Beginning something new is hard, right, Reader? But why-o-why is it like this? Over the last week I’ve been working very solidly on a uni assessment and whilst I’m not new to writing, I am new to research journals and academic scientific writing. I won’t lie, I’ve had several meltdowns and sadly a few migraines thrown in the mix. But that’s not what this email is about. Stick with me! The thing I realised, on reflection, was that all the confusion at the start, all the stress and uncertainty, slowly weeded itself out with each next step that I took. I invested so much time in planning to get it right that once I had one foot forward (figuratively speaking), the next followed more easily. So why is it so hard to begin? Here are a few key culprits:
This is also very true for many folk wanting to bring more creativity into their lives. So many people have shared how they find the first mark the hardest. I used to be like that too. Procrastination would visit and I’d try everything to plan and prepare for the art making. However, once I started to play more, I realised that as long as I took the first step, the next would more easily follow. ***Now, I wouldn't be a good “learning science type” if I didn’t explore why this all happened…*** So, procrastination involves different parts of our brain, like the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, insular cortex, nucleus accumbens, and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex. These big name parts affect our decision-making, emotions, motivation, and conflict resolution. When these parts aren't working well together, we tend to procrastinate. Seems **so** simple! But wait... <Below are a series of photos from my newest play piece, a miniature art journal!> Here is the good part… Engaging in creative play can help improve how these parts of our brain work. Activities like painting, writing, or playing music can make it easier to start tasks and get things done. So, by having fun with creative activities, we can beat procrastination and be more productive!Some easy ways I do this now are:
Now it is your turn! Hit reply and let me know what works for you, or, if you would like a little help getting started, join the Permission to Play Members Group, it is a really wonderful way to get comfortable playing and making space in your life for joy. Until soon. With Kindness, PS: The Permission to Play Members Group is Free to try for 14 days and includes at least one live session. Just this week a new member commented that the play session "MADE MY DAY. Felt like a wellness shower:)))" Well, I can't argue with that! Let me know if you have questions, we would love to see you there. |
Lettering Artist✨Surface Design✨Creative Mentor (she/her) 🤗 A warm, creative hug 👩🏻🎨 Helping you reignite your creativity through play + self expression 💃🏻 Mother of 4
At first, having my office next to the laundry was a good idea. Working from home meant that I could easily do washing in between client calls or whilst working on logotypes. However, now, my office is 100% an art studio and well, when I walk downstairs to do laundry, often the paints call my name... "Psst Delphie... Can you hear us? Come, join us in here... you MUST paint!" So, I duck my head into the room, ahh, it feels comfortable here, warm, at home. I sign. Then I get the urge. A big...
It was 10.15pm before I left the set-up for the school fete. I was one of the last four people there, prepping for the next day. Another volunteer said, ‘It’s a bit addictive doing community work, isn’t it?’ And, Reader, nothing has felt so accurate (except that reel where that person can't find the end of the sticky tape... that was spot on?) It isn't unusual for me to put my hand up 🙋♀️ to help where I can, and I almost always end up doing more than I signed up for. But I never leave jaded....
Hey Reader, Last week I had a pretty mammoth anxiety episode. It wasn't enjoyable (**um, obviously**), but coming out the other side, I quickly reflected on the toolbox I had to help me through an event like this. I have learnt that mental health isn't the absence of having crappy things happen to you; it's being as equipped as possible to reach for your action plan when an emergency strikes to help you recover as quickly as possible. Also, while our society has created a narrative that we...