Creativity is a Relationship

366 Days of Building Creativity Week 39 in Review: September 23rd-September 29th

You can actually increase your creativity by working on it.

And I've been working on it.

And it has been working on me.

It has worked on me and said I'm worth taking up space (lots of space might I add). 

It has worked on me and had me read and watch and listen to so many things on creativity and my creative mediums of choice.

As I've been reading back through my week in review blog posts, I am astounded at all the work it has done in teaching and growing me.

Yes to creating, but also yes to taking the time to reflect on the process. I don't always want to write a blog post, or even know what I will write, but besides letting art quotes be my inspiration for the daily creation, I think writing about the creative process weekly has been one of the most important things I have done, and I had no clue that it would be.

We are always learning but we need time to process.
Time tells us things we didn't even know that we knew. 

I'm so glad that I have taken the time, everyday, every week, and all the in-between learning.

You don't learn a new medium overnight, and believe me I still have a lot to learn.
You also don't learn yourself and increase your creativity overnight.
To create something new everyday has been so beneficial.

Yes there are limitations to my medium, which is one reason I think I like it.
It feels more structured and less daunting than say, painting (which I also like and am slowly growing in).
It was the perfect place for me to start to get out of the box.
I can express myself in it and really the options are boundless, but I feel it's like a safe container with it's structural steadfastness.
I didn't know that I thought that about this medium until right now writing this by the way.
See, writing and taking the time to reflect is powerful. 

In a way, I've been learning a lot about time this year.
That it is so important to take time, time for yourself, time for creativity, time for rest, time for pouring out, time for just being, time for playing..

I knew something was working when I used and added onto the castle on Day 269 and found myself playing with the mini figures and dragon. Playing. Yes. The whole point. Creating is play. 

No matter if it's a lot or a little, I think the consistent time is important.
Just like any relationship, you have to invest time.
And I'm building a relationship with creativity.

And I know that it will be one that I will continue to tend.
I do not foresee a 366 project in 2017, but I know I won't neglect this foundation.
I will continue to spend time creating and learning and growing in some form or fashion.

And I won't let the weeds of resistance choke me out, because I know now, having fought them off so many times, they lie.
The truth, I am a creative soul. You are a creative soul. We are creative souls.

If you want to increase your creativity, do it.
It doesn't matter how much time you have or what it looks like, just make a step towards it.
That's all it takes.

​If you show up to do the work, it will work on you too.
You will grow together.
And only time will tell all that will be created. 

Days 267-273

Day 267
"One thing I've learned is that most people aren't willing to put in the necessary time to better their craft. Most people want an easy answer for improvement. But like golf or playing the violin or learning a new language, there's no easy way. It takes a lot of time, dedication, and hard work."
​-Justin Hackworth.

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Day 268
"Stop thinking in terms of what you think is possible. The odds are just numbers. The best things happen if you let them. Begin with saying yes. All creative work is conceived this way - with saying yes, and then persevering until the amazing and terrifying moment when you must trust the universe to reach out and accept with open palms whatever you've brought forth."
- Christina Rosalie

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Day 269
"To practice art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it."
Kurt Vonnegut

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Day 270
"7 Simple Secrets: 1. Create for those who love you, 2. Create things you love, 3. Let Your Loves overlap, 4. Love what you’ve been given, 5. Do what you love again…and again, 6. Choose your words with love, 7. Remember with love, who you really are. All in all, love is involved in everything we do, from start to finish, so it makes perfect sense that in order to do what we love and love what we do. That LOVE would be at the heart of it all!"
​-Dreama Tolle Perry

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Day 271
"Do you find yourself thinking about her- the artistic you? God does. He whispers, I see you. I made you. I love you. When you get closer to what truly moves your heart, you will touch the places that are still tender. It’s there-in those private places of freedom when you meet God-your creative self speaks."
​ -Bonnie Gray

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Day 272
"Comparison is the thief of joy."
​-Theodore Roosevelt

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Day 273
"The only unique contributions that we will make in this world are born of creativity."
​ -Brené Brown