February is sharing with us its grey skies, windy surprises and the odd dash of snow. On a sunny day, we rejoice in the beauty of our surroundings and notice instantly how much better we feel with blue skies, warmth and beautiful light around us. Maybe you are able to escape for a ski trip or for some winter sun or you are staying at home, making the most of good weather when it’s there.
Happiness and fulfilment are about making the best of what we have in the moment and appreciating what we have rather than what we lack. What a life long journey, especially for the high achievers under us and those who have aspirations and big visions! It's a constant dance between exuberant expansion and humble humility for me and many others. And that is totally ok.
Creativity is an elixir for many of us. For me, it's THE elixir, along with the value of freedom.
Creativity is...
Inspiration
Expansion
Enlightenment
Freedom
Nature
Scent
Touch
Intuition
Mystery
Space to think
Surprise
Energy
Empowerment
Wealth
Abundance
Fun
Resourcefulness
Joy
Pleasure
Understanding
Connection
Appreciation
Compassion
And...
CREATIVITY IS A FRAME OF MIND, AN ATTITUDE TOWARDS WHAT LIFE HAS TO OFFER FOR YOU!
CREATIVITY IS NOT JUST THE TREASURE OF THE ARTIST OR THE SINGER.
What else is creativity other than our conventional understanding of it?
It is invaluable to learn from others and to acquire knowledge as a firm foundation. But the brain of a creative mind requires lots of stimulation and desires constant expansion, it needs nourishing and feeding. The creative mind gets bored easily and it serves the creative mind to check in often to distinguish between...
real creativity to serve yourself and others and its shadow sibling, the
shadow side of creativity which is a form of addiction to have something new, to be somebody special or to be seen as somebody different and special, alas ego driven and not of purpose to others.
But let's have fun with creativity here: How would you like to be more creative?
Is it in the way you...
respond to people (in your language), to situations, to opportunities, the way that you choose to lead your team, the way you connect with others, the way you cheer your team members or loved ones on, in the way you dress, speak, engage, support or ask questions?
I am telling you one thing: I appreciate people being creators in an environment which APPEARS to be...let's say...conservative, predictable, conventional, institutionalized or plainly a bit boring. I cherish those managers, co-workers and leaders who can stay real, authentic and creative in their communication in those types of environments. In the corporate world, in private healthcare, in banking, in law, in the NHS, in education, in retail.
Creativity is present in those people whom you might not realize are creators but they are, of course. They bring humanity, humility, compassion, whit and choices when they expose their way of sharing their creativity. So good, high five! Thank you, folks.
When we are unresourceful, we need something...
An easily available choice can be a great elixir of creativity. I have found for myself, especially in Midlife, that art and music become elements that take on a new meaning in filling up my cup of creativity. That going to an art gallery, reading a poem for 10 minutes, deciding to go for a walk, looking at a drawing of a child, dancing to music, listening to an opera (I am seeing Phillip Glass' opera "Akhnaten" at the English National Opera next month with my two teenagers, I am really looking forward to it) are not only enjoyments but also leveraging as an investment into our health and energy.
So what is it that brings you inspiration and creativity?
What is your best expression of creativity?
In which area of your life do you have plenty of creativity and in which area of your life would you welcome more creativity/flexibility/inspiration?
Please comment below.
I look forward to seeing and hearing more of your creativity on social media and LinkedIn. You Are Creators!
...
Do you need coaching support or individual NLP sessions to move you from A to B quickly and give you lasting results? Then please get in touch with us here.
I invite you to take part in our FREE 5 day live Creativity Challenge starting Wednesday evening at 7 pm. Register via LinkedIn or contact me here for this energizing event.