4 Activities to Inspire Creativity

In addition to my last post on some ways we can help our community during this time with the COVID-19 crisis, I also wanted to give a couple of more ideas on what you could do while spending time at home that don't include cleaning and organizing. In light of everything that is happening, many people, including myself, are taking the time to focus on their families and health…but I also wanted to suggest taking the time to grow your creative side.

So often we put those creative interests on the back burner because of a lack of time or we feel they are not important. Well there is plenty of data that proves being creative is essential to our mental and emotional health. And just be clear, “creativity” is not just art. In his book "Creative Calling", Chase Jarvis explains:

“…creativity itself isn’t limited to specific crafts. It’s the ability to make your ideas manifest in the world. It’s problem solving. It’s business and activism. It’s raising a family. It’s building connections, with others and with yourself, that make life worth living.”

I believe that nurturing our creative side is healthy and important in unlocking another part inside us. The part that helps us imagine and be open to possibilities within ourselves and the world around us. So, it is my hope that you take the bit of the extra time we have on hand and use it to begin or rekindle a creative interest or passion that was set aside in the the past.

1. Learn a new language.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn another language, now is a great time. Not only are you helping your brain by challenging it to learn something new, but it gets you motivated to want to travel and use your new skill in another part of the world. We are currently using Babbel for my two older kids who want to learn Spanish, and we will be looking into Muzzy for my little one. Rosetta Stone is another option and one we have used in the past (The only reason we aren’t using it now is because we wanted to try something different and see how they compare).

2. Learn from a “Master” in a field you’ve always been interested in.

Masterclass is a series of “classes” given by people who are considered the worlds greatest in Photography, Sports, Science, Music, Technology, Writing, and more. Each class has between 12-20 lessons that are an average of 10 minutes long. I am currently watching Kelly Wearstler and Anna Wintour, but the list includes Frank Gehry, Malcolm Gladwell, Ron Howard, Carlos Santana, Dr. Jane Goodall and more. The classes come with workbooks you can download and give insight into the thought process and strategies used by each "Master".

For having registered they gave me one coupon to give away one membership to the masterclass program if anyone is interested. I have until March 30, so email if you would like the code and I’ll send it to the first person to reach out.

3. Start a family friend project with your kids.

If your'e interested in quilting, sewing, knitting, baking, cooking, painting, drawing, photography, making jewelry, gardening and more you can go to Blueprint. I have not taken any classes from them but I am interested in the family projects they offer and learning to paint. I would also love to try something I have never done before, like sewing. I figure it's a good skill to have, and because of my mastectomy I've had to alter a few pieces of clothing...maybe this can help cut the cost of alterations and bring out the clothing designer in me!

4. Learn a musical instrument or practice and get better at the one you already have.

If you already play an instrument then you know all the benefits that playing and practicing brings to your life. My suggestion is to not only continue practicing but to challenge yourself by playing pieces that have always intimidated you and reawaken your musical side. And if you have never picked up an instrument, then really, it's as simple as going online and finding what you need. Here is an article I found that covers everything you need to find an instrument and lessons online. And don't think online lessons won't work. Currently my little one is taking his drum and piano lessons through Zoom and it's working perfectly.

Well my friends, those are 4 ways I thought would help get you started in your creative journey...and if you would like to add to the list, please feel free to share your thoughts and ideas in the comment section.

Until next time, I wish you health and plenty of peace and joy with whatever way you choose to let your creativity flow.

-Diana