There are things you have to do and things you should do. Sometimes I follow what I want to do. It’s never a mistake for my happiness to start the day by painting. It doesn’t have to be for very long, but it feels good and sets a great tone for the day. I have flexibility in my schedule and after I get the “have to’s” out of the way:
- kids off to school
- time sensitive work completed
I sometimes follow what I feel like doing:
- painting
- sketching
- designing a print pattern
- writing about creativity
“something that we feel compelled to do regardless of fame or fortune; the work is the reward.”
Learn more about “The Crossroads of Should and Must: Find and Follow Your Passion” here.
What are your creative musts? What are you called to do?
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mycreativeresolution.com 
I’m glad to read your post, because I was just talking to my psychiatrist yesterday about how necessary it is to have a creative pastime. Writing, crocheting, and especially drawing are very important for me, because they help reduce my anxiety and depression. I have trouble giving priority to my creative musts, but I realized that in order to feel better, I really have no choice but to make time for them. So thanks for writing about that very thing!
I’m so glad the post came at the right time for you! Really doing anything that makes you feel better is the most important thing! I have a newsletter you may be interested in – all about creative inspiration. Here is the link to learn more and sign up https://mycreativeresolution.com/newsletter/
The book sounds intriguing – I’ll have to check it out! Yes, I must create something every day, whether it be a painting, food, a straightened closet, etc. I know exactly what you mean!! Glad you are spending some time at various beaches, and I am enjoying seeing all your photos 🙂
Thanks Carol we are doing college tours as e some beautiful campuses!
I follow your method, art everyday is a must! By the way, I love your newsletter. Thanks for taking the time to compile all of the interestng articles.
You do! You are so prolific! Thanks Sharon. I’m so happy to hear you enjoy reading it 😊
Doing art, 6 days out of 7 is a “must” for me….especially painting, at the moment. Carving out a regular chunk for it, in my day, has really helped me to show up and get lots of work done. It’s not 100% foolproof, I still have ups and downs, but, overall, as the months go by, I realize it IS a big improvement on my previous 1hr here and there all over the place. I found that, giving myself permission to do it first thing in the morning, before all the mundane and everyday kind of stuff and whilst my kids (who homeschool and take 2 hrs of cyberschool virtual class in the mornings) are occupied has really helped me to get in the zone, get focused and centered and yes, I am REALLY cranky, if I don’t get to have my art time on a day I was planning to do it, Eileen! Thanks for a thought provoking post 🙂
I know the feeling of having to give yourself permission to create first. I think we feel compelled to put everything else ahead of it. Six days is so impressive! I’m hoping to get into better habits in the coming weeks.
Well, I have to confess that sometimes it’s six days when some of those days only contain 1/2 hour of messing about in my art room (showing up in the barest sense of the word!) 🙂
That is still impressive! Sometimes it’s hard to just show up
Eileen, you wrote down everything that I must do to keep me sane. The only difference is, I procrastinate a lot of. I’m easily distracted, and I want instant gratifications. I know I’ll get there, but your post is inspiring. Thank you!
Xou Le, I am also easily distracted by new ideas. I write a lot of the things I want to accomplish down to remind me of what I want to do. Before I started this blog and focused on creativity, I had abandoned projects all over the place. I began forcing myself to work through the hard parts and finish things. Eventually finishing became so satisfying that it was rare that I didn’t finish. I’m glad you found the post inspiring 😀
Yes I agree, I try to do something each day, writing, painting , sketching. It just makes me happy I suppose!
We are of like minds 😀