Creativity – Page 7

Journal prompt: I need…

November 29, 2014December 11, 2018 Jen Morris

It’s easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of every day life. Sometimes we are so busy running from one thing to the next that we forget to do the things we need to look after ourselves. In other words, we let our self-care take a backseat.

Sometimes, just bringing awareness to things we need at a particular time in our lives can help us start to address the imbalance.

I know for me that I have been feeling especially run-down and unwell lately. This is a sign that my body, mind and spirit need things that I’m not currently providing. So, I found this simple journal prompt to be really helpful.

>>> Prompt:

Take a blank page in your journal. If you like to write big, a two page spread might be better.

At the top of one page, write the words ‘I need more…’ and then write ‘I need less…’ at the top of the other page.

Then, write whatever comes to mind under each of the headings.

You may choose to do this in list format, as a mindmap, or just stream-of-consciousness. You could even do it as an art journal page and doodle/draw or collage images and colours that represent how you want to feel. Do whatever feels best for you.

If you want to stay focused on the positive, then you might just do the ‘I need more’ list.

Here are a few of the things from my lists right now:

I need more:

magic
time out in nature
art-making
connection
rest
nourishing food
action

I need less:

rushing
stress
numbing
television
worry
comparison
doubt

Your lists may look similar to mine, or they may be totally different.

You might find that there are a few things on the list that appear to be in conflict with one another. For example, on my ‘I need more list’ I put both rest and action. I can take these two words and do some free-writing to explore this further.

It might also be helpful to choose one or two things that really stand out to you from each list, then jot down a few ideas of how to get more/less of that thing.

So for me, I want more rest and less television, more creativity and less numbing – I could spend more time reading, journaling and napping when I feel tired, rather than turning to television or the internet to distract myself.

What do you most need right now? Share your experiences with this prompt in the comments below.

What Inspires Me

Weekly inspiration

November 24, 2014December 11, 2018 Jen Morris

Each week I share links to the posts and pages that have most inspired me. Feel free to share anything that has inspired you in the comments below.

Loving this idea of being deliberate with our words by Jamie Ridler.

This post is a bit old, but the message is timeless. Wise words for anyone struggling at the moment.

This is such a simple question to ask ourselves each day. A good journal prompt to get you thinking.

This fantastic list of art journal prompts.

A simple journal prompt that could lead to big change.

Have a lovely and inspiring week!

Creativity

Journaling: Traveling within

November 19, 2014December 11, 2018 Jen Morris

I’ve been thinking a bit lately about travel. I love traveling.

There’s something so inspiring about seeing new places and cultures, being out of your ordinary routine and, sometimes, out of your comfort zone.

explore Whenever I travel, I learn so much about myself simply from being in new environments and out of my normal realm. In fact, there’s this fantastic quote by Danny Kaye:

To travel is to take a journey into yourself.

This is so very true. When I explored Europe and parts of North America last year, I returned to my home country of little old New Zealand as a different person. I had a stronger sense of who I was, a greater confidence in myself, and I was bursting at the seams with inspiration and creative ideas.

Looking back on my travel journal, I can see the growth I experienced as I ventured out into the big wide world. Once back home though, it wasn’t long before my feet were itching to get back on a plane and off to a new location.

Unfortunately, traveling far and wide as often as we might like is not always possible. But do we need to? Rilke said,

The only journey is the one within.

I can’t help but wonder if that is true. As much as I love seeing new places and exploring the world, the things that are most truly valuable for me from traveling are the lessons I learn about myself, the growth I experience and the inspiration that fills me.

What if I could capture even a fraction of that, without stepping foot in an airport?

That is exactly what journaling gives me. Now – let’s be honest – it doesn’t give me quite the same rush of excitement as boarding a plane and landing somewhere new, but it does allow me to journey inwards and learn more about myself.

I was recently asked to describe myself, and found myself saying I am an ‘intrepid explorer of the wild within’. And you know what? I am.

There exists inside us a wild and undiscovered realm, an untouched landscape, a history waiting to be explored. We have within us whole worlds, both new and familiar. We are rich and layered beings with stories of our own to share. There is so much to be explored when we journey within.

I find that every day when I sit down to journal, I venture further into myself. I don’t always like what I find and I don’t always unearth treasures. If I get stuck I use journal prompts or switch over to my art journal. But I keep exploring and learning, and that is what’s important. Because, at the end of the day, the main reason I venture out into the world is, really, to venture into myself.

And that should keep me happy until I can next board a plane.

How does your journaling help you venture within?

What Inspires Me

Weekly inspiration

November 13, 2014December 11, 2018 Jen Morris

Every week I share the posts and blogs that have most inspired me. Feel free to share anything that has inspired you in the comments below. Enjoy!

I love this post that suggests lots of different female poets to enjoy. I’m going to work my way through the list!

Speaking of poetry, this post which includes a Mary Oliver poem (and a cute picture of a dog) is gorgeous! I can’t help but think about how right it is, too.

How have I not been to this website before? I’ll definitely be printing out some of these planner pages.

Really love this artist’s approach to collage.

This awesome post on what it means to be an artist (of any kind, really).

Lovely art journal page with some step-by-step photos.

Creativity

Overcoming my creative wall: Peek inside my new journal

November 12, 2014December 11, 2018 Jen Morris

I’ll be honest – I haven’t been feeling all that creative lately. I’ve been in a bit of a creativity rut.

As the school year wraps up and I’m slowing down, the tiredness from three and a half full terms has hit.

I’m still journaling most days, but creatively, I’ve hit a bit of a wall.

But you see, I want to create. I keep browsing instagram and looking at all these amazing art journals (I’m always inspired when looking at work by Samie Harding, Lisa Sonora, Mary Wangerin and Nichole Rae, to name a few) but I can’t bring myself to pick up my paintbrush.

The solution? Create a new journal (this seems to be a pattern with me…)

But this journal is all about using magazine images with words I find, and words I add, to create my own images. A kind of visioning/collage process. It takes away my inertia because there are ready-made images to work with.

I love looking through magazines to find images that inspire me. I’m careful about what I read, and I tend to be drawn to the same sorts of images time and again:

Landscapes, trees, gardens, nature – green
Water, sky – blue
Beds and pillows
Cups or tea or coffee, teapots
Books, handwriting, journals
Deskscapes
Bright colours
Crafty things like knitting, sewing, painting
Images of families
Simple, rustic houses – wood, stone, exposed beams, cosy fireplaces etc

At first I felt like this didn’t count as ‘creativity’ – but then I had a wee chuckle. Creativity is anything really. And besides, I’m taking images and arranging them in unique ways, with my own words and ideas. The images are really just a building block.

I want to get back into painting and I will when I’m rested and open to it. For now, playing with these words and images is soothing my creative urges.

How do you break out of a creativity rut?

What Inspires Me

Weekly inspiration

October 31, 2014December 11, 2018 Jen Morris

Well I must say, I’ve enjoyed having a bit of the pressure off with the 100 Days Project over.

While I do miss blogging like I was before, I think that blogging every day is a bit much. In all honesty, I don’t have something worthwhile to say every day!

But the 100 Days Project helped me to overcome perfectionism by forcing me to post every day without fail. I didn’t have time to sit around rereading my writing, questioning myself and doubting what I had written. I had to just write it and get it out!

It taught me that I can stick with something and see it through (I had some serious doubts about this before). And it taught me that challenging myself by committing to something just outside my comfort zone can really push me to do things I may have thought I couldn’t do.

I would definitely do the 100 Days Project again, but not with blogging. I toyed with the idea of doing Nanowrimo, but it’s not good timing for me. I’m definitely on the lookout for my next creative project, though!

trees

Here’s your weekly inspiration:

Some very wise words on making time and space for your writing

We all have those mornings that make us want to crawl back into bed… find something to keep you going

As a journaler and stationery addict, I like to do all my planning and writing on paper. Unfortunately it’s unavoidable that sometimes, we just have to use digital tools. I’ve been thinking about switching from Microsoft Word to Scrivener for my writing, so this review has me pretty much sold!

This awesome interview with Jill Winski about her journaling practice

We could all learn to write more handwritten notes

Creativity

Journal prompt: Song lyrics

October 17, 2014December 11, 2018 Jen Morris

I love music. I can’t drive anywhere without my music in the car, I can’t clean the house without music, and I don’t feel like myself if I go for 24 hours without listening to some kind of music.

I’m very careful about the music I choose to listen to – I only listen to that which uplifts or inspires me. I avoid songs that have unpleasant themes or are related to sad memories. I avoid music that I find too loud, offensive, or just plain devoid of meaning.

I’m not a snob, I’m just a sensitive and emotional person who likes to listen to music with meaning.

Lyrics are of great importance to me. I guess as an English teacher I tend to read into language and meanings more than most.

So often I will be listening to a song and a particular song lyric will stand out to me and get me thinking. I thought this could make a great journal prompt.

india-arie-lyrics

>>> Prompt:

Either choose a song you love, or choose lyrics you especially love, or just keep an ear out next time you are listening to music.

Take the line or verse that most stands out to you. Write it in your journal.

Then, write whatever comes to mind. Use the lyrics to spark your imagination, or inspiration, or to dig deeper with your own feelings and thoughts. There is no right or wrong answer. Write as long as you feel like it.

If it’s from a song you really love, consider what it is that really speaks to you about the lyric. Or if it’s something you’ve just picked up today, think about why it has caught your attention at this time.

The great thing about music is that there is so much you will never run out of inspiration!

Some of my favourite lyrics and musicians that have inspired me:

‘Sometimes I hear my voice and it’s been here, silent all these years’ – Silent all These Years – Tori Amos
‘You must pick a side. Will you choose fear, will you choose love?’ – Flavor – Tori Amos
‘Because you never know where life is gonna take you and you can’t change where you’ve been, but today I have the opportunity to choose’ – I Choose – India Arie
‘I heard a voice that told me I’m essential, that all my fears are limiting my potential’ – Just Do You – India Arie (so many of her songs have great lyrics for this!)
‘People find where they belong, or keep on’ – The Wolves and The Ravens – Rogue Valley
‘Finding out wherever there is comfort there is pain’ – Four Seasons in One Day – Crowded House

What Inspires Me

Sunday gratitude

October 12, 2014December 11, 2018 Jen Morris

I am going back to work tomorrow after a two-week break. In truth, I’m a little apprehensive about it.

The past term was tough and there were a few times I felt myself being pulled away from all the wonderful creative practices I have worked so hard to cultivate in my life. This term, I determined to remain focused on the things that matter and to draw clear boundaries between work and home.

I’m lucky, in a sense, to get regular time away from work to recover – although I must say that without it I think most teachers wouldn’t last the year.

The past two weeks have allowed me time to catch my breath, move a little slower and savour more of my time. I’ve spent more time being creative, relaxing, resting, outside walking, journaling, planning my business, dreaming, planning my tiny house, and just generally not feeling so stressed and overwhelmed.

It has been lovely.

Here are a few of the things I am most grateful for, from the past week:

Sleeping more (something I don’t get to do enough during the term!)
Spending time with family, friends and my partner
Taking my pup for more walks
Having the time to create my blog planner
Making my lunch fresh, at home, every day
Reading in bed until late morning
Watching some of my favourite TV shows
Journaling more often
Having time to read blogs and other inspirational material online
Just pottering around the house, sometimes aimlessly, and staying in my PJs well past breakfast…

As I head back to work tomorrow, I am mindful focusing on the positive and maintaining my creative practices in my own time.

What are you most grateful for this week?

Creativity

Keeping your creative focus

October 11, 2014December 11, 2018 Jen Morris

Sometimes I get so many ideas that I can’t focus on just one. I get really inspired and feel myself being pulled in a hundred different directions.

I start new journals, come up with new blog ideas, buy new art supplies, sign up for new courses… only to find those initial feelings of inspiration giving way to feelings of overwhelm.

When I finally get a moment to myself to spend doing my own thing, I feel paralysed by indecision. Do I finally start writing the novel I’ve been planning? Or do I break out my new stencils? Or maybe I should be planning the e-book for my new blog? Or art journaling in one of my many art journals? Or journaling in my written journal? Or blogging on this blog? Or, or or…

It all becomes a bit much.

As much as I love feeling inspired and creative, I find myself with 15 different projects that are unfinished, abandoned for the next thing. This is no way to make progress!

In her book Renaissance Souls, Margaret Lobenstine explores people like me – what she calls, ‘people who have too many passions to pick just one’. I am so one of these people! I quickly move from one thing to the next, easily bored and distracted by something new that’s caught my eye.

The thing is, I would really like to finish something that I start. I want to finish writing my novel. I want to develop a blog to the point that it’s financially successful (which is not likely to happen if I keep getting distracted by coming up with ideas for new blogs).

In other words, I want to focus my attention and get results on the few things that are really important to me.

Lobenstine suggests picking three or four ‘focal points’ – these are the areas of interest that you choose to focus your attention. I think this is especially helpful advice for someone like me who, without limits, could easily have 10-15 different projects on the go at once. Four sounds good. Four sounds like I will actually have time and energy to focus and achieve something!

So right now I’m working on eliminating distractions and choosing the areas that are most important for my attention.

Journaling is an extremely helpful tool to remind ourselves of what is important, what we most want to focus on. It can also be a good way to remind ourselves by reading back through past entries. I’ve found that while sometimes my priorities have changed, often I’ve just gotten distracted and not followed through on what really mattered to me.

How do you remain focused on the things that are important to you?

Creativity

Journal prompt: Happiness is

October 6, 2014December 11, 2018 Jen Morris

I wanted to write a simple journal entry today following a prompt, but often the journal prompts I use are quite big and require you to dig quite deep.

Then I came across this one, which suited me just fine. A simple list worked for me, but really got me thinking about the lovely things in life. happiness-is I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

>>> Prompt:

Take a fresh page in your journal. Create the heading ‘Happiness Is…’ at the top of the page.

Write whatever comes to mind, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. If it brings a smile to your face, or a feeling of joy, then add it to the list.

You could write this as a list or do it as a mindmap. You could also do this as a visual prompt and create a collage of images from magazines, or draw pictures.

Here are some of mine:

A hot cup of coffee
New stationery
Sleeping in late
Laughing with friends
A good book
Traveling
Playing with art supplies
Journaling
Being in nature
Puppy cuddles
Good music
Butterflies
Afternoon naps

I could easily fill a page with all the little things I love in life. I like this because it makes me think of the tiny things that bring me joy, and whenever I’m feeling low I can look back at this list and do one of the little things to pick me up. Even just reading what I have written makes me smile.

What is happiness for you?