Monday, October 31, 2011

4 Ways to Inspire Creativity When You're in a Slump

4 Ways to Inspire Creativity When You’re in a Slump

Creative people who actually work in the creative field are some of the luckiest people in the world. Not everyone gets paid for doing something they love. There are some days when we work on a project and feel a sense of satisfaction close to what Hemingway or Picasso must have felt. It’s pride. It’s no wonder that artistic types often confess that they would still write, draw, design, etc. even if there weren’t a paycheck on the other end.
But then there’s the other side. Some days you go to work (whether in an office or at your laptop at home) and can’t believe you have a deadline. The fact that you must perform when you don’t have a single ounce of creative juice in your body at the moment feels wrong. How can you create art when it feels so much like work?
Don’t despair. Creativity isn’t something that just leaves you. Sometimes it just lies dormant and needs to be poked with a sharp stick to wake it back up. Think of these tips as sharp sticks, and pull them out whenever you feel a dreaded slump coming on.
  • Get Out. No wonder your creativity is stifled if you’re sitting in front of a computer all day. Get outside of your regular environment (the coffee shop doesn’t count –it’s filled with writing zombies who need to get out too). Go to an art gallery. Visit an old friend. Take a walk around the block. Inspiration is right around the corner.
  • Look at Some Bad Examples. Taking a look at the worst in the field can be one of the best creative boosts there is. Read some amateur fiction, check out some outsider art, or browse a website of failed ad campaigns. You won’t be able to help thinking that you could do it better, and once you realize how, you’re back in the game.
  • Pick a Word. One of the simplest tools I’ve found for stimulating a napping brain is this random word generator. Let it pick a random word (rope, flying, rush), then force yourself to work with it, no matter how strange. You don’t have to actually use the word in your final creation, but you’ll find that the process of trying will lead you to a new idea.
  • Recycle a Favorite. Chances are, one of the ideas you’ve already used is worth a revisit. I’m not advocating reusing the same work in its entirety, but the idea behind it. Take a look at some of your successes. What made each one work? An unexpected hook? A spoof of a classic? See if that same technique works for your current project.
If none of these seem to be working, then the best trick is to simply start. Just getting something on paper, even if it’s terrible, gives you something to mold, edit, or otherwise build into something remarkable. Then, once again, you’ll be bursting with the pride that makes you want to create in the first place.
by Elizabeth Kelly

I believe these are some good techniques to try when experiencing writers' block. I totally agree with "getting out." I find myself going to the lake a lot to clear my mind of everyday clutter and sometimes just sitting back and taking in my surroundings with all of my senses.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Audrey Hepburn Quote

"Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm....As you grow older you will discover that you have two hands. One for helping yourself, the other for helping others."

Information about Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn

Born in 1929, Audrey almost pursued a career in ballet instead of acting. During World War II, it was said that she danced to raise money for the underground movement. While filming Secret People in 1952, director William Wyler spotted her and believed she'd be perfect for the part of the English princess opposite Gregory Peck in Roman Holiday. It was her breakout performance, for which she won an Oscar. She went on to become one of Hollywood's biggest stars. Her beauty, elegance, charm and humor captivated audiences as well as the actors playing opposite her, leading Cary Grant to once say, "All I want for Christmas is another picture with Audrey Hepburn".

Audrey is so right on with this! I believe that nobody can help anybody if they can't help themselves first.

Monday, October 17, 2011

As You Travel Through Life

As You Travel Through Life….
Poet Unknown (Thanks to Kim for submitting)


As you travel through life there are always those times
When decisions just have to be made,
When the choices are hard, and solutions seem scarce,
And the rain seems to soak your parade.

There are some situations where all you can do
Is simply let go and move on,
Gather your courage and choose a direction
That carries you toward a new dawn.
So pack up your troubles and take a step forward -
The process of change can be tough,
But think about all the excitement ahead
There might be adventures you never imagined
Just waiting around the next bend,
And wishes and dreams just about to come true
In ways you can't yet comprehend!
Perhaps you'll find friendships that spring from new things
As you challenge your status quo,
And learn there are so many options in life,
Perhaps you'll go places you never expected
And see things that you've never seen,
Or travel to fabulous, faraway worlds
And wonderful spots in between!
Perhaps you'll find warmth and affection and caring
And somebody special who's there
To help you stay cantered and listen with interest
To stories and feelings you share.
Perhaps you'll find comfort in knowing your friends
Are supportive of all that you do,
And believe that whatever decisions you make,
They'll be the right choices for you.
So keep putting one foot in front of the other,
And taking your life day by day...
There's a brighter tomorrow that's just down the road -
Don't look back! You're not going that way!

I really enjoyed this poem because it makes somebody look towards the future and never in the past. People should always learn from their past to make them a better person today, but someone should never dwell on it. Move on in life and strive for the better.  - Ann Urquhart

Monday, October 10, 2011

Washington Irving Quote

"There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of nonspeakable love."

                                         Washington Irving

This quote is so true. I do believe that tears say a lot about a person's character and how deep and passionate they are about anything from feelings to morals in life. Tears are real and true! ( atleast most of the time )

Monday, October 3, 2011

If I had my child to raise over again

If I Had my Child To Raise Over Again
by Diane Loomans
If I had my child to raise all over again,
I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I'd finger paint more, and point the finger less.
I would do less correcting and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I would care to know less and know to care more.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars,
I'd do more hugging and less tugging.
I'd see the oak tree in the acorn more often,
I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.
I'd model less about the love of power,
And more about the power of love

http://www.motivational-well-being.com/motivational_poems.html

I like this poem because I believe a lot of parents are straying away from what is really important. Take time to love your kids because it can all be over in a sec. Make lasting memories that count!