I is for Inspiration

Inspiration is a fickle thing. Sometimes you have it, sometimes you don't. And when/if genius finally strikes, it can be extremely difficult to find time to create amid dirty diapers, floors covered with dog hair, mountains and mountains of laundry, dirty dishes that should be entered into a science fair ... you get the picture.

Even though there are probably a million other things you could be doing at any given time, it is essential to your personal well-being to take time out of your day to create. It doesn't have to be something big or grand or even beautiful. It just has to be something that makes you smile.

Stuck in an inspiration rut? Here's some ideas:

> Solitude

Ah, solitude. Almost impossible to find when you have a family. But even five minutes can spark your creativity. I have found that my new favorite thinking place is the shower. Sad? Well, sorta. But it's the only place I can be almost alone. With a baby monitor, of course.

> Brainstorming

This is one of my favorite ways to inspire creativity. You can use webs, lists, doodles, anything really. This helps you come up with new ideas and maybe even have an elusive "light bulb" moment.

> Other people's genius

Many of the blogs I subscribe to feature people who act on their inspiration and make some amazing stuff. Sometimes all it takes is to get inspired is a "leapfrog" effect off someone else's creativity.

> Turn it off

This is incredibly hard to do nowadays. But turning off your phone, TV and computer for even an hour can give you some prime thinking time. Try it. I promise your phone will be okay without you.

> Music

As a musician, I am a big believer in the power of music to inspire creativity. Try listening to something in a genre you're not used to. The possibilities are endless.

> Make something ugly

I went through a period of time when I fancied myself an abstract artist. I painted and painted and painted and then painted some more. And my creations were U-G-L-Y (they ain't got no alibi ... they UGLY, they they they UGLY). But I can't tell you how much I enjoyed mixing color after color after color of paint until I had a big brown blob of awesomeness going on. What is it they say? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
So create. Even if you suck at it. Who knows? You could become posthumously famous or something. Or not. But you won't care if you're dead. So do it anyway!

> Do something you love

What do you enjoy doing? Reading? Photography? Cooking? DO IT. I know it's hard. But it's important.

> Set a goal

Setting goals and reaching them is one of the best ways to inspire you. Also, make sure you're accountable to someone. This is the thought process behind my weight loss posts, and what d'ya know, it's working! Set goals and don't be afraid to reach them. You can do this!

In honor of inspiration, I am going to be entering a creation in  the CSI Project this week. I am so excited/nervous! Especially considering one of my favorite bloggers, Cheri from  I Am Momma, Hear Me Roar, is the guest judge. Look for my Knock Off tutorial sometime this week : )

Wish me luck!

Caiti