Choosing a moment of creativity
Whether you are a full time working individual, a full time student, a full time parent (working or a stay at home parent), or you’re just a human existing on this earth currently- the expectations from our peers, colleagues, families, and even ourselves is to-do, do and keep doing… And if you are not doing something, then the easiest and most convenient way to tune-out is social media. I am no exception to this, I too find myself in this dilemma all too often and the feeling of overwhelm from the constant physical and mental load of caring for my four children to be extremely tiresome.
I used to be able to paint during my child'/children’s naps when they napped in the day or after they’ve gone to bed at night. However after having my twins 2 years ago, time is more scarce then ever. On the occasions when they have their lunchtime nap, I am caught between trying to tidy the house, fitting in a few chores, running errands or just being completely wiped out that I just sit and zombie out (either by looking at my phone or staring into space).
The guilt is always there on the 2-3 days a week where I CHOOSE to use a hour or 2 to focus on my art. Notice the word- CHOOSE. It is a CHOICE when you decide that you do something with absolute no agenda other than to create a moment for you to be present with yourself.
Choosing to do something creative does not have to be painting. It could be writing, journaling, deciding what you will wear for the day/week (something that makes you feel good, not like you’re a sloth), foraging for roadside flowers and making yourself a floral arrangement, baking, cooking (something delicious, for yourself), knitting, turning everything off on your phone on silent mode and only using the camera for photography! In my mind, a creative outlet must:
Bring you joy
Evades time, i.e. you completely lose track of time and unsure how 2 hours have passed and you’ve been in your kitchen creating mess, deliciousness, but most importantly you had fun doing it.
So how does creativity help with your mental health?
“Creativity is important because it’s a deep and ancient part of what it means to be human. It’s how we connect the dots, chase our dreams and bridge the divide between our minds and the external world.”- Dr Marion Piper.
