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Creativity — according to Webster’s it means having the ability
or power to create; characterized by originality and expressiveness;
imaginative. Ok that sounds great, wouldn’t we all like to be more
creative every day? Sometimes the hardest part to trying something new
is the first step. Here are nine inspired steps to help you start living
a creative way of life:
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1. Be willing to try something new.s
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When was the last time you stepped out of your everyday routine and
did something totally different? Taking a dance class, going to
a concert to experience something different than what you normally
listen to on the radio, or even picking up a pencil and sketching
the trees in your own backyard is creative action. Creative thinking
and creative action start with a new decision about how you’re
going to spend your time.
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2. Create something with your own hands on a regular basis. |
| There are plenty of opportunities to express your creative side. Even mundane
tasks like setting the table allow you to try something new. For example, instead
of buying new napkin holders, my daughter and I made our own out of some extra
wire and brightly colored beads. They turned out awesome. We were both so proud
of them and they are treasured pieces we will use for years.
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3. Express yourself through visual, performing arts, or creative writing, music,
or dance. |
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You can turn off the television and do some creative journaling every evening
instead of tuning in and shutting down. Create a play with the kids. Try lip
synching to a new video on television. Take turns creating a different ending
to a familiar fairy tale. Use your imagination.
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4. Make creativity a habit. |
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If you already dabble in creativity, make it a habit by scheduling time on your
calendar for it. You’re more likely to live creatively if you actively
write down your intentions. You don’t even have to sign up for a formal
class. Try it for 30 minutes every week and increase the time spent on these
activities from there. |
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5. Display something in your home and office that you made yourself. |
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Your surroundings reflect your ideas. What better way to inspire more creativity,
charm, and character than to include objects that you have made? Hand-made objects
give you more to talk about, more vivid memories, and provide richer experiences
overall than buying something similar. Over time it is also a visual reminder
of how far you’ve come since your first started creating.
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6. Visit creative spaces. |
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Museums, art shows, gallery exhibits, theatre, performances these places remind
us of our own innate creative abilities. Plus they’re fun to visit.
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7. Take time to find new inspiration. |
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Inspiration can be found in a variety of different places. Ask people you’ve
known for years what creative stuff they do – you may be pleasantly surprised.
Research within your own family. I bet you’ll find someone in your family
that is artistic and can be a source of inspiration for you. |
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8. Ask Questions. |
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Stay involved with other creative people. Inspire others with questions about
their progress in their own endeavors. Something they say to you could provide
you with an idea that moves you in a new direction. |
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9. Provide a creative outlet for someone that is new to the idea of living
creatively. |
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Just when you’ve figured out some new ways to live creatively, share your
knowledge. Give the information away to someone who is totally new to the ideas.
They will undoubtedly have a twist on your information that allows you to learn
something new and keep growing. • |