Creativity as an antidote to anxiety
Not one of us is immune to being shaped by what we see, listen to, and read. Harnessed with intention, this can be a superpower, allowing us to adapt, evolve, and become more resilient. And yet, we suffer when the information we are consuming dims our light, makes us feel discouraged, inadequate, frustrated, or frankly … bored.
Creative inspiration is a balm for the soul
Something I love about humans is our boundless imaginations. Creativity is energizing, life-giving, exciting, sometimes all-encompassing (raise your hand if you’ve ever completely lost track of time working on a project!). While we may have lost ourselves in creative endeavors growing up, in adulthood it can be much more challenging to make time for creativity. But I assure you, it’s not only a natural high — creativity also helps us to know ourselves, it helps us to process difficult emotions, and allows us to tell our stories.
What if I’ve lost my creative mojo?
The struggle is, indeed, real. Maybe it’s just been a while since we’ve tapped into our creative energy, or we’ve gotten into some less-than-ideal screentime habits, or maybe we’ve just never considered ourselves “the creative type.” I hear you. I see you. I’m with you. It’s not too late.
Take a moment to consider: “what did I love doing as a kid?” For some people, creativity means creative arts. For others, it’s dance and movement. Creativity can also be:
Talking in accents and making up characters
Cooking or baking, or just making a mess ;)
Singing, making music, playing instruments
Problem-solving, organizing, reimagining a space
Playing dress up, or making cool outfit combos
Writing — journals or letters or poems or stories
Whatever allows you to tap into your own vision, ideas, and imagination!
Resources to get inspired!
When all else fails, seek out inspiration. Here are some resources that always stir in me that drive to create:
Colossal - a site dripping with art, design, craft, photography eye-candy
Reasons to be Cheerful - David Byrne’s “good news” site full of inspiring, fascinating & uplifting things going on around the world
Graham Franciose’s “morning coffee paintings” - I have watched so many of these and have been genuinely inspired to do more morning drawings (thank you Graham!)
Photay (album) - I have been loving this album lately as an accompaniment for my own thoughts, dreams, visions, musings :)
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About the author: Jaclyn Zeal offers couples counseling, marriage counseling, and relationship therapy for individuals, couples and families. Her services are offered in Montgomery County and Chester County — including Phoenixville, Limerick, King of Prussia, Main Line, Trappe, Collegeville, Royersford, Kimberton and surrounding areas. She sees clients in-person and virtually in PA. Learn more about Jaclyn here.
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