Sitting at my computer one day, I made a discovery. I've become downright boring.
Shocking, isn't it? Chained to my desk for hours on end, I'd stopped experiencing real life.
I mulled over the problem. Could I pick up some long-neglected hobby or start a new one? Here's what I decided:
1) I came across an adorable crochet pattern for a baby cap. A quick ride to Walmart, and viola! I was ready to resume crocheting. Where I would get the time remained a mystery.
2) I took time out of my online surfing, and went outside. Oh yeah, smell the roses and all that nature stuff. Hmm, a nice 4X4 raised garden bed might be fun.
3) I spent more time with family and friends, even traveling on a non-holiday. Gasp!
The strange thing about all this activity and gadding about? It gave me more material for my writing. As I soaked up the great outdoors, crocheted my little fingers to the bone, and hung out with people, ideas popped quicker than microwave popcorn. The sights and sounds of farmers markets, growing veggies for our table, and seeing yarn turn into cute baby gifts nurtured my creativity.
To write about real life, we have to live it. It's really research in disguise.
What nurtures your creativity?
39 comments:
Yay for the popcorn ideas! Listening to music and reading the Bible nurtures my creativity.
Oddly enough painting does. I could be painting a piece of furniture and all of sudden *BAM* be winded with a bunch of new ideas. Exercise and showering help too.
~ Wendy
Going for long walks, surrounded by spectacular mountains and nature. Whole scenes play out in my mind as I walk. Also, meeting with friends over coffee; how the ideas pour!
I love this post--and you're so right! When I don't get out enough or don't vary what I'm doing at home, leaving out things I used to enjoy, my creativity doesn't flow as easily.
I love getting out in the mountains for walks or hikes. I also love painting and playing music or singing. Even spending time with my kids doing something simple refocuses my energy and renews me and I'm ready to start writing again.
Being in nature really nurtures me!
I don't get out enough and want to but we can't right now. I do sit outside on my patio and take in the outdoors, that helps so much!
I don't get out enough and want to but we can't right now. I do sit outside on my patio and take in the outdoors, that helps so much!
Hi Katie -
I love popcorn ideas too. It's so much better than wracking my brain for something to write. :)
Blessings,
Susan
Hi Wendy -
It's interesting to see what stirs creativity in others. Do you have one of those pens you can use in the shower? I've wondered if they work.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Dena -
I'm enjoying the fall colors right now. Peace washes over me when I witness the beauty of God's creation.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Cindy -
Great point! Even doing the ordinary day-to-day things with family will make ideas perk. Perhaps it's because we're giving out and making room for new ideas. Now, there's a thought!
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Kristen -
Ah, perhaps there's some hidden longing for Eden in all of us. We see whispers of it even in our fallen world.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Terri -
I know what you mean since I'm in the same boat.
Our community has some freebies. There's a concert series in the summer, a "holiday" parade around Christmas, walk-a-thons, etc. Perhaps there are some activities in your area that are free.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Yes, I love this! So, so true. Being outdoors, spending time with a friend, reading a good book, going for coffee...inspiration!
I couldn't agree more! Here's to you, living life!
I think we need to pause more and just look around at the everyday material God has given us. Good list of things to be thankful for. :O)
Hi Rhonda -
One of the things I love about your blog is how you take things from life and glean lessons from them. I so appreciate your humor.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Denise -
Thanks for stopping by! I'm sure God never meant for us to sit in front of a computer 24/7. :)
Blessings,
Susan
Hi Diane -
Thanks! I find counting my blessing helps me focus on the positive aspects of my life.
Blessings,
Susan :)
I'm right there with you, Linda. Life should always be an adventure. When you think about it, we never know for sure what happens next.
Sleep. Being well-rested is a big help. :-)
Hi Janalyn -
Thanks for stopping by today.
Every day's an adventure around here. I'm glad God gives us information on a need-to-know basis.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Rosslyn -
Oh, yes! The brain cells function much better with proper rest.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Susan:
Life and it's lessons spark my creativity. I sat in church one Wednesday night and something the pastor said gave me an idea for a skit. The drama ministry head loved it. We performed it.
See, and you thought gadding about was pointless. :P
Glad you are microwave popping away! You're inspiring me.
Blessings,
Karen
You - boring?? Not on your life :)
I so agree about what's inspiring. Just driving, showering, general mind-meandering spark ideas. Then interactions throughout my day get me going too.
Blessings,
Susan
Hiking, reading, flower gardens...as I read your post, I was thinking the same thing. We have to live in order to learn enough to write.
God bless!
When I can have time alone to daydream, I get the creative juices flowing. I always get a lot of ideas when I don't have to talk and my brain doesn't have to concentrate.
These moments are rare, but I've learned to capture tiny moments in increments.
I love this, Susan. I agree. Living is the best way to let ideas perk. When I feel I have nothing to say, I think, "what have I been doing?" Even the little everyday things can be written up into an interesting item.
I miss crocheting. I have an unfinished project from three years ago, and I used to crochet at least one blanket a year.
But I made a tutu last week, and it was fun! I agree that trying something different nurtures our creativity.
Hi Quiet Spirit -
I take notes during the service because it helps me retain the teaching, and I write the church blog. I'm always getting little ideas.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Karen -
LOL! Now I have an excuse to get out of the house.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Susan -
Thanks for the vote of confidence. :)
I like your "mind meandering" comment. I do that plenty!
Blessings,
Susan
Hi Britt -
I know you get much inspiration trekking through the Smokies. While we can't always travel to the place where we set our stories, it helps ground us in our characters' scenery.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Alisa -
Yes, I find my best ideas flow when I'm not bombarded with too much input. The same holds true when I'm studying the scripture. I need quiet and solitude.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Nancy -
I love reading about the happenings in your life. Your posts on recent travels made me feel like I standing by your side. :)
Blessings,
Susan
Hi Jill -
Another crocheter! Yay!
I put down my crochet hooks back in 2004 and didn't pick them up until recently. I'm doing small projects because finishing them gives me satisfaction.
With all the massive book projects, I need those short-term tasks to give me a mental boost.
Blessings,
Susan :)
What a moving post! And one I needed to read and contemplate today. Thanks you Susan. I'm truly blessed to have visited :)
Hi Dorothy -
I'm glad the post ministered to you. :)
Blessings,
Susan
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