Now I need to figure out how to use the insights I gained. I don't want to go back to my old ways. I don't want to go back to the days where creative endeavors were at the bottom of my list (if they made my list at all.) I don't want to ignore my inner child artist by never doing anything silly and fun. I don't want to lose the excitement I felt trying something new.
I want to be creative.
I still write my morning pages everyday like clockwork. I find I enjoy putting my thoughts down on paper each day. Which is funny, since I never saw myself as a person who kept a journal. But, here I am, writing three pages every morning in my carefully chosen, brightly colored notebook. I ramble on and on, putting what ever thoughts come into my head down on paper. Sometimes I have tears streaming down my face while I write. Sometimes I smile at fond memories. Sometimes I write a to do list to clear my mind. And sometimes I write insights on things I didn't realize were important to me.
It is so easy to let creativity fall by the wayside.
I stopped trying to learn how to play my ukulele. I won't say I have given up completely, but it is no longer a daily priority. Maybe this is not the right time. Maybe I am letting that negative inner critic say it is not the right time. I really don't know what is going on. But, I truly believe I will come back to it. I will not box up this dream and put it on a shelf like I have so many other artistic endeavors.
I am still exploring what my inner child likes to do.
So, I will bring out my watercolors when the mood strikes me. Strum a few chords when I notice my ukulele, laying forlorn and lonely in my "art room". Write when I get the chance. Look for a opportunity to sing. Spend time with supportive friends. Get some exercise. Enjoy a good book. Try something, anything, new.
The Artist's Way helped me rediscover some forgotten interests.
Now it is up to me to decide what I will do with that reawakening sense of creativity. Do I let it wither away? Or do I reach for the stars and see what happens? Do I become complacent? Or do I push myself? Do I give up when I am not perfect? Or do I remember the joy I felt trying something new? Do I let my inner child artist out to explore and play?
We were all created to create. I am trying hard not to forget that.
