The other day one of my clients mentioned that she wished she loved to cook as much as I do. She asked me to tell her how she could start to love to cook too. 

It made me really think about why I love to cook. It was something I used to do with both my mom and my grandma. It is an expression of love for me. What I also realized is that it is a creative outlet for me. I get to play with colors, textures, and tastes. 

I have loved to create things since I was little. My grandfather and I used to build things together. I have always loved to color and paint and make some pretty amazing creations out of mud! ;) I guess it was a natural fit that I ended up in art school. 

Once I was out of school and into the work force, my sources of creativity went from being my central focus, to hobbies, to being a thing of the past. There was more work than play in my life. I believe that this was part of the reason I eventually became sick. I placed more emphasis on working and making money than I did on creating things, using my imagination, and being playful. 

Creativity helps us to connect to ourselves in ways we have often forgotten or have pushed away because they feel too child-like. It helps us to be more curious about the world around us. And just in case you needed some scientific evidence, research shows that adults who engage in creative behaviors have improved brain function, mental and physical health, and increased happiness.

Part of my healing process has been to recognize that being creative and having creative outlets are essential to living a healthy life. It helps to give me some balance between responsibility and play and also gives me the opportunity to do things that fill my cup. 

About three years ago I realized I desperately needed a creative outlet.  I signed up for some pottery classes and it was one of the best things I have ever done. When I have my hands in clay, I get totally absorbed in what I am doing and tend to lose all sense of myself and time. By the time I leave my class I feel happier, inspired, more present, and more energized. 

I’d love to hear how you are staying connected to your creativity. Let me know by commenting below. If you haven’t found that connection, try to find an activity that really speaks to you;  adult coloring books, art classes, cooking classes, knitting, journaling, gardening, playing music……the possibilities are endless.

Need some help learning how to carve out time for creativity or anything else in your life? Hit the button below for some support and accountability.