Over the last several weekends, I've been trying to get outside more as the weather in the Pacific Northwest has been unseasonably and seasonably beautiful. Typically, we have a major wind storm in late Oct. and all the fall colors are gone in a blink of an eye. But this year has been different.
Over the years, I've discovered that getting outside and going for walks or sitting out in the garden is not only refreshing but also a way of re-charging my creativity. This year it has been hard to stay creative and hopeful and to keep a forward-looking perspective.
Several years ago, I stumbled upon the following the following website and some reflective exercises about creativity. It's been interesting to go back and revisit the exercises and lists of character traits. At “secondprinciple.com” they have put together some interesting information and some reflective exercises for you to see how creative you really are and how to help nurture creativity in your children. Check them out at http://thesecondprinciple.com/creativity/creativetraits/ and let me know if you found out something about yourself that you didn’t know before! Have fun!
Here is a list of some of the attributes of creative people:
· Independent, anti‑authoritarian
· Divergent thinker
· Generally considered intelligent
· Open to new ideas
· Little tolerance for boredom
· Willing to undertake stimulating challenges, curious and inquisitive
· Aesthetically-inclined
· Strong imagery ability
· Abilities of synthesis; tasting color, seeing sound, hearing smells
· Generally unaffected by peer pressure
· Versatile and adaptable
Regardless of how "creative" or "crafty" you think you are, making art, baking/cooking, gardening and many other activities can all influence your creativity in other areas. Finding and nurturing creative outlets also helps reduce stress, anxiety, and helps get and keep you recharged. If you're struggling with finding a refreshing creative outlet, myself and many other crafting suppliers offer kits to provide you with the opportunity to try something new without a major financial or time investment.