Finding Inspiration
I admit it, I regularly lack inspiration. And, I don’t know about you but when I lack inspiration, I think about quitting. The problem is quitting is not an option for me. Letting go of things that are no longer working for me, yes. But not quitting. What’s the difference? It’s really a mind-set shift. Quitting is about giving something up all together. Whereas, letting go gives you the ability to safely transition into something more inspired.
So, back to finding inspiration when it’s just not there. More often than not, if I just start a task, I will find inspiration waiting for me around the first corner, saying “Where have you been? I’ve been waiting for you.” A good example is throwing clay. Many have told me that you should have in mind what you want to create before sitting down at the wheel. That’s great if you’re inspired, but I have found that if I just start the actions of working with the clay: wedging, centering, opening, pulling the walls up, that suddenly I know that I am making a (fill-in-the-blank) ____________.
The blank sheet of paper is intimidating, even if you’re slightly inspired. The blank computer screen even more so. Again, I find that if I just start with a sentence of what is on my mind, I find inspiration hiding behind the blank wall.
Other things I do to find inspiration:
- Take a walk
- Catch-up with a good friend
- Move to a different room
- Do something I never do (e.g., go to a museum)
- Take a nap
- Travel
I carry a notepad to jot down inspirational ideas, thoughts or quotes. Often I think I will remember and have forgotten it in the next moment as another inspired thought takes over.
You can also find someone who inspires you and follow that person through an eZine (eMail newsletter) or social media.
My final way to find inspiration is to look for ways to inspire others.
So, where do you find inspiration?
© 2010 Heather C. Morrow. All rights reserved
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? Of course you can, as long as you include the following with it:
Heather C. Morrow, owner of Pottery Daily, helps emerging artists express their true value and get paid what they are worth. Her products and services show you how to make more money, save more time while enjoying the freedom in your art. For your FREE audio go to www.marketandsellyourart.com.
October 12th, 2010 at 5:13 pm
Heather,
Thank you for this article. It came at just the right time; right when I needed some thoughts about creativity and how to keep the juices flowing.
You are an inspiration yourself!
I can’t wait to read what you write next.
October 12th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
Great post! Finding inspiration can be really challenging not only for artists and bloggers but for anyone who tries to creatively approach life and work.
Music is what inpires me, and film. The idea of going to a museum is a really good one. Sometimes just sitting at a cafe quietly with a cup of coffee and nothing to do get the creative juices flowing.
Love your blog site, keep up the great work!
October 16th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
Quitting seems like the only option sometimes but then I realize I am not alone. It is hard to find inspiration in a vaccum. Thanks for helping to fill the space.