Wading Deeper

I was already going in this direction then David Bowie confirmed I was going the right way. Validation from the great ever after?? More likely an algorithm, but I listened. You see, the other day, in a moment of internet goodness, I came across an interview with the late musical icon that I had never seen before. He was talking about creativity. He basically said, if you’re swimming in comfort, you might need to go a little deeper. I listened to the interview a couple of times and shared it. And it has stuck with me. (Not all my internet scrolling sticks, you know?)

This particular chipmunk doesn’t actually swim, but I am definitely treading a little deeper into ideas that have been floating in my head for a long time. Since starting my business, I’ve wanted to share the benefits of creativity with others. I’ve been gently splashing that message around here and there when I can. However, just before I got that message from Mr. Bowie, I had stepped deeper into opportunity and was accepted to the Best Life Self-care Health Fair event at the Chatham Armoury. Call it a stretch, a leap, or a “what have you just done” moment.

What made me do it?

Well first off, I’m wondering where you are at with your creative ventures? Hobbies? Maybe you’re stuck like I was. About a decade ago, I was quite ill. At that time, I had some special people in my life that helped me rekindle my creative spark. They took me to card-making nights and came over to craft and helped me clear the brain fog. I took courses and workshops that helped me re-wire some old thinking. And I’ve talked with friends and family about how they have started their own creative practices after a set back.

Those experiences led to me to build a workshop called Cultivating Creativity. I delivered it a couple of times and shelved it. But, it’s never been far from my thoughts. (Free tip: Ideas can purcolate for a long time and that is ok!) I may not have been delivering workshops but I have continued to read and research the mulitude of benefits that art, creative pursuits and making things bring us. It feels like time to start sharing in a more intentional way. And, well, David Bowie said so.

Also, I believe there are others out there wanting to connect with something more and are not sure how to start. Maybe there’s someone that is caught in the nastiness of the comparison and doubt spiral. Maybe there’s a level of overwhelm that is like a mountain standing between that person and some fun. Perhaps that’s you or someone you love.

I would like to help. I want you to get a little creative stardust sprinkled on you. And I want it to help you feel good. In your own way. In your own time. (Free tip: Sometimes another person can lend you some motivation until you get your own momentum going.)

It was also important to give you something for free at this event. As I was brainstorming ideas, I got the chance to collaborate with artist and graphic designer, Alex Perez. Together, we’ve created such a fun zine for you. We combined my tips and her design skills and I can’t wait to share one with you. Alex is a very special person in my life and working with her on this event has been a blast!

(Free tip: work with other creative people – they are amazing!)

Even planning the unique designs for this has been elevated. I’ve poured some extra inspiration, care and intention in to each one for you. And simply looking at artificial plants does positive things to our brains.

So there it is.

That’s why I signed up for a Health Fair. Before I was fully ready. Before I had the details figured out. Getting accepted and developing how I’m sharing this message with you has me fired up! Excited enough to coax you in to the water with me. That’s big. I’m rarely the first one in. 😉