Within the last year I realized I wasn’t as creative as I once was (or at least as creative as I once thought I was). My life has changed a lot in the past five years, and while that’s been a good thing, it’s definitely had a huge impact on my creativity. Not being creative has been a struggle for me, and I haven’t felt like myself. I haven’t felt like I could solve problems as effectively as I used to. And I was missing the stress relief creative endeavors provided me. About six months ago, I was ready to change this. So, I took some time to think about what I can do to feel inspired.
I read a variety of things that inspire me in many ways. A sentence, a word, an impression can all inspire creative ideas and solutions. I read some materials regularly because I often find something thought-provoking or inspiring. I enjoy The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The New York Times, NPR and Vanity Fair. If I don’t find inspiration in any of these, I’ve at least enjoyed some quality reading time and probably learned a little something.
Whether it’s a beautiful sight or just the relaxing walk, I find nature to be a great source of inspiration.
People, places and scenery can all inspire me, too. A look, a color, a texture: it all inspires me. For this reason, I love being in nature. I enjoy camping, hiking and boating.
To absorb inspiration from what I read, see and experience, I need to be open to inspiration. Being open to inspiration doesn’t mean I’m on the hunt for it. It means my mind and body are relaxed, and I’m fully immersed in what I’m doing. If I’m reading an article in Vanity Fair, I’m relaxed and involved in the article, absorbing its content. If I come across something that inspires me, I take a moment to think about it and even write my thoughts down. (I keep a notebook handy for these occasions.)
Reading, thinking and being open to inspiration has proven very successful for me. But, if for some reason, it doesn’t work there’s always Pinterest. I can spend hours there and feel super creative!
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