Creativity outside of work has made me more creative in work
Back in September, I signed up to take a watercolor painting class. Though it was a sacrifice - time away from both my family and work, not to mention the challenge in scheduling childcare - I found it to be a necessary and welcome creative outlet. It was a place to challenge myself to think in a different dimension and learn a new discipline.
Separately, and because of the time change back in November, I also started an early morning routine that includes writing in a peaceful, quiet environment. Though at first the effort was happenstance and done with heavy eyelids, it has become a time that I look forward to and enjoy.
Here’s what I noticed as I increasingly set aside time for myself to indulge in creativity
The creativity generated during those periods has spilled into my professional work. For some time, I’ve had on my “to-do list” to create worksheets and further develop content for which I’ve had ideas, but I only really got started after getting into a creative rhythm outside of work.
A charm or talisman
Coupled with the lessons, I also began wearing a talisman I received long ago to get me into the creative spirit. It is a Pisces necklace, which symbolizes the creative, emotional, and intuitive energy I know I carry within, even if it has become buried. I was a very creative child - perhaps we all are just born that way - but somewhere along the way I “learned” that being creative and being professional were two separate worlds that didn’t collide. So whether I believe in astrology or no, I can choose to believe that I am a creative person and I can use my Pisces charm as a reminder for that.
Learning from the truly curious
I know that I am on the controlling side – and having a toddler has made it infinitely more obvious since many of the plans you make as a parent can go right out the window as you end up staying home instead. However, having a toddler – getting to watch Margaret explore and play – has helped me (a work in progress) to step away from my rigidity, my control and comfort zone, and rather see the world in new ways as she does. Some days, when chores or work need to get done, I am able to at least attempt to stay in the moment - observe the thing she’s observing and play the way she’s playing.
Maybe it is just going down the slide 100 times. Or, we slide down the hillside on our backsides, mud stains be damned! Sometimes we play with puppets and read the same five-page cardboard book again – and again – and again. Some days, repeating the same activity can make me antsy, because I’m inclined to always be doing something useful, but I remind myself that playing with Margaret is exactly what she needs – and probably exactly what I need, too. At this point in my life, “productivity” needs to shift, it needs to go from the chapter of being rather than producing, teaching and experiencing rather than “accomplishing.” And this is what this year’s creative time in courses, at my journal and with my child has allowed.
A lucky millennial
I feel lucky to be part of the generation that knew the world pre-cellphone and pre-personal computers. I was young, but I remember waiting in long lines with nothing to do. I remember making up games around the house or in the yard. I am reminded by the joy that can be attained in simple things. This morning when I took the dog out for her first walk, there was a hint of snow on the ground. A mere dusting, barely even visible, but it felt like the next step of a new season. The ground was solid and crunched beneath my feet.
Not only am I learning about play and how creativity creates openness, but I am also learning about my emotions. Especially at the beginning I would catch myself reacting less than ideally in many situations but now I am hyper-aware that everything I do is a learning experience for Margaret. She sees my actions and she mimics them, so I need to exhibit healthy responses to frustrating situations. I have so far to go on this, and I see it every time I slip - I am only human after all and I have 35 years of learned behavior and coping mechanisms to adjust, but awareness is the first step to all phases of growth.
I’ve decided to pause painting lessons for now, as I realized that the time commitment was cutting into other areas of my life that I consider a higher priority right now, but I’m grateful for the experience and the residual effect it has had on me.
Has anything come to the forefront for you this year? What was it and what have you learned?
Is there something that you feel you would benefit from “unlearning”? What is it and how will it help you?
