I saw a quote on a writing page about writers being “drained” after a couple hours of writing. In my experience, that’s just not true.
Lately I’ve been working on my novel for NaNoWriMo nearly every day. When I finish a session of writing, I feel exhilarated and happy. I’m not saying that it’s always easy – sometimes I struggle to figure out how to make a certain scene come alive, or get distracted by the bright and shiny notifications on Facebook. But for me, practicing my creativity causes more and more creative ideas to flow my way. I’m hooked – I already have a few new fiction ideas simmering on the back burner of my mind. Last night I was dreaming about writing another novel, and not one I’d even considered before.
It’s not just because it’s fiction that my writing project causes my ideas to flow, either. I had the same experience last spring when I was writing Cultivating Self-Love: Your Path to Wholeness.
Perhaps it’s because writing is part of my calling, one of the things I’m most drawn to. A helpful hint for finding your life purpose is often phrased something like: “What are the things that you can do happily for hours, and it will feel like no time at all has passed?” You know, those things you do that make you feel really “in the zone.”
For me, it’s writing, journaling, reading, art projects (which for me usually means collages, or scrapbooking, art journals, that sort of thing), drumming, dancing, yoga, and focusing on my spiritual practices (like doing a Tarot reading, meditating, or creating a Full Moon ritual). All of those things could be considered creative in one way or another. In fact, I think the whole concept of “creativity” could be broadened to include just about any type of calling.
We are creative beings. It’s what we do. As we participate actively in creating, we open ourselves to the flow of more ideas, more energy, more creativity.
What are your creative callings? Remember to think outside the box. It might be working with horses, facilitating your kids’ educations, volunteering at a women’s shelter, or helping people organize their closets. Think about the things you love to do, that you’re passionate about, that would get you up (without complaint) on a cold morning from a warm cozy bed. Got one in mind? Got a whole list?
Good. Here’s your assignment: pick one, and do it.
Notice how you feel afterwards. Energized? Tired? Joyful? Purring? Full of inspiration?
If you like what you feel, do more. There you have it, today’s recipe for a fulfilling life. Blessings.
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