When I purchased my first car, a family member emphasized the importance of changing the oil at regular intervals. This exercise would keep the parts from wearing out or freezing up. The advice stuck with me, and I've always maintained my vehicles.
How do we keep our creativity flowing and in good condition? Here are a few suggestions:
1) Write! Don't allow your skills to get rusty from neglect.
2) Read! An active mind will fuel new ideas.
3) Insights! Ask the Lord to give you illumination as you read His Word and quality books.
4) Time! Give yourself time to acquire the mechanics of writing.
5) Encourage yourself! I love the Psalms. David prayed, worshipped, sang, and kept God's Word in the forefront of his mind. He persisted, trusted, and believed in God's promises.
How do you maintain your creativity and keep it running like a well-oiled machine?
Good tips, Susan! I always change the oil in my cars too. So far neither vehicle has broken down. :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat list, Susan! With little ones, regular writing can be a challenge for me. I try to "visit" with my characters in my mind throughout the day, even if I can't sit down at the computer and write about them. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I especially love #3. It is so freeing to give our creative work to God and ask Him to illuminate what we read and what inspires us. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Jess - I've discovered neglecting the details can cause big problems down the road. I'm all into preventive maintenance.
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah - I admire those who write while balancing motherhood. I pray you'll be able to find some writing time in your day.
Hi Jade - This is probably the most important point for me. I've said it before: I want my words to be containers of life.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Yes, I agree! Good points. When we combine them, they make a great package.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Karen
These are great ideas. I am just getting ready to read the Psalms with a new teaching aid in Nov. I'm very excited about it.
ReplyDeleteI keep my creativity going by blogs and some type of art. I made a homemade card for Lar for Sweetest Day. It was so much fun. I love how things all come together when you craft something.
Susan, I like number 4. I'm realizing I need to give myself time and let ideas and teaching percolate like coffee. :)
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Hi Karen - I don't know if everyone noticed, but the first letter of each item spells, "write." It's meant to be a whole package.
ReplyDeleteHi Nancy - Great idea! Any creative activity will nourish your writing.
Hi Melanie - That's a strong point! We all need to build a strong foundation for our writing.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Susan, I love your list and in looking at it, I think I'm doing all of those! Love the thought that we need to keep ourselves "well oiled." :) A mocha helps with that!
ReplyDeleteWaving and smiling, my friend. Been thinkin' about you.
Rhonda
Hi Rhonda -
ReplyDeleteHmm, how about a hot chocolate laced with some French Vanilla coffee? I'm not a big coffee drinker, but I do like this combo.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi, Susan:
ReplyDeleteGreat advice. I keep my creativity flowing by blogging and reading. Reading, in particular, inspires me. There are such talented writers out there. Makes me excited to read their words, and determined to improve my own abilities.
And the psalms are so beautiful and vivid that they can move me to tears.
Be well and enjoy your week!
For me it is reading-- I have to remind myself to get a good book and learn from it!
ReplyDeleteCan we ever encourage ourselves enough? I don't think so. Your suggestions here are good for every undertaking!
ReplyDeleteHi Terri - Not only books, but blogs renew my enthusiasm. I'm so grateful for all my online buddies.
ReplyDeleteHi Sassy - You're so right! These suggestions work in many areas of life.
Blessings,
Susan :)