I have had an epiphany recently I want to share with you. I have realised that I am at my happiest when I am doing something creative. Making, painting, drawing, writing, designing, it does not matter what really, as long as it is using my creative energy in an inspiring way.

Getting lost in the zone of inspiration is the best feeling ever. I love that zone. In the <FLOW>. When you are so absorbed in what you are doing, so into it, your mind turns off to all the rubbish it continually circles through, you are completely in your zen, you are completely absorbed in what you are doing in that very moment. Now that is bliss.

This feeling of complete immersion I feel is best felt when we are being creative. When we are tapping into our unique talents, expressing ourselves, putting your own idea out there, it really does make you feel awesome.

When was the last time you were creative?

Most of us do not allow time in our lives to play. Play time is creative time. This can be anything for you but here are some suggestions to tap back into your creative juices:

1/ Write in a journal. Writing helps to bring forth new ideas, bottled deep inside, let those ideas out on paper, sometimes you will surprise yourself.

2/ Get some colours out and draw, paint, colour, design, scribble. Playing with colours helps to inspire and motivate to make new creations.

3/ Cooking might be your way to be creative. What new dish could you whip up?

4/ Make something. When was the last time you made anything rather than buy it? Are you good with material? Sewing? Stitching? Knitting? Or paper? Folding paper into shapes for some people is their creative zen.

5/ Gardening is another way to be creative. When I first started my garden, I did not know where to begin, the task was almost overwhelming. But I was excited, and I started little by little to create a design, and arrangement that worked for me. Creatively I loved it. I am always scratching my head and thinking up more diverse ways to use my garden and make it more of an amazing space.

6/ Get arty. Art is one of the best way to be creative. Draw, paint, sketch, express yourself. Even making a sketchbook or collaging some ideas using magazines is a great idea and wonderful way to get those creative juices flowing.

7/ Listen to your favourite music. This could be your way to tap into your creative juices. I am already dreaming up a favourite playlist of all my current musical creatives.

And then finally, JUST DO IT! Make time for you, make time to do the things you love to do. Don’t have time? Here are a few ways to make more time:

1/ Turn the T.V. off. Boom, instantly a gazillion more hours available to you.

2/ Go to bed earlier and wake up earlier. Often you are tired in the evenings anyway, and I promise you will be way more productive after a solid 8 hours of sleep.

3/ Turn your phone off. That bloody phone. We are all horribly addicted to scrolling through our feeds. Turn those little time suckers off. You can do it, you do not have to be available 24/7.

4/ Don’t say yes to things you do not really want to do. Be selective with your time. Value your free time and really prioritise the things that bring you joy.

5/ Try and delegate jobs you do not want to do. Do you have kids? Put them to all those pesky house chores. They have to pull their weight too. Got a husband? Make sure he is doing his fare share of housework and equally helping out.

This is our reality, time is precious, and it is always ticking into the future. 

So that is it in a nutshell. Maybe a big giant walnut shell. Life is precious and it is important to do things we really enjoy doing, as much as possible. If you can not remember the last time you tried to be creative, perhaps it is time to make time to do it! I guarantee you will feel better for it. I promise. Get back to me on that and tell me how you go!

I am constantly inspired by other creatives, in art, pottery, illustration, gardeners, all sorts of sources. Here is my final tip; if you are not sure where to begin, source out inspiration from other creative people. Their good vibes will rub off on you!

Be creative, you know you want to.

Anita xx