Inspire Yourself !

3 simple ways to get in touch with creativity
by Jen Tartaglione

When you think of the word "creativity," you probably have a picture in your mind of a mad scientist creating a Frankenstein, or Jackson Pollack splattering paint on a canvas. Creativity is a broad term encompassing everything from the arts and sciences down to a child crafting their own fantasy world on a playground. But what does creativity mean in your life? How can it help you reach your goals?

Put simply, a spark of creativity is enough to inspire us to persevere through hardships and turmoil, whether it's a breakup, loss of a job or if you're just stuck in a rut of monotony. A spark of something new is exciting and can ultimately set you off on a path that maybe you hadn't thought of before. Try out these tips to get the creative juices flowing in your life!

Morning Ritual
You may not be thrilled to roll out of bed when your alarm starts ringing, but morning is the part of our day when we are fresh and rejuvenated. Start your day by writing down everything on your mind in a journal. Worries and insecurities from the day before, interesting dreams you had, or even what's in store for you in the day ahead - whatever's on your mind, write it down uninhibited! Stream of consciousness writing allows everything repressed inside of you the opportunity to get out in the open. This will give you perspective and insight as to the state of affairs in your life, as well as your future goals.

Do art
You may remember this activity from grade school, but collages are a great way to express yourself as an adult - your likes and dislikes - in your own unique way. Instead of spending big on a new coffee table, why not take your old one and make an interesting spread of your favorite photographs? If you're into music, make collages of CD artwork and frame them on your walls. If you really want to do something artsy and fun, make yourself a vision box - take a box and decorate it with collages of things you like and then keep personal mementos or personal goals stored inside. Whatever it is that strikes your fancy, collages are simple ways to inspire you.

Wander
Most likely, when you leave your house, you know exactly where you're going and how to get there - probably opting for the shortest distance. But life is too short to focus on reaching just Point A and Point B. Oftentimes when we get lost or allow ourselves to wander, we discover new places we never noticed or new ideas we never got in touch with. Set aside time each week to just wander - go for a walk, ride your bike, whatever - and make a conscious effort to take in everything around you. Colors, smells, sounds - maybe you never saw the community garden near your house, maybe you never tried that hole in the wall Thai restaurant or maybe you never noticed the used bookstore down the street. If you set aside the time to get lost, you're bound to find new things you just never had the time to see.

Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort. -Franklin D. Roosevelt

Creativity is not just about painting a timeless work of art or writing the novel of a generation - rather creativity is an expression of yourself, helping you to enrich your life with the added pleasures that are unique to you.