I had the thought of this post when I realized how important having a personal project; outside of running my Lakewood photography business and having an active family, is for so many aspects of my autonomy.
With so much going on around us that we typically have to manage, why in the world would we want to add one more thing?!
A personal project is something that supports our self expression. It brings out our creativity in ways that other parts of our life may not.
Creativity is important because it accesses a part of our brain that doesn’t get a lot of activity when we’re busy reacting and doing things.
It is one of the highest forms of self-expression. Something we all may feel like we’re missing at different times in our lives.
Harnessing Your Creativity
If you have kids running around, you may already be living in your imagination. There are a few of us though, that are so overwhelmed with reacting to diapers, feedings, cooking, cleaning, and all of the other things that need to happen just to keep breathing, that imagination with the kids comes in at a trickle.
It may sound like I’m talking only to moms, but this is for both parents or partners. And it’s not just parents, this happens to many adults that are focused on getting by right now.
Being creative doesn’t require dying your hair in a rainbow or getting the next cool piercing or tattoo. While those are wonderful forms of self-expression, they are individual. And that’s the part to get to.
It may sound a little counterintuitive to say that in order to really connect with creativity you need to create structure. How often do you see these amazingly creative individuals living care-free floating around with what seems like little structure?
Our brains really like predictability. The more you can tell your brain what’s coming, the happier it is and the better it functions. It’s quite possible that those artist-types actually thrive with structure.
Choose a time to cultivate that creativity. If you’re crazy busy, it might be 10 minutes in the car before you go into work or the house at the end of the day to write or draw.
It could also be with the kids, when you dedicate a time with them that is specifically focused on art, music, or dance. Whoever thought a poetry slam with your 11 year old could be the best non-device time EVER!?
If you do this with your kids, make sure that you check yourself for any expectations. Allow whatever to show up to show up! If you’re paranoid about a mess, then prepare for there to BE a mess and set up your space.
This means removing distractions (your phone), removing excuses and reasons why it won’t work, and let it all unfold.
Notice what happens and what doesn’t happen. Sometimes you get nothing with the creative time, and that can be more important than the flood of ideas and action.
Yup. It really might be your brain wanting a time out and telling you that being present is all it’s got right now. If you’re in your car when this happens, just sit and focus on your breathing. Let the thoughts move through and listen to the sounds all around you.
Sometimes that creative time requires movement. If you have the ability to get some time to yourself, notice what happens when you get into nature and go for a walk. It’s summer, so you can also rent a paddle board and float out in the water and watch the birds or fish jumping.
Creativity from Joy and Frustration
Frustration is one of the most wonderful doors to creativity!! Why does a kid stomp around angry having a full-out tantrum?
Usually because they didn’t get something they wanted.
So, what is frustration other than blocked energy? Ask yourself what you’re blocking. What does the 4 year old inside of you want?
You’ll know when the answer has a feeling of joy with it. When that 4 year old is ready to skip around the office with confetti instead of coffee. Well, maybe not, but you get my meaning.
When you feel those moments of frustration, it could be from the desire to control or have your expectations and needs met. This results in a gripping feeling that the brain is desperate to manage.
This is one of the hardest parts of creation. Surrender.
Kids have no problem with surrendering to imagination, they get mad when they feel the hand of control. As adults, we’re the opposite. We get terrified at the point of opening up to imagination.
This is where structure helps support us, and our brain, in having a set time each day to allow imagination to blossom.
How do you know you’re on the right track? That’s the joy piece.
Start with what you know brings you joy, or possibly what brought you joy as a child. If it was walking in mud and feeling the squelch between your toes, then make the time to go up to Indian Hot Springs and lie in their mud bath.
Choosing Your Personal Project
What?! You don’t have a personal project yet?! Guess you need more time in that mud bath…
Kidding. Not very many people have one or have made the time for it. It might even be possible that you do, actually have many of these projects scattered around your home or garage.
Have a look around and see what’s incomplete around your home. Yes, you might still need to finish painting the bathroom. That doesn’t really count as a personal project, but maybe it does if you avoid going to the bathroom because you don’t want to be reminded of the unfinished work.
If these things do bother you, then they may be a great place to start. Close the loop on the things that absolutely need to get done. Make it playful with music, or a potluck with a few friends if you need help.
If you’ve got a stained glass project sitting in the corner of the garage and you detest the idea of completing it, then collect what’s salvageable and see if you can donate the rest to a local art program. Let it go if it brings you more frustration than joy.
If you genuinely don’t have one or are ready to choose a new one because you just donated all the others, then let’s go back to joy. That childhood joy that you don’t give yourself permission to think about.
Did you dream of drawing cartoons like Calvin and Hobbes, or dancing like Beyonce? (More like mastering The Running Man or The Roger Rabbit when I was a kid, but hey, trying to relate to the younger crowd!)
These are the other doors to pay attention to. You may think that taking up a hip hop class when your body is sagging in ways that make MC Hammer look cool again is a terrible idea, when really it’s a gateway to bringing a crazy amount of joy back into your life.
How is a dance class a personal project? Well, I’m wondering the same thing as I write this. Maybe it’s because you’re working toward getting in touch with a more playful side of yourself, or because you want another way to connect with your kids, or an unfulfilled dream.
Any personal project that allows for greater self-expression and creativity works. Part of having a personal project is that it’s personal. It’s all yours. And if there’s no real end product, that’s ok too. It’s about letting go of control and letting imagination take over.
Share with me what you’re up to in the comments. Are you starting a class? Building a castle chicken coop? Painting diaper pails? How are you bringing creativity into your life, I’d really like to know!!
Looking forward to your posts and touching base next week with what’s new in the studio!!!
Cheers!
~Kim
This peek into Kim’s world was brought to you by Emily Kamala. Emily is a freelance writer and life coach who loves to share stories, write blogs, and experience life so fully she has to bring it to life on the page. If you’re interested in reading more of her work, you can visit: www.EmilyKamala.com
Kim Morgan has brought her passion for connecting and telling stories through photography to life. Her ability to put you and your family at ease is so palpable you don’t even realize she’s behind the camera getting those precious moments for you to carry with you many years later. She lives in Colorado with her husband, son, and dog, where they enjoy exploring the mountains and laughing at every opportunity. Her website is KWDesignsPhotography.com to see her amazing work and set up your session!