I love watching our family's children play, dance, draw, and create – they do it without thinking how it should or should not be; they're carefree and in the moment. It's so refreshing and inspiring.
As we age, quite often we no longer feel the freedom to express ourselves creatively. Yet a part pf us longs to explore something new or even re-visit something we enjoyed doing as a child.
I was feeling this way, yearning to connect to my creativity more, so I took matters into my own hands – literally!
Last week, I hosted a creative evening with a group of women who were also open to having fun and getting creative. Our facilitator, Monica, showed us how to paint Christmas cards with watercolours.
We all gathered around a kitchen table, supplies filling the space around us, and Monica gave us some tips and pointers on creating traditional Christmas shapes like trees, wreaths, and ornaments. Her biggest tip is to do it your way. Have fun with it, and pay no attention to the inner critic who will visit you and evaluate your efforts.
And she was right!
When we first began, my Inner Critic was quick to say, "You can't paint…" but Monica's energy was so relaxed and calming. It didn't take long for me to relax and be in the moment. It was beautiful to feel the energy of our group.
The longer we got into it, the more silent we became, and there was a beautiful, sweet energy that was palpable.
Afterward, we displayed all the cards to see what everyone had created. What I loved so much was that every card was completely different. It has the same theme, a separate, unique, and individual outcome.
How beautiful is that?
We all commented on how relaxed we felt. It was peaceful, it was fun, and it got my creative juices flowing just as I had hoped.
I remember someone saying, don't wait for creativity to show up; invite it into your life. It makes a difference when it is done in simple and fun ways.
Creativity is part of our true nature. We just need to tap back into it.
We may be afraid of doing it wrong or making a mistake. Maybe we were taught to colour within the lines, yet a part of us longs to colour outside the lines.
There is a part of us that longs to express ourselves fully. There is another part that holds back. I experienced in this workshop that we can tap into our authentic self in many different ways.
Creative expression is transformative and fun. It sparks something inside.
Do you feel in touch with your creativity?
Are you ready to open up more?
If you and your friends are interested in having a creative evening with Monica, you can reach her here.
If the group idea isn't your thing, consider setting a date night with yourself. Whether you're following a paint-by-numbers, sketching, writing, or baking – flex those creative muscles.
When we set the intention to bring more creativity into our lives and start introducing simple things, only good things happen.
I've purchased a new set of watercolour pencils and a paint-by-number kit, and will make a date with my inner artist and me. I can't wait. If you're interested in buying some Crayola watercolour pencils, click here. We used this brand and they were great.
Give it a try! Have fun and don’t be afraid to get a little messy
With love,
Diane