I joined another online challenge, Creative Every Day for the whole of 2012. Every day. To commit to that I had to sit down and define what it meant to me to be creative. If I had to produce a finished piece of art, craft or even an unusual meal daily, I’d be in trouble. But to me creativity includes so much than that. Here is my definition and my map for this challenge (click on the mind map for larger view):
Why do I need a mind map?
Because sometimes I have to consciously look for opportunities to express myself creatively. And because sometimes I need help to recognise and honour my creativity, to remind myself that the result is not always what I expect it to be. It can be a photo, blog post or a meal. Or it can be a feeling of excitement (‘Wow, I’m really enjoying myself!’) or a drive to find a solution (‘It didn’t work this time, but this is what I can try next’).
How was my creative week?
I tried making an apple cake twice. The first time it wasn’t perfect. The second time I adjusted the ingredients, I remembered not to open the oven until (I thought) the cake was ready… my kids accidentally turned off the oven. It struck me as odd that it wasn’t lit up when I came to take out the cake, but I didn’t think too much about it. Until I cut the cake and discovered that the middle was still row. I will try again one of these days and I’ll share the recipe once I get it right.
I took lots of photos, I wrote, I drew with my kids, I danced.
The dance was rumba. There was a stillness in the routine followed by a quick and difficult succession of steps leading to the culmination. Part of me was screaming, ‘Go! You won’t have enough time!’ while the other part responded, ‘No, stay in the moment. Wait for the lead. Trust.’ I stayed and I trusted. The lead came and there were no more thoughts. The music carried me. Then I was still again. Just in time.
.jpg "Creative Every Day")
How do you define creativity? What have you created in the past week?
Hi, I'm Tat. I believe that through motherhood we're given another chance to find ourselves, grow and shine. I have three beautiful children and I learn a lot from them every day. This year I'm searching for ease in everything I do.
Your flow chart is awesome. I was struck by “tangible,” “intangible,” and “emotional.” What more do you need, in a great chart than those? I think you will do well this year. Really enjoyed your CED post.
Bleubeard and Elizabeth recently posted.."Let’s Say Thanks" (gone, but not forgotten)
Thanks. We often get stuck in thinking we are not creative, because we can’t paint that masterpiece or write a book, but creativity is something everyone has, and it can come out in so many ways…
Loved this, Tat. It’s made the idea of being creative so tangible rather than something that just the “experts” do. I guess creativity is just taking an idea and bringing it to life. It doesn’t have to be the next Nobel prize winning invention. It can be little things too. I’ve often felt the need to express myself creatively but then felt I didn’t know how. Your mind map really breaks it down into doable chunks. It also shows all sorts of little things can be creative. What have I done? Photos are a big one for me. Also creating a digital board of my focus words/themes and values for 2012 and putting these on my desktop. I baked. I made a pram seat for by toddler’s dolls out of a small wheelie bin and old box. I conjured up various meals for dinner. I do look longingly at those who craft and write though and wish I could be so prolific. You’re going to be busy, I think!
Veronica @ Mixed Gems recently posted..Simplify your life {SYL: Week 2} – Values
Sounds like you’ve been busy. A pram seat for a toddler’s doll? I didn’t expect that one!
What a great presentation on creativity ~ Excellent ~namaste, carol (Share the Creative Journey) linked w/ CED
Carol recently posted..MINDFUL MONDAY
Oh, I love your mind-map. How eye opening! I have been doing Creative Every Day for so many years now, I don’t even really give it a thought.
So glad you are joining in this creative adventure!
Julie Jordan Scott recently posted..Is it Image Distraction or Is It Image Awaken Attention? #CED2012 Check In
It probably does become natural after a while… I still have to focus on it to make it happen
What a phenomenal idea! A concept web of creativity! There are so many aspects to creativity and they are all interrelated and support one another. Thanks for such a great post!
Carolyn Dube recently posted..Allowing Happiness
LOVE that mindmap! Great way to explore your creativity!
leah recently posted..Creative Every Day Check-In: January 23 – 29
I love the mind-map too Tat and just curious as to what tool you used if you don’t mind sharing?
kirri recently posted..How do I deal with perfectionism?
Thanks, Kirri, of course I don’t mind sharing. I used bubbl.us
Love the mind map… I have used them for years with students and they are just such a rich tool… enjoyed my first visit to your blog through CED and look forward to coming back…xx
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