“Nothing is absolute. Everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves, everything flies and goes away.”
― Frida Kahlo
I haven’t written a blog since August 2023 and, before that, the last time I wrote one was in early 2020, at the start of Covid times. I enjoyed writing, so, I’ve decided to jump back in again, as a good way to connect, share creative ideas and work out what is going on in my busy head. Win! Win!
These past few months have been particularly strange. The theme of change has come at me from all angles.
Positive change when I received some welcome news about my health after a few months of worry. A heart-breaking change with the sad death of a friend and neighbour, who made a quiet and significant impact on my life. At home, I’ve been on a journey focusing on making creative change. And the start of this transition time, waking up to a new government with the fabulous Ellie Chowns, as our new Green MP in North Herefordshire.
Read my blog: Positive Change in Tough Times
Change has surrounded me, and though I’d normally say I like it, I’ve had mixed emotions as this has been a particularly tough time.
I’m not going into the details of the other things I’ve listed. I’ve noticed that some moments are more significant than others. Sometimes feelings emerge while I’m drawing, listening to music, or podcasts. As someone who has avoided emotions for most of my life, this is a significant step.
Some changes happen that you have no control over, and other changes are hard to make.
The classic feeling common to artists of being ‘stuck’ has been the toughest thing to change.
Here are 5 things I’ve been doing to get unstuck:
- Do something creative, get outside in nature, do some yoga or something to get out of your head and into your body.
- Journal in response to a question which I really like from coach friends, Isabel Mortimer and Emma Haughton of Generate Partnership: “What is the spark that needs igniting?”
- Understand and find out where “resistance” crops up by reading, ‘The War of Art’ by Stephen Pressfield.
- Use Tim Ferris’s ‘Fear Setting’ process to discover the benefits of taking action and the risks of inaction of the things that scare you.
- Without overthinking, name the smallest action you could take, now do it.
This blog is my action to get unstuck, the smallest step I can take to connect with other creatives and to ‘find my creative voice’.
Tim Ferris’ “Fear Setting” exercise helped me to discover that connection is important to me. I find social media challenging now. Meeting new people via blogs, and digital and live events seemed a good place to start.
The interesting thing is that I know it’s the right path as my usual enthusiastic ramblings are prompting the usual inner voices. I’m discovering that I’m starting to find space to create through exploring the things that make me curious.
What’s the smallest step you could take? Pick the one thing that feels easy or intriguing for you.
How did you get on? It’d be great to hear what worked for you. Drop me an email and let me know.
If any of my blog has made you smile, think or make a change please share or sign up to my e-news.