It’s been a while since I’ve taken the time to write for myself. Sadly this blog has become much like the mechanic’s car that he never gets around to fixing because he’s too busy fixing other people’s cars. That is what I feel has happened to me and this blog. When you spend your days creating content for others, at times there is little left in the creative tank for yourself. (Case in point, I started drafting this post in 2015!)

Today’s post is dedicated to how to find inspiration to keep doing what you love professionally and having some creative juice left over to love yourself. 

1. Carve out time for yourself every day. Even if it’s just 15 minutes. Be selfish about your time. Get creative about where you get this time. Creating a daily practice will allow for ideas to come easier. For example, I’m writing this in the car on a 13 hour road trip. No I’m not writing and driving… (2019 Upate: I can’t even remember what road trip I stared this on, but a derby trip is a pretty good bet! And today in 2019, I am finishing this while waiting at the Appletree)

2. Take the time to smell the flowers so to speak. Take the time to listen to others and see what’s around you. You never know when inspiration will strike. (Like in the car.) When inspiration strikes, write it down immediately. Don’t rely on remembering it later. Chance are you won’t.

3. The perfect post will never happen. Just write. Write about anything and everything that interests you. Write for yourself first. It doesn’t have to be epic, just start somewhere, anywhere. Write a few lines and see what happens… 

4. Read. Read a lot. Fiction, non-fiction, news articles, blogs… what you read is up to you. Just read. For me now if 2019, I am STILL learning French donc, je lis un article en français chaque journeé.

5. Collaborate. Collaboration leads to brainstorming, which leads to AWESOME IDEAS that light a fire under our butts to take action. We all have at least one person who propels us into action. For me that is my co-conspirator in life Lisa. When we get together, we unfailingly start to hash out our next big idea. She’s the one I conspire with to try take over the world just like Pinky and The Brain. Spend more time with a friend like that. And if you don’t have one, find one stat!

6. Get curious! Ask questions. Curiosity will lead you to creativity. Promise.

7. Finally, creativity is like any other muscle. You need to stretch it, challenge it and occasionally push it past your comfort zone. THIS is when great things happen!