PRESCRIPTION FOR THE WEARY SOUL

During these trying times I’ve been asked as a writer how I keep up creative flow despite the daily drain of monotonous responsibilities.

My tips have changed through the seasons. As a child and into young adult hood I made sure to hang out with many friends with different interests and backgrounds. In our Philadelphia neighborhood we had opportunities to meet  people from different races, socioeconomic backgrounds and education.

By the time we were teens we spent time skiing, ice skating, sledding in the winter. And there was always biking, swimming and hiking in summer and fall.

Outdoors and sports were a release for the stress and helped to spike my imagination. When homework or school pressures threatened to dry up my creativity I’d walk down to the basketball court and play ball with classmates. 

As a married woman I adapted to the responsibilities of my teaching job and sharing life with my Chemical Engineer husband by reading books in a variety of genres. Fitness classes helped me balance all the new skills I was juggling. 

 After I received a bachelors degree in Communications I managed in my spare  time to continue my education in early childhood and  classes in writing, caricature drawing  and Home Decor.

After kids, I had precious little time or money to continue in formal education. Raising small children and training them takes a certain creativity in itself. 

So a few hours a week I attended writers critique groups. This helped me stay fresh and sharpen my skills. I also wrote parenting articles, short stories and a children’s book.

Now as an ‘almost empty nester’ I’m back to those childhood days of exploring the outdoors with my retired hubby and an occasional run with our golden rottie retriever.

When the weather is less than inviting surfing the web for clothing trends and interior design fills my ‘designer’ cup to overflowing. And you just might find me wearing one of those new tops I found on line. 

If you’re a young mom or dad and you have no spare time to read books or novels pick up architectural or fashion magazines. The periodicals will give you a ‘breather’ while the kids nap.

The colors, designs and textures will stir your creative soul so you can get back to work with gusto.

And the change of pace will refresh and inspire you for new adventures  with the  kids.

I hope these tips helped. And I’d love to know how you take time for  your creative self. Please share with us in the comment section below.