in. I surprised myself with how melancholy I felt upon acquiring the answer. Eventually I conquered this emotion and am now glad to possess and embrace this discovered truth.
Between each episode of researching this profound question (and many others) I always returned to writing with a energetically fresh outlook and a more informed and larger base. I regard this expanded capability as additional “seasoning” for the featured entrée. A deeper well so to speak.
BTW, Painting in oils in a realistic (academic) style is another area of intensive research. Not just studying but actually painting.
Numbers 10:32
If you come with us, we will share with you whatever good things the Lord gives us.”
God Bless!
Sounds like research may actually be your outlet! How fun.
I have a little different theory about creativity. I think it depends on whether you are more right or left brained. I find I am in the middle. So when I am not creative, I do the other left brained stuff that day. Like m. says research or I do proofreading or outlining type stuff or just go clean the place. Try again later. I find when I can’t create literally -I can’t create any other ways. Crochet is good-just follow the pattern. Reading.
Maybe calligraphy is more left brained than you think. I don’t know. I love it but was never very good at it. Next post show us a picture of some of your work.
The basics of calligraphy are left-brained, but what you do then with the basics becomes right-brained. Where you put creative swirls and elements, the style of letters, colors, and so on. Great fun!
The creativity gene intrigues me. I know it is real, for if days leak by and I’ve not arranged words on “paper,” or objects on “film,” I am wretched, empty, and eager. (Slightly off subject . . .sorry, a little bit.)
That’s okay. It’s hard for creative minds to stay on subject!
Bike riding clears my mind, unless of course, it’s winter here in Wisconsin.
Great point! Physical activities can be a form of creative expression as well.
Cooking, baking, scrapbooking, photography. I definitely notice when I let too many days go by without letting my creative side loose 🙂
I hear you. I’m the very same way!
Photography for me. It not only forces my mind to think about something different, but it gets me out of the chair and outside.
Reading often helps, also.
Andra, now why didn’t I think of reading? Great thought!
That adorable dog and I could sing duets.
During this season of the year, my creative outlet is baking, cooking, and indulging in everything that is pumpkin. Muffins, breads, cookies, ice cream, frosting, lattes. It’s pumpkin overload in my house and no one complains. Especially since I put mini chocolate chips in almost everything I make. Pumpkin and chocolate. Yum. Dangerous yet delicious.
“Indulging in everything that is pumpkin.”
That made me grin!
At ACFW the end of September, Lauraine Snelling and I were seated side by side at a meal. During the conversation, she insisted that I take up water color. It’s always fascinated me, but I have no – none, zero, zip, nada – talent along those lines. However, she was insistent. So I came home and promptly purchased the supplies. I’ve done one piece – and she was right. It does work another side of your brain. It’s a real refreshment.
Good for you! And good for Lauraine for encouraging you.
I think the dog does a better job playing and singing than me – and he seems to enjoy it more!
Ha!