Get of of your Creative Rut
We sometimes get in a creative rut and don’t realize how much it’s affecting us. There are at least 7 things you can do to get out of that rut.
When my first child was born with Down Syndrome so many years ago, that was a wake-up call for me to focus on the important things in life. I dropped so many things from my life because I thought they were too trivial. Decorating was one of the things I determined was something not worth my time. I focused only on my child and dropped the things I loved to do. Although I had a new purpose, things were serious and sad. I began to feel dry and brittle. Yes she needed me, but when I removed creativity from my life, I began to feel hollow and empty.
I needed to focus on my child, but I also needed to take some time for myself. Not allowing myself anything fun, was hurting everyone, since it kept me so unhappy. My faith was definitely the most important thing that brought me through the tough times, but allowing myself to be creative was also key.
When I picked up decorating again, I began to feel more alive and balanced. So creativity can not only help you have a prettier house, but it might help you to improve your mental health also.
If you are not feeling creative, here are some tips that can help you get back in the creative groove.
UNPLUG
Try getting away from the computer. Although there’s plenty of inspiration on Pinterest and blogs, it’s important to step away and let your mind have some empty time. I need time away from my computer to be creative. I need to clear my mind. You need to give your mind time to process things and it can’t do a lot of that if you are adding more and more stuff all the time. Give your mind time to absorb and process all the good stuff you’ve put into it.
SHAKE THINGS UP
Do something different. Change up your routine. You want to get out of auto-pilot and into a creative mode. Try changing the way you drive home, what you have for breakfast, or your morning routine. This also seems to change the way the brain is working in a good way. The creative rut is something we all have from time to time, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay stuck there.
PLAY
Go do something fun. Sometimes I think I don’t have time to do fun things, because I have so much work to do. But when I don’t take fun breaks, my creativity takes a nosedive. And my job is to be creative. I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but to be really productive creatively, I need time to play. The reality is that if I don’t take these fun breaks, my creativity seems to get mucked up.
WATCH YOUR SELF TALK
Don’t say negative things to yourself. Just don’t. No good comes of it. You can say “this project isn’t working” or “this pillow I made is downright ugly” but don’t say ‘I’m not creative” or “I can’t do this.” We tend to believe what we hear, especially if we are the ones saying it. So if your project flopped, you can try saying, “It looks awful, but now I know what to do differently next time.” Mistakes are how we learn.
IGNORE CRITICISM
I remember my brother telling me I would NEVER get married because I was way too picky. I have been married over 30 years (to the same person.) I was told I would not be asked to join the engineering honor society. I was inducted my senior year of college. I was told to stop my blog (by a family member) because it was a waste of my time. Well… I didn’t. The point is, often people around us are not supportive. Maybe they think they are offering you ‘tough love’. Maybe they are jealous. People don’t like change. And if they are stuck, they want you to be stuck too. That was hard to write, but sadly I think it’s true.
When I was pregnant all those years ago, I was asked what we were going to name our baby. I told no one, because I didn’t want to hear all of the criticism. I didn’t want to hear that Evangeline was too long a name for a child to spell in elementary school. When asked, I said it was going to be a surprise. When the baby was born, we announced it. We got no criticism, because it was a ‘fait accompli’. Everyone knew that it was too late to change our minds, so they accepted it as a fact. So if you suspect someone will be negative about your new creative outlet, then it might be best to avoid telling that person, until after the fact. And if you present your work on the internet, brace yourself. Someone is not going to like it.
LEAVE THE HOUSE
As a homebody, I love being at home, but to get my creativity jump-started I need to leave my house. I go to an antique store (for ideas) or to the thrift store, or to the fine arts museum or to an open house. I like to stroll around, and touch things (not in the museum of course) and experience beautiful things. I love to take a walk in my neighborhood. Sometimes I go see a movie or get a pedicure. I might even walk to the bakery for a baguette.
LISTEN TO A PODCAST
I love podcasts and they get me so excited about trying new things. Our latest podcast episode is one you won’t want to miss. It’s about things that will make you happier in your home. Be sure to have a listen.
EPISODE 109 THINGS THAT WILL MAKE YOU HAPPIER IN YOUR HOME
Wow! What reassuring and positive thoughts! And we all need these reminders! Thanks, Anita!
Thank you so much Anita for your honesty and encouragement. Being an interior designer, trying to build a biz can be lonely, isolating and frustrating. These words are the boost I need to stay focused and working towards my goals.
Cheers!
Janet
Anita, God bless and thank you for all your honesty and your encouragement! I have and always will Children with disabilities are my children of God they were kissed and given as a loving gift
My name is Evangeline and I had no trouble learning to spell it. Our neighbor had a Brownie troop and I was too young to join so she told me if I learned to print my full name I could be a mascot. I learned with my mama helping me and I was part of the troop. Many years later I was a Girl Scout leader and loved it. My sisters and brothers,7 of them, were younger than me and they called me Vangie. I am a great grand mother now and I am called granny.
Thank you Evangeline! She loves her name now, although she prefers to be called ‘Evie’.
Anita, I enjoyed your post today! Thank you for sharing with us and for your encouragement! Bless you! Have a great week.
Wonderful words of wisdom! I hadn’t thought about how putting my creativity aside for a time really does put a damper on other areas of my life. Those of us who enjoy your beautiful blog are especially happy that you’ve continued to nurtured your own creativity!
Thank you, I have written down your “words of wisdom.” My husband died 8 months ago and this will help.
I’m very sorry Beverly. Hugs during this very difficult time.
I appreciate your thoughts for several reasons as I am now a “senior, empty nester” and having to look at things in a whole new light! I have a son who has Fragile X, so I totally understand your words. He lives in a group home now and while I have a hole I. my heart, it’s best and he is fine. God bless you!
in my heart, sorry.
Absolutely loved this post and boy did it ring true. Isn’t it sad that our family or those closest to us can not be the support or excitement we need? So glad you didn’t stop blogging! Now I’m going back for the podcast! Thanks again for being you. You are marvelous!
I probably enjoyed your words of wisdom in this post over any other post thus far. Thank you and i am glad you didn’t listen to the naysayers.
Thanks so much for sharing yourself!! You’re so right about the negative people in our life. Can’t wait to revamp some things!!
This post makes good sense and is full of positive ideas to help me be a more positive person! I love your common sense approach! So many good tips, and I agree with all of them! I enjoy getting away and treating myself to an antique shop, thrift shop, or estate sale! And, yes, I’ve learned from mistakes made, and they have become good learning experiences!
Keep up the great job, Anita!
Great advice! I know I need to take creative breaks to recharge my creativity from time to time. Thank you for sharing. I’ve also learned not to tell everyone everything…some just don’t get it and some are just stuck in negativity.
Yup you are so smart Cecilia.
I love and thank you for all the great info and tips
Oh, how I needed to read this! I am a special education teacher and I have realized that my students are sapping my creativity right out of me! I spend so much time trying to think of ways to get things across to them and help them learn, I do nothing else.
My fall decorating buckets are still sitting in the living room. I must find a way back to me.
God bless you!
Yes Sandra. Obviously what you are doing for your students is very important. But if you don’t feed yourself creatively, you may burn out. And if you feed yourself creativity, I think you’ll come up with fresh ideas that will serve your students well.
I loved this post and I believe sometimes we have to walk away from those we know ,especially if the relationship is a toxic one. People will always bring you down to be on their level. You put it all quite well.
Thanks Carole. Sometimes people just don’t realize what they are doing.
Wonderful post, Anita… I hadn’t thought about MOST of those things. Thanks for sharing… really helped me!
Love this post! Great reminders. Thank you.
Karyn