Between washing dishes, laundry that never ends, and plucking cereal from the couch pillows, it’s easy to feel like that creative aspect of me has packed up and left. But I’ve learned over the past years, just because I am home does not necessarily mean that creativity gets put aside.
I’ve found tiny ways to make time for it right in the middle of all of that other stuff.
Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-using-laptop-while-daughter-playing-with-constructor-3975644/
A Few Minutes Can Go A Long Way
I used to think I needed hours to reach My Next Great Idea. And now, a fifteen-minute stint with a cup of coffee and paper can clear me of mental static. I don’t worry about where I’m writing or whether it “makes sense” or not. I just let it flow. A doodle sometimes appears. Sometimes a grocery list turns into poetry. Either way, it works. The important part is showing up for it, even in small ways. That act alone shifts my energy and brings a bit of lightness.
Give What You Can, Where You Are
I don’t work out of a home office or fancy setup. I have a corner of the living room, a basket with colored pens, and a phone with notes and Pinterest saves. My creativity exists within the life that I lead rather than being dependent on a picture-perfect workspace. It might not look that amazing, but it works for me, and that’s what matters most. Having what you need within reach makes the process feel less like a task and more like an invitation.
Find Motivation That Feels Exciting Again
One of my very favorite things to do when the house is finally quiet is to browse things that make me think. Sometimes it’s flipping through pretty pages of designs, other times it’s something unexpected, like checking out broadway.com and dreaming about which play I’d love to see one day. These little moments of curiosity can bring back a sense of wonder I didn’t even realize I was missing. That spark often leads me into ideas I want to try just for fun.
Time For Kids To Get Involved
I no longer bother to separate creative time and mom time. Life’s just simpler that way. I’ll bring out paper and crayons while dinner is cooking, and everyone can draw as a group. Sometimes wild ideas from them spark something new for me. It’s often messy and noisy, but always really special. And the best part is that they start seeing creativity as part of normal life, not just something grownups do in private. I love that they get to grow up in a home where imagination is welcome at the table.
Make Just Because You Want To
At one time, I thought everything had to have a purpose. A post. A product. Something “worthwhile.” But honestly, the most meaningful things I’ve created in recent years were never shared with anyone at all. A half-written story. A silly video that will never go live. A color palette that I liked just for that very reason. Those moments are just for me, and that makes them feel even more valuable.
If you have been feeling without that creative spark, rest assured that it’s still in you.
