Since the start of the new year, I have been craving a more creative outlet. The options are limitless and quickly became overwhelming, yet I wanted to try them all. I settled for a paint by numbers; the most controlled creative project I could find. I don’t have to consider what colour goes where I just have to match the numbers. As this craft has proven to be a good outlet to calm my senses and escape from the stress, it didn’t fill that nagging feeling. Journaling has been suggested to me more times than I can count, yet I’ve never been able to stick with it. I get hung up on the perfect pen or book, creating the perfect space, what do I write about, and then I start to worry about the topics and my writing grammar. Like Girl, just get it out and put pen to paper already. I have a secret love of stationary and all things office supplies, so you could imagine the collection of journals and pens I've acquired while I hunt for the "perfect one." Turns out, pen to paper wasn’t my medium, blogging is! I’ve always been one to share and be open about my life, especially once I started my personal journey of healing. I love deep meaningful connections with others, learning about our shared experiences & feelings. Social media has become a space where I can share more than just the usual daily activities. I can create a meaningful space to discuss experiences many of us have felt yet never talked about. I've decided that I no long wish to hide behind the acceptable exterior I've created in order to fit in. Creativity is a feminine trait that I underutilize out of fear. I often get swept away with all the logistics; the various tools and equipment I could use, where is the best place to start, have I read enough material to know what I'm doing, is there a unique space for me to work, will I have the time to dedicate….this goes on forever. I'm overwhelmed, get all stressed out and I resort to watching Netflix, putting it off for another day. With the help of those around me, some soul searching and reconnection with who I am and what I want out of life, I've been able to discover this creative outlet of writing and blogging. As I tend to hold myself back from taking big leaps, the excitement for this website became too much and I needed to push forward. I needed to believe in myself, my capabilities and have courage to put myself out there, be vulnerable, proud of what I have learned and share in the hopes of helping others around me come out of the darkness too. Although this type of sharing and creative outlet isn't for everyone, have you ever had this feeling of wanting more, a calling to something you can't quite label yet? Have you listened to this feeling and went down the rabbit hole of possibilities? Since starting this blog, I am amazed to discover what other dreams and goals I can't wait to explore. Although I don't know where this will lead me, I've decided to be open to any of the possibilities and enjoy each step along the way. A quote from Marshall Goldsmith says "if nothing changes, nothing is going to change." Taking the first step toward your desire or passion will always be a step in the right direction. So, what are you holding off doing and why are you still waiting? That first step is uncomfortable, to be open and honest with yourself, but honestly, you will be amazed at what unveils itself to you. Ok, now get creative, start chasing those dreams and never stop believing in yourself. Everything you need is already inside of you, just love yourself enough follow through! Xo Dee
Psst...feel free to share with me how you are getting creative with self expression by tagging your social post with #maplemindsetexpression or leave a comment below! #creativity #creativeprocess #courage #vulnerable #intuitiveguidance #heartcalling #soulwork #livingmytruth #selfexpression #awareness #selflove #youareworthy #womenscircles #supportingeachother #loveoneanother #growth #mindsetshift #mentalwellness #healingprocess #changemaker #justbreathe #ontheblog #bloglife #bloggersofinstagram #maplemindsetexpression
Sometimes the feeling of starting a creative project is so daunting since you know it’ll likely take more than that “one day” you have to do it. Especially with shift work, you might start a project one day and then might not be able to work on that project for another 5 days. In that time you might lose steam or lose your train of thought !