I have been on an interesting ride for the past few months. The summer hasn't turned out to be quite what I had planned but it's not a bad summer. I began radiation this week and have been adjusting to a different rhythm. Frustration has given way to acceptance.
It's got me thinking about the story arc of my own creativity.
We use metaphors to describe the creative process--a growing cycle in the garden with seeds bursting with potential to the inevitable death and regrowth. Or the alchemy of a chemical reaction when the right combination of elements create gold.
This week, however, I am stepping way back--to an autobiography of my creative side. And I'm not finding a pattern. Just chapters. This is my Summer of Introspection and Healing.
Happiness and Creative Health to you all!
maggie
An Autobiography of Your Creativity Strap yourself into the way-back machine and travel back to your childhood. Locate an episode in which you are creating.
My earliest memory is a birthday party of a little friend. We visited the Kimbo the Clown. Most of my little friends were freaked out by Kimbo but I can remember dancing with him. The performing bug bit me early it would seem. That thread continued through many chapters as an actress, speaker and facilitator.
Trend Chart
Years ago I took a class in which we drew a trend chart of our life. I found it a fascinating exercise.
I am doing the same for my creative pursuits over my lifetime. There have been a few glorious chapters in my life when I have been bursting with brilliance exactly suited to the rich opportunities in front of me. And there have been times when I could hardly get out of bed in the morning because I wasn't using an ounce of my creativity (did someone say Retiree Benefits Coordinator?).
I also note some surprises in my Trend Chart. The high points aren't comprised only of 'artistic' activities. They included episodes that I might not have considered creative. One high point was working at Intel (!). Supporting the Labs required huge amounts of ingenuity and collaboration.
What would be the high a low points in your chart? Trending up or down?
Patterns
When you look back over your life can you identify patterns? I believe that our Multiple Intelligences show up in our creative efforts. If you are visually gifted you may apply that talent in varied domains. If you are interpersonally adept, you may find yourself repeatedly in work that taps your gift.
You may also find yourself held back by certain personality patterns. Through years of coaching I have found that the MBTI to provide useful insight to the strengths and weaknesses of our preferred creative process. I LOVE generating ideas. I am severely challenged when it comes to make ideas a reality. I must get clever about creating structure and deadlines.
So What?
Your creative autobiography, should you choose to complete some version of it, might give you clues. Clues to recognize and appreciate how far you've come. Clues to identify the source of that discontent you are feeling. Clues about which direction to send your constructive energy.
Top Chef with Lemons I have received many loving notes from friends and family. Here's one from Linda that made me chuckle:
"You are the Top Chef when it comes to making lemons into lemonade."
Radiation, 28 days of radiation, might be tedious so I've decided to make it more interesting with a photo countdown on my personal blog.
Man is fond of counting his troubles, but he does not count his joys. If he counted them up as he ought to, he would see that every lot has enough happiness provided for it.
- Fyodor Dostoyevsky
List of the Week: Audio Books
I am a longtime member of Audible and download two books every month for my listening pleasure. These are the books I come back to for repeat listens:
In a Sunburned Country, by Bill Bryson. I initially got this for our trip to Sydney but just this morning I was laughing aloud to his excellent reading of his travels through Australia.
Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert. Darling Liz is a great reader of her own material. She has a warm voice and I've loved this book since it came out. Can't wait for the movie!
God Save the Sweet Potato Queens, by Jill Connor Brown. Who can resist a Mississippi accent and her non-PC material?
Me Talk Pretty One Day, by David Sedaris. I'm a huge fan of David--so brutally honest and wry.
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