By Nicci Fletcher |
I think it is fair to say that I am an extremely creative person. In fact, at the moment I am having trouble sleeping because my creativity has gone into overdrive. No matter what I do ideas keep popping into my mind. Whilst I love being creative I do wish that I had an “off button” sometimes to give my mind, and Andrew’s patience, a bit of a breathing space. Although if I am perfectly honest I would be scared to use the “off button” if I found it. I would be terrified of not knowing where the “on button” was when I was ready to get back into a heightened state of creativity. So perhaps what I’m seeking is a “volume button” instead. [You can keep track of my Canbace/CNBC related creativity on The Niccisphere Facebook Page]
People often think I am very lucky, or very special, due to my creativity. However, this is not the case. There seems to be a misconception that only a select few are able to unleash a steady flow of creative genius. The fact is, creativity is very much like a muscle that needs to be exercised in order to consistently give out great results. If you don’t practice harnessing your creativity, this skill will wither away to nothing. Continually strengthening your creativity muscle means that your creativity will become more consistent.
So how do you unleash your creative thinking? Well, the first thing is to become a human sponge. Absorb as much knowledge and learning you can. Read everything available, the good, the bad and the downright ugly, as you keep your mind open to the infinite possibilities of the universe. The more you know, the more you’ll want to know, and the more your faculty of wonder will be exercised. Prepare to be amazed at little facts that add a bit of colour into your life.
Strengthening your creativity
Focus on tapping into your creativity every day. Yes, it’s an effort: however, even doodling is a creative activity. Don’t let anything hinder you. I often say that I am so un-artistic that I can’t draw a wonky line with the aid of a ruler. Even so I am giving it a go, so I am no longer gripped by fear that I CANNOT DRAW. I’ve found this great website that teaches people to draw basic animals following a step by step process. [Although the “We Draw Animals”website is probably for children I don’t think it contains any triggers.]
Guess what IT IS WORKING. I may not be Picasso yet: however, my efforts are becoming more recognisable with slightly less effort on my part. Actually, my flamingos are a bit surreal, so I may be the next Picasso!
Creativity takes many forms so if painting or drawing really doesn’t float your boat, dig out your old camera and start snapping photos like crazy. Keep a journal and make a point to write in it religiously. Another great idea is to write by describing something with your five senses.
Try to avoid vague adjectives like “marvellous,” “amazing,” and “delicious.” We are not two-dimension beings so when we write we shouldn’t only focus on what we see or what we feel. Remember that you also hear, smells and taste the world around your: your writing will thank you for it!
Creativity loves limitations
Think out of the box — or don’t. Sometimes, constraints are actually a good thing. Limitations discipline you to work within your means. It enables you to be more resourceful. Creative freedom is great, but limitations enforce discipline. One of the limitations that writers set themselves is their word count.
I know that’s rich coming from a blogger who often writes over 1200 words. However, when I am writing for the pure joy of it I will set myself the challenge of writing a short story with a limit of 500 words. It really tests your creativity when you have to include all your ideas in a heavily restricted word count.
Try something new everyday and let your experiences broaden your perspective. Explore a new district in your neighbourhood. Spend an afternoon in a museum that you have never visited before. Open up to the people around you. As you thrust yourself out of your comfort zone more and more each day, your sense of adventure grows and so does your zest for life. Think about it. When was the last time you did something for the first time?
If it’s been a while you’ve been missing out on a whole world of experiences that could’ve added to your growth, emotionally, mentally, physically, or spiritually. Not only will you learn, but you will also have plenty of stories to share, enabling you to practice your storytelling skills and making you the life of the party.
Balancing creativity with reality
Embrace insanity. Not to the point of practically admitting yourself into the mental ward. As John Russell once said, “Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting.” Exactly! Every creative thought was once deemed insanity by other “normal” people at one time or another. Luckily, that didn’t stop the creative geniuses from standing by them. The thing is, sanity or being normal confines people to think… well, normally.
I always say that one of the worst insults someone can throw at me is that I am “normal”. Creativity is essentially breaking through barriers. Yes, this includes the bizarre and the downright strange. I’m not saying that you yourself should develop a creative personality as this can be taken too far. Examples of a “creative personality” are George Washington, who often rode into battle naked, or James Joyce, who wrote “Dubliners” with beetle juice for an intense fear of ink. My personal favourite is Albert Einstein, who thought his cat was a spy sent by his rival (or in thinking creatively in this case, the term could probably be “archnemesis.”)
I can understand this as I used to own a cat who would follow me into the bath room and watch me shower. There was such a knowing look in his eyes that my sister and I were both convinced that “Bits” has been a full-blooded man in a previous life. As you can see it’s important that your creativity doesn’t get you detached from the real world completely.
If you follow these steps pretty soon you’ll be living a life full of interesting adventures. Unleashing your creativity will bring about a new zest for living life.
In CANBACE friendship!
If anything I have written resonates I’d love to hear from you in the comments. I appreciate that this can be a difficult subject to speak openly about so if you don’t want me to publish your comment on the website please let me know and I will keep your words private.
