Creativity is our Gift from God

Creativity is our gift from God. Using our creativity is our gift back to God.

This quote hit me like a brick this morning. A happy brick, but it hit me hard none the less. What have I been doing? Sleeping all day, smoking cigarettes, drinking too much caffeine, hiding from life, using winter as an excuse when actually I've given up a little bit. Only a bit. I'm still teaching and performing. The ball is starting to roll on my recording project. I'm still moving along, but I'm tired and sluggish and that's getting in the way. Where is my energy?

The truth is I'm not as physically fit as I'd like to be. I'm not eating nurturing and nourishing foods. I'm avoiding exercise and I'm feeling flabby and grey. This quote, for me, is not just about the creative process. It is about looking after myself. Today when I reached for the cigarettes this quote stopped me. When I thought about popping across the road for a chocolate fix this quote stopped me. When I thought about watching TV instead of doing the work I'd promised my bandmate, this quote stopped me.

What a gift. Thank you Julia Cameron for understanding my artistic need to self-sabotage and for posting this timely quote. Now I am heading into the bathroom to take my 'before' photo and put together a small, achievable day-by-day plan that will bring back my energy and vitality.

My Self Esteem Booster

I’m on a big journey with low self-esteem. One minute I think I’ve cracked it and I’m feeling good about myself and my life. Then next thing I know I’m plummeting down into a pit of negativity because some person or situation has triggered me, made me feel unworthy and brought back all of my self-attacking negative beliefs.

So for times like these I think it’s important to have an inventory of all the things that are good, no GREAT, about being me!

Why am I special?

I am musical. I have a voice that touches people’s hearts, and it comes straight from my heart. I have a mission in life to heal people and help them to realise that THEY ARE WHOLE. I am patient. I care – SO MUCH. I am sensitive and empathic and intuitive and talented.

What makes me different from everyone else?

There is nobody in the world like me. Just like every snowflake is unique, so too is every heart, every soul and every voice. Nobody in this world has had the exact same experiences as me. Nobody in this world has come through the same trials and challenges as I have. I stand victorious. The survivor of abuse. The survivor of illness, separation, grief, rejection, betrayal. I stand here today and I remember that I am whole, and I endeavour to remind you that you too are whole. And we are one and the same.

Why am I a person of value that others should be involved with?

I am caring, patient and loving. I am dynamic and driven. I am inspired and creative and in living my life without compromise I inspire others to do the same. I won’t try to change you but if you ask me for help I will do what I can. I love you.

What are my best qualities?

Openness. Confidence. Creativity. Freedom from inhibition. Unconditional loving. Forgiveness. Compassion. Understanding. Drive. Bringing people together. Seeding ideas. Brainstorming. Encouraging.

What are my lovable flaws?

Vulnerability. The ability to fall in love far too easily and then fall apart when it doesn’t work out. Wearing my heart on my sleeve. Loving foolishly again and again.

What are the tiny victories that I will line up for myself so that I can feel good about myself every day?

1. Doing something nice for myself every day, whether that’s a half hour yoga session, breathing exercises, a walk in the forest or a movie marathon!
2. Taking one day a week to rest and JUST BE
3. Show up to my spiritual practice every day, even if it’s just for 30 seconds before I run out of the door