For several years now, I’ve focused on having short times of creativity instead of waiting for longer blocks, and it’s been working out well to keep me connected with my creativity and keep the flow going.
Whether I’m writing or painting, I let myself create in brief bits – sometimes as brief as five minutes or less. There are days when I have only one of these “brief bits” and there are days when I’m painting and/or writing off and on in little bits throughout the day. And it all adds up.
There are also days when a “brief bit” turns into a much longer stretch of time, and I’m always grateful for those days. But I let it be okay when that does not happen. My goal is to have a brief bit.
It’s easiest to do this when supplies are already out (or easily accessible). Not only does it cut back on “setting up” time, it also serves as a visual reminder and little nudge. Creativity can’t be out-of-sight-out-of-mind if I have supplies for arting, crafting, and writing in view.
Having things easily accessible makes it easy to stop and do just a few brush strokes or a few minutes of doodling or writing.
And, as I said, it all adds up. Here are a few recent examples of the results (and projects in process) of my small bits of painting and doodling time…
Most of my writing is in digital format, which means it’s harder to show a picture of my recent writing, but small bits of writing time definitely can add up to finished projects. My novel, New Life in New Melody, is an example.
If I waited for long periods of uninterrupted time when I could concentrate on nothing but painting or writing or any other creative endeavor, my creative life wouldn’t feel as satisfying. I wouldn’t be able to stay as connected to my creativity. And I firmly believe I wouldn’t create as much or as often as I do.
If you haven’t tried brief bits of creative time, I hope you’ll test it out and see how it goes.
Maybe, like me, you’ll find it makes a world of difference.
♥
Ginger Simpson White 