Are You Ruining Your Creativity?

Let’s get in our time machine and travel back to our school days when your teacher would give you an assignment where you had to be creative. Did you find yourself excited and giddy or did your palms automatically start sweating as your heart raced? So, let me ask you, do you consider yourself to be a creative person? For any of you that said the regrettable word no, I’m here to tell you otherwise. See this phone in your hands that is glued to you at all times, or that book from your favorite author such as “Girl Wash Your Face” by Rachel Hollis, or even the beloved child toy the pinwheel.

These examples showcase individuals just like you, YES YOU, who put their minds to work and tapped into their create sides. With a little tweaks in your life and some helpful tips, you will be amazing at what you TOO can create.

Treat Yourself Right

Do you have a favorite routine that brings you a peace of mind? I have a handful, yet there is one that gets me ready to take on the world! I grab my favorite candle, sand & fog and lit that little baby up. Next, I ask my dear friend, Alexa, to put on my Frank Sinatra essential play list and head into the hottest shower imaginable. (At least that’s what I’ve been told, every-time I open the bathroom door afterward.) I jump into the softest chunky knit socks, black yoga pants and this Free People shirt that feels likes clouds.

Throwing my hair into the messiest of messy buns and bathing in Hempz hand lotion, I’m at complete peace. I don’t know about you but when I take care of myself, I feel unstoppable. Self-love is something I neglected for so long because I didn’t understand the importance. I found my thoughts to be constantly negative throughout the day. Therefore, as a result, trying to be creative became challenging. When we hinder our minds with the daily water fountain gossip or complaining, we block any space for creative thoughts to formulate.

Treating yourself doesn’t necessarily mean going to get your nails polished or buying the latest Coach purse. To say is other words, you should nurture your mind, body and soul. Treat yourself with daily positive affirmations, focus on the main goals instead of all your dreams that are just collecting dust on your desk. The times I’m able to create the most in the world is after I nourish myself. Whether it’s after a relaxing shower or on top of a breathtaking mountain where the air smells like clean linen. It’s putting yourself in a state where you’re at complete peace and able to open your mind and soul.

Let’s Set the Mood Darling

Sitting with my feet crossed up on the chair, listening to the gentle sounds of Joni Mitchell or The Carpenters in the background is heaven. I’m beyond comfortable in James’ oversize hoodie, black yoga pants, and knee-high knitted socks, with the dim lighting of my vintage copper lamps next to my computer. There are many places where I feel inspired and free, yet this is one of my favorite places. That place where you can let loose. It doesn’t matter what your wearing or your hair hasn’t been washed in 3 days.

A proper atmosphere is crucial for me to feel loose and inspired. The sounds need to be simple and relevant to what I’m feeling in that moment. For example, lighting is soft, most time I have candles burning in the corners of the room. For myself, I like to be in solitude to get the creative juices flowing. Don’t get me wrong, I love a great brainstorming session with other creative minds. However when I’m alone, my voice can be heard freely, my thoughts are clear and I feel rejuvenated. I don’t have James playing his ukulele, asking how good he is at playing “Mary Had a Little Lamb”. (Thanks for that babe!) It’s time for me, myself and my mind.

Trust Number One

You have positive vibes flowing through your body, you’re in the zone of a creative trance. You’re feeling great and doing a little happy dance with each stroke on the page or key pressed on the keyboard, pouring the ideas out your heart. All of sudden this little guy pops up on your shoulder and starts whispering in your ear, “But how?”. The self doubt and questioning of everything you’re doing takes over any positive vibes you were expressing.

The temptation to quit will be greatest just before you are about to succeed

Bob Parsons

When I left my job of 9 years, I felt exhilarated and reborn. The knowledge, confidence, development and thinking I had learned during that time I took with me into the next chapter of my life. Those first two weeks I was unstoppable and I couldn’t contain my excitement and passion. Things were aligning before my eyes, yet, changes bring on the unknown and differences. Several times I would cry and started to consider that I had made a mistake. For when I was in that position, I knew who I was, my title and the legacy I created defined me. I knew what my role in the “world” was and the part I played. Being in this new space taking a chance on myself, I have to create my new role. That means determining what my “title” will be and what I want to be known for.

I still am learning and finding myself, but I trust that I’m going to be the best Portia I can be. I trust that I will succeed in my journey and I WILL create a role the world will know about. Once you truly believe in yourself, the positive vibes will start flowing through your body, out your fingertips into greatness!