Secret 1 – Acknowledging Your Creative Self
So now I’m a whole MONTH behind.
No sweat — remember the tortoise?
Geez… that building has quite the inclination.
I’d like to have a professional opinion regar- ding why I always lean towards the left when I draw. Pisa Syndrome? Political influence? Brain tumor? Oops, cancel that last one = bad Law of Attraction.
But I digress. Back to The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women and my views on chapter 1.
I think the creative process is not
about creating something else;
it’s about the process itself
creating who I am.
Artist and Writer
Here’s what could explain my tardiness to get down to business: lately, I’ve been thinking that maybe, just maybe, I’ve come into my creativity — whooppee — and that I don’t need to do the group activity with Jamie’s gang.
Good thing I wrote about this dilemma in my Morning Pages; I quickly realized I still have loads to learn from great creative minds such as the ones who share their secrets in Gail McMeekin’s book, not to mention Jamie interviews other great creative minds each week (excellent podcasts!), and group members add their insights as well. So lots of food for thought and fodder for the hungry muse.
And speaking of food for thought, a morsel I found particularly nourishing is when the author recalls her years of dealing with chronic fatigue syndrome and how this brought her to, in her words:
with total allegiance to my truth”
These words resonate with me BIG TIME.
My limitations — at this point in my journey — are stress related.
Now that depression is a thing of the past, I’m happy, I’m healthy, I’ve never felt better in all of my life. But, there’s no way I’m going back to a 9 to 5 job. Nor will I return to freelance work because of the deadlines and the pressure that goes with it.
Another stress factor: when I go out — on the street, in the metro, around people in general — I can “feel” everyone’s energy. By energy, I mean their pain, sadness, anger, or whatever stuff is eating them up. So, of course, this drains me, and I often find myself eager to go home, in my safe bubble, and play.
Yes, play.
I’m finally giving myself permission to let go; to not care what people think; to not feel guilty for being 58 and not having a pension plan or any other plan, for that matter.
I’m giving myself permission to not EVER do anything that goes against my true self.
That “true self” I am birthing is a creative, playful,
curious, daring, silly, sometimes awkward person.
One that likes to dream and make dreams come true.
Even if it means eating toasts and soup all year round.
Gail McMeekin says it best when she writes:
For many women, fears, particularly concerning money, can be a major obstacle to taking creative risks.
For so many of us, breaking free of our societal and psychological chains is a prerequisite to truly creating a life that expresses our genuineness and uniqueness.
and…
As I undertook to transform my life in midstream, I began to look for the mentors of advanced creativity. Who were the best role models of successful creative women? Why this gap of information and stories about women who use their creativity to create products and services and support themselves successfully with their talent? Who succeeds and how, were my questions; I wanted a thoughtful road map.
I had heard from so many women over the years that self- employment or careers in the arts were “impractical.” I knew that the average writer in this country makes a subsistence income and faces increasing competition. Yet, every year women publish books, design clothing, create pots, and begin businesses, and I wanted to know what separated the women who do from the women who just dream about it.
Now, some women are also running multimillion-dollar businesses. Although many of these women are in partnership with their husbands or fathers or inherited the businesses, an increasing number have done it on their own. That kind of monetary achievement and level of responsibility is not everyone’s definition of success, though.
Other creative women earn just enough to support their needs, choosing lifestyle and balance over income. They, too, are successful — but by their own parameters.
I choose lifestyle, balance, AND income.
Creativity + Law of Attraction = $UCCE$$
Stay tuned!
Ruth Jamieson says:
Fantastic article Oza! I am feeling tremendous deja vous as I read. I shall have to read that book for sure. You rock!
Keep giggling! ;D
February 8, 2009 at 1:17 pm
MuddLavoie says:
Thanks, Ruth
I love the story about you finger painting your first masterpiece on the side of your mom’s TV when you were 2 = priceless! (click on her name/link, people, and read her “About” page)
Drop by anytime, ma belle amie — (((HUGS)))
February 8, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Debra Snider says:
Post très intéressant! J’ai bien aimé lire. I was surprised and delighted to see your reference to Morning Pages. When I first started writing fiction, one of the books I read was Julia Cameron’s The Right to Write. It also suggests her morning pages exercise. I wrote them for 6 weeks or so, and was amazed at how they made words start flowing. In fact, I stopped writing them because I started waking up every morning with my head full of words for the story that turned into my novel A Merger of Equals. Thanks for refreshing that nice memory!
February 8, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Tammy/crypticfragments says:
Salut! Voila je t’ai trouvee finalement!
haha
Okay my French is not what it used to be so I will stick to English.
While I did not read your entire post in full as yet, I was very struck by your reference to feeling other people’s energy! This is known as HSP (highly sensitive person) and I have recently also discovered that I am one, too!
So…looking forward to reading more of your posts, getting to know you a bit, and sharing this creative journey.
A bientot!
Tammy aka CrypticFragments
February 8, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Donald B. Dousharm says:
Hello Oza,
I must quot you on this statement, “I’m finally giving myself permission to let go; to not care what people think;”
As I get older I find that what others think is not important. From a male standpoint and am by no means trying to be sexist, It just seems to be an easier thing to do for us guys. It just seems natural for males as we get to being care free and not giving a damn what others think and we all do. (Some of us take it a little too far though). I guess you could say that it is a right of passage.
I don’t know about you but I feel this way.
I have earned the right to be me and at my age I feel that I have paid my dues in life. As long as I don’t hurt the ones around me, I will be who I want to be.
You are such a colorful person and a pleasure to know. Thank you for reminding me of what self worth is.
February 9, 2009 at 11:06 am
MuddLavoie says:
Hi Debra!
Great story about the Morning Pages and how this ritual can wake up a flow of inspiration.
When I get lazy and stop doing them, I can see how my mind clouds over = not a good idea!
Peace & Love xoxo
P.S.: Merci for the French intro… sweet!
February 10, 2009 at 1:49 pm
MuddLavoie says:
Bonjour Tammy aka CrypticFragments!
Yet another French intro — you gals are so cute.
So I’m a HSP, eh? Thanks for the info, I’ll look it up for sure. And I see I’m in good company… we’ll have to delve deeper into this condition, mon amie.
Glad to have connected with you.
Peace & Love xoxo
February 10, 2009 at 1:54 pm
MuddLavoie says:
Dear Donald…
My turn to quote YOU:
“I have earned the right to be me and at my age I feel that I have paid my dues in life. As long as I don’t hurt the ones around me, I will be who I want to be.”
This says it all — especially the “as long as I don’t hurt the ones around me” part.
Thanks for being who you are. And thanks for being my friend.
Peace & Love xoxo
February 10, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Veronica says:
How did I miss this post? I’ve been getting this message everywhere I turn for the last couple of weeks myself! Very inspiring!
February 19, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Robin Easton says:
Dear Oza, this is so wonderful and I related to so much of this. I am 55 and have written my first memoirish type book and have an agent and who is about the help me get a publisher. And I love to write, but it all I am trying to find the balance of doing what I love, making money and yet not becoming a promotional machine that strips all the soul out of the dream. I think I am a late bloomer. LOL! I’ve done a hell of a lot living in my lifetime and have wildly passionate love affair with life and am trying to really keep an open mind in terms of making sure I strive to things as much my way as I can. By “my way” I mean in a way where I don’t lose my original intent. Like you I am a very free thinker. I actaully love being 55 and really enjoy questioning every thing I do in terms of making sure I am really awake and is it what I really WANT to do and can I do what I want and keep myself…do it MY way and have the same successful end results.
Also I am like you in that I FEEL EVERYTHINGS around me. I too feel other people often as if I was in their body or they were in mine. I even often hear their thoughts and soul-speak. I can come home from a get together and have to debrief.
You are amazing and thank you for sharing. Thank you thank you thank you.
Hugs and love,
Robin
PS I loved and related to your line:
That “true self” I am birthing is a creative, playful, curious, daring, silly, sometimes awkward person.
I would add to that list bold, brave, questioning, down to brass tacks. compassionate, solid boundaried, and on and on. Thank you my delightful friend.
February 19, 2009 at 10:41 pm
MuddLavoie says:
Bonjour and Welcome, Veronica!
Just visited your cool site… and looking forward to seeing your design on t-shirts real soon.
GO FOR IT!
Hugs
xoxo
February 21, 2009 at 4:07 pm
MuddLavoie says:
Hi Robin!
Thanks so much for your rockin’ comment — you gave me even MORE energy to continue on my Road Trip to whoever I am and wherever I’m going. LOL
What struck me most in your message is this: “I am trying to find the balance of doing what I love, making money and yet not becoming a promotional machine that strips all the soul out of the dream.”
Yup… the “promotional machine” is somewhat of a challenge, isn’t it? I can “sell myself” when I believe in what I’m putting “out there,” but I sure don’t want to sound like a used car salesman… no freekin’ way!
But I know for sure that every time we created something that is in tune with who we truly are and what our mission is in this lifetime, the promotion/marketing then become easy. Oh yeah!
So thanks again for making my month… well, my YEAR, actually. Meeting you and being in your creative energy is definitely a GIANT PLUS for me.
Peace & Love & All That Jazz,
Mudd a.k.a. Roaring Oza
xoxo
February 21, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Jean says:
Chère Oza,
Je suis heureux de voir ton beau site et surtout que tu apportes la délicate question des giggles, un sujet que personne d’autre n’ose aborder.
Sur internet, on parle beaucoup de gigs mais jamais de giggles… Avant, c’était des megs et personne n’a même suggéré qu’on pense un instant aux plaisirs et au bien-être des meggles.
Un meggle, c’est le précurseur du gigle, il vient plus du fond de la gorge, comme un sifflement avec un léger sautillement des épaules… Je crois que le giggle se situe plus au niveau de la bouche qui ne déserre pas complètement les dents, ce qui provoque du plaisir retenu mais libérateur.
February 24, 2009 at 3:29 pm