This month’s featured topic in The Edge (a magazine on holistic living) is all about creativity and intuition. This is a topic I’ve been paying a lot of attention to over the past few years. I’ve struggled plenty with all forms of creative block, from writing to painting to how to set up my personal space. These were all things I truly wanted to do, but I couldn’t figure out how to in a way that inspired and made me happy, instead of just feeling like chores.
These weren’t new struggles. In fact, they are themes I’ve carried with me since childhood. So, why was it that creative action I was drawn to perform often felt like pulling teeth once I tried to set things in motion? What was the deal?
These kinds of blocks may not seem like a big concern, but the more I’ve tuned in to observe and hear my own frustrations, the more I’ve realized they are just symptoms trying to lead me to the real issue. And the real issue always ends up being that I am not living from an authentic place. I previously wasn’t able to recognize what truly brought me joy, because I wasn’t following my inner guidance and intuition.
Realizing this and following the breadcrumbs of happiness can be a bit of a mental shift, so it helps to have guides along the way. A few I highly recommend include:
99 Keys to a Creative Life by Melissa Harris. This book is filled with practices that will help you become more aware of your actions and built-in intuitive guidance.
Paris Letters by Janice MacLeod. Janice shares the story of how she took practical steps to declutter and raise money for a year of creativity and exploration. Seeing how she let go of a life she didn't want and stepped into unknown adventure and possibility is inspiring in more ways than one.
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon. This brief book packs a punch, saying a lot of very significant information in a simple and encouraging way.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo. This is another brief book that packs a punch. Between this book and Paris Letters, I am intensely inspired and am ditching a lot of material goods that are, ultimately, blocking my creative path.
I am also thrilled to share some insights I’ve gathered in my wanderings. You can find my tips on how to tap into your creative guidance in the June edition of The Edge. My pup says if you get the chance, grab a free copy for yourself! You can go here to find locations to pick up a copy or view the online version here.
Enjoy!
