​One of the most discouraging issues any creative has to face is the creative block.  One of the definitions I identify with regarding a creative block is what an article in GoodTherapy describes as  “the inability to access one’s internal creativity. People who are in engaged in creative activities or professions such as authors, actors, artists, dancers, etc. are often adversely affected by creative blocks….long stretches of uncreatively which can last for up to years..
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There are many things, which I have covered in previous blog posts that can lead to a creative block.  Some of these include

• Fear of rejection or failure
• Death of a loved one or end of a relationship
• A lack of financial support
• Self-doubt/self-criticism regarding ability & talent
• Repeated rejection of one's work
• The need for perfection

A few years ago, after the death of my father, I suffered through a two year creative block after a relatively fertile period of creating art.  It was frustrating not being able to be inspired to create and I questioned myself regarding whether or not I was really an artist.  Going through this time of grief was needed, but I didn’t understand that at the time.  It was only after the grieving process ended, I was able to find some inspiration from my loss and create something to honor my family legacy through art.   After that, I was able to make a series based on family images which became a series of mixed media work which was unique and interesting.
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How does one deal or overcome the creative block when it rears its ugly head in our creative life?  Here are some ideas and methods that I used to help me move past it in the past:

1. Artist’s Dates:  Yes, the tried and true method introduced by Julia Cameron in The Artist’s Way is one of the best ways to unblock you.  The Artist’s Date as defined by Julia Cameron “is a once-weekly, festive, solo expedition to explore something that interests you.”  The key of Artist’s Dates is that they must be done solo, ideally during at two hour period and have sense of “play” involved with it.   Some ideas that can be considered for Artist’s Dates include: spending time in nature with a journal, sketchbook, etc., see a good movie, attending a musical concert or play, hiking, moving your body: yoga, dancing, walking, visit an animal shelter or rescue and play with the animals there….so many things that can be done to lift your spirit and encourage a sense of play.
2. Invent or Reinvent Your Creative Space:  Sometimes when we revisit the place where we do our creative practice and change things up a bit helps.  I write about creating a “feel good” creative space here. 
3. Engage in a different creative activity:  I have found changing up what I indulge in creatively helps.  In the last year, when I felt a bit stagnant creatively, I started writing more…specifically poetry.  I even took it a bit further by performing some of my poetry in person at a local restaurant’s open mic night.  Whether or not it is considered “good” is not important to me, just the act of creating and sharing has helped me to keep a sense of play and wonder during times that I need to maintain my sense of creativity during dry periods.
4. Use the time to take a break and research your interests:  View the “down” time creatively.  See it as a way to take a break from your creative activity.  Don’t view it as a blocked period mentally….use it as a way to recharge.  Are there topics you been wanting to explore with your creative practice?  Use this time to do so….for example, has Native American rituals and customs been an interest of yours?  What about reading up on different tribes or visiting a reservation or an institution dedicated to the topic.
5.  Morning Pages:  Another tool from The Artist’s Way, morning Pages “are three pages of longhand, stream of consciousness writing, done first thing in the morning.”  I find that this three page mind dump every morning helps to clear the cobwebs and great ideas often surface that I would not ordinary think about as well as themes of areas I need to explore within myself, my creative practice or life in general.   A great example of how to make the morning pages work for you is this blog by Chris Winfield. 
6. If you are dealing with self-doubt or your inner critic, find a way to confront those voices. Here’s an exercise that might help using affirmations:

 
Think of who you know you want to cultivate within you as a creative.  Practice writing statements (in the affirmative) that describes who you are or becoming.
 
EXAMPLE:  I don’t know if I am truly the creative person want to be.
Affirmation:  I love and trust my creative gifts.
 
EXAMPLE:  I think I am a songwriter, but not sure if it is just in my head or if I’m that good.
Affirmation:  I am a talented and very gifted songwriter that is celebrated for my work.


If you facing depression or some kind of mental or physical illness, these tips may not work well for you and professional intervention via a therapist or physician may be the first step in dealing with the creative block you are facing. Take time to make a proper assessment of what is going on and what might be the source of your blockage before trying these or other tips to address it.

Have you tried other ways to unblock your creativity?  Share below!

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There comes a time when we have to make a big decision with our creativity....whether or not to share it.  I have noticed this is a big issue for many people in creative recovery....I hear a lot of people rationalizing why they don't share their work. 

• "It's something I do for myself, not for others." 
• "I really never thought of sharing my work." 
• "It's not all of that...just something I do privately."

But in the back of many people's minds is really, "I don't feel confident about sharing my work."  Or "people are going to trash it."  And of course, "my work doesn't look as good as. so and so's."

Gaining the confidence to share your work is a process that takes time and patience.  I always tell people to be gentle with yourself with this and to trust your intuition as to when and how you will share your creativity.  But once you gain the courage to share your work, you will find that it will be one of the most rewarding and freeing feelings that you will ever experience.

It took another artist friend poking me ever so often to share my work.  I was more known as an art curator than an artist at the time, and didn't feel confident putting my work next to the beautifully talented artists that I worked with in exhibitions.  My friend and I were co-curatoring an exhibition at a coffee shop in Baltimore, Maryland and she encouraged me to make something for the show.  I did and it was a proud moment for me to place it on the wall and place a label beside it.  After that, I had the courage to submit my work in a few exhibitions and next thing I knew, I was exhibiting regularly as an artist.  When I first sold my first art piece, I really gain more confidence to create more work for exhibitions.  Even today, after over ten years of exhibiting my work, I get just as excited as I did with my first sale.

But how do you get there?  Here's a few tips that may help you move from hiding your work to getting it all out there.

1. Feel all the feels.  Putting your work out there makes you vulnerable.  You are opening inner muse to the world.  It's scary.  ou are putting yourself out there...sharing your truth on your terms.  Don't deny yourself or ignore the fact that the fear is real.  But know this, when your creativity is something that the world needs.  Someone is wating to be inspired by what you create.  And you are worthy to create and share something that can be celebrated by others.. Don't waste energy on what people think, what someone else is doing or the "crtics"....it doesn't have to be perfect.  And creativity  moves us to take risks....you know that you are on the right track when you are moved past your comfort zone.  Write out what you feel is the worst possible outcome of sharing  your creativity.  Then write out what you feel the benefits are.  Look at the first list...and ask yourself, how likely is the worst outcome actually happen?  How would you feel if another 5 or 10 years go by and you missed out on the benefits of sharing your work?  Let your muse lead the way.
2. What is your "why?"  Think about why you want to share your work.  Is it a life-long goal?  Is it help or bring beauty to others?  Or is it because someone is pressuring you to do it?  Be clear how sharing your work can fulfill you personally.  If you are giving into pressure from outside of you when you don't feel ready, examine why you feel the need to give in and how it would benefit you.
3. Set a goal to share your work.  When you decide that you are ready to share, set a goal that you feel that you can reach easily.  What is a good time to share it?  When do you think you might be ready? The goal does not have to be big or fancy, just what works for you. You may want to think more sooner than later, i.e., why wait a year when you know your work may be ready in 3 months? 
4. Visualize what success might look like.  What are you looking to gain as a result (which is related to your why)?  For example, are you looking for feedback, compensation, or the satisfaction that you are contributing your creativity to the world?  How do you want to feel?  Visualize and concentrate on what you want the outcome to look and feel like so you can own the moment. 
5. Get some honest feedback.   Share your work with one or two people you trust and be open to their feedback before you share to a wider audience.  Choose someone who is not only supportive of your creativity but can provide objective feedback in a tactful and helpful way.  If you are a part of a cretive communitiy that you trust, share your work with them.  Listen actively and let your intutition guide you on making any necessary changes.  You don't have to incorporate any feedback, but don't be closed. Stay open to what is said about your work, you may stumble on something that will really take your work to another level.
6. Choose the Venue or Event to debut your work.  It may be sharing your poetry during the next family dinner gathering or the writing support group you are a member of.  You may want to display your art in your office where your co-workers can see it.  Start small then to get overwhelmed or intimidated by something big.

In conclusion, I thought I would share the following advice that appeared on on a blog featured on Life Hacker on the topic of sharing your creativity by Leanne Regalla, a Freelance writer and content marketer: 

• "Take baby steps. People vastly underestimate all that is involved in getting your work out there.
• You'll never be without fear. Successful people learn to act in spite of fear.
• Mistakes aren't the end of the world, and when handled gracefully they can win you fans and friends.
• Everyone won't like your work, and that's ok. It doesn't make you less of a person or artist.
• Celebrate your victories, even (especially) the small ones!"

Have you recently started sharing your creative work to others?  What steps did you take to get the courage to share your work?  What would you do differently?

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As a creative who is immersed with my own art making ventures  it is important that I take the time to be clear on what I want, what matters and what doesn’t.  Since we are on the cusp of spring, I am taking time to revisit my intentions and goals for my creative practice.   I have found in the past when I did not take the time to “feel” my way into my intentions the grounding doesn’t happen and I end disappointed and a bit frazzled at the end of the year.  

I talk a lot about the importance of setting some intentions and goals in relation to your creative practice.  Today, I wanted to share a tool that I use to make sure that I keep on track with what I have set for the year, quarter, month or week.   One of the methods I have been working for the last four years with is the Desire Mapping process, which helps identify the “feelings” you want to experience with all aspect of your life, rather than tangible, concrete resolutions or goals for any given year.  As a creative individual, this process appeals to me because it allows me to look at major goals and opportunities based more on energy/vibes than a check mark for my resume.  The Desire Mapping process focuses on  “Core Desired Feelings” or CDFs that you identify after a fairly lengthy process which focuses on what you want to feel about all aspects of your life.. At the end of the year, I completed my CDFs for this year and much of what I decide to engage in or be informed by will be based on these CDFs.  

I also use the Desire Map planner to review my progress toward my goals and make sure that my CDFs are in alignment with my plans for the week, month or quarter.  The planners are very attractive and provides helpful quotes and prompts to guide you in making the best decisions that align with what you desire to feel.  

What process do you use for setting intentions or goals?  How do you track them?  Do you use any special planners or guiding imagery or words to keep you on track?  Please share in the comments. 
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