When was the last time you created something?  It could be a new recipe, planting a garden, writing a story, composing a song, even building a living room fort or Lego creation with the kids.  Making something from scratch spurs a sense of purpose and accomplishment.  It feeds the soul.

There is an innate desire in all of us to create.  Whether in our homes or at work, the drive to foster a process or design a physical object, propels us through our days.  We create lists of things to do and when completed, we look back on our accomplishments.  How many things on that list are inspired?  Instead of a checklist of chores, let’s include a creative endeavor.  Artists have the ability to jump in and start a creation.  Many will tell you, they’re not sure what direction the piece is going, but they’ll know when it’s done.  You can’t get to the end without beginning.

Are you at the other end of the spectrum?  Do you ever struggle with wanting to do too many projects?  That’s me – every day!   I have a craft loft filled with inspiration.  Ideas are never lacking.  Rather, I battle the shortage of hours in the day.  When I retired, I expected to have an abundance of time.  There’s still never enough!  I have come to realize, regardless of time limitations, I must just do.  You can too!  Take fifteen minutes and apply it towards creating.  Tomorrow, take another five minutes, the next day, take twenty more and so on.  Grab the minutes and allow yourself the freedom to begin the process.

The creative process is freedom from constraints.  It is permission to design something and not worry about it being right.  Often we can stumble on our insecurities.  I have self-doubt about my abilities, whether in my writing, my needle felting, beading, or whatever the project. Just doing helps me overcome my vulnerability.  Often times we are our worst critics.  Focus on the creating and not the acceptance of others.  Be brave and create!