My word for this year was SHIFT, and wow, did I ever! Actually, there were two, almost harmonious parts of my year that defined this. The first part was marked by a lot of stress and uncertainty in my life. In this part, I began to see the need to shift my perspective and how I viewed my life and the role that creativity played in it. It was also a time of much growth, although I couldn’t see it at the time. I relaunched this blog as part of this process, with a fresh new design and ideas for the future.
And then the real shift took place, as I dealt with a sudden loss. A loss that left me with plenty of time to regrow myself and strengthen my creative muscles. This time has been marked by immense growth both spiritually and creatively. It has allowed me to refocus my energy on this website and let me dream and plot and plan for its future.
Creativity anew is the phrase I’ve been using to describe this. For me, it was sparked by a sudden shift, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Creativity anew can happen at any time. It just takes an intentional mindset to achieve and the upcoming new year is a good time to start cultivating that mindset toward your own creativity.
In 2011, I wrote a post on New Year, New Creative Goals. It seemed appropriate this year to revisit it and create some intentions for the upcoming year. The purpose of the intentions are to keep them simple. You limit yourself to three. They can be big goal creative dreams or simply a new technique to learn or a new medium to explore. After much thought, here are mine:
- Take an improv workshop
- Collect essays for an actual book
- Learn to crochet
What are your creative intentions for the new year so that you can begin with creativity anew?
You have a great list!!
I’m considering starting a coloring/activity ‘zine for adults. *gulp*
Also applying for an art fellowship (crossing fingers).
And ….? There’s something else out there. I just know it! 😀
Thanks Mandy! I love them all. The other one will come to you. I had glass blowing on there for the last 5+ years and only accomplished it this year! Improv’s been there about as long. May this be the year it gets crossed off 🙂
First of all Melanie I love the pics!!! The colors are awesome.
My three: 1. Get back to my novel
2. Take a course or creative retreat (haven’t chosen one yet)
3. Take lots more pics because when I take them they get me all charged up for life because the engagement helps me to really see the beauty and creativity in the world.
Thanks Peggy! I am going to hold you to them, and I hope you do the same for me throughout the next year.