“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” – Maya Angelou
Here we are, at the grand finale of Discovering Joy in Life’s Simple Moments! After finding gratitude, we laughed our way to happiness. Then we shared joy with others. Now, it’s time to channel all that good energy into something uniquely you: creative play!
Now, before you panic and say, “But I can’t even draw a straight line,” let me stop you right there. Creativity isn’t about perfection—it’s about expression. Whether you’re doodling stick figures or singing in the shower, creativity is about tapping into your playful side. Even inventing elaborate backstories for strangers at the coffee shop counts as creativity (I think). It lets you run free, have fun and sparkle with joy. Let’s make this week your time to shine (or, at the very least, glitter a little)!
Why Creative Play is a Joy Magnet
Engaging in creative play isn’t just fun—it also:
- Relieves Stress: It’s like therapy, but with markers or a ukulele.
- Boosts Confidence: Trying something new reminds you that you’re capable of more than you think (including making a spectacular mess).
- Ignites Joy: There’s pure magic in creating something from nothing. Even if that “something” is an awkward clay mug you wouldn’t dare drink from it.
Adventures to Spark Your Creative Joy
Here are some lighthearted ways to unleash your creativity:
- Doodle Your Day: At the end of each day, doodle one thing that made you smile. It could be as simple as a stick-figure sun or a bowl of spaghetti with a goofy face. Don’t worry about artistry—just have fun with it!
- Do it yourself Playlist: Create a playlist based on a theme. Choose from “Songs That Make Me Dance,” “Anthems for Feeling Awesome,” or “Ballads for Singing (Badly) in the Shower.” Creativity, meet karaoke.
- Kitchen Experimentation: Raid your pantry and whip up something “new.” Will it be a masterpiece or a questionable casserole? Either way, it’s guaranteed to be memorable.
- Caption This: Scroll through your old photos and add funny captions to them. (“Me, trying to adult on Monday morning” next to a picture of your dog sleeping upside down.)
- 30 Minute Creative Sprint: Set a timer for 30 minutes and start something—anything! Write a haiku about your coffee. Or knit a wonky scarf. And then there’s always attempting a TikTok dance. Just start and see where it takes you.
Affirmations for a Creative Week
Start your creative adventures with these affirmations:
- “I am endlessly creative and open to new possibilities.”
- “My unique expression of joy makes me sparkle.”
- “Creativity flows through me and brings light to my day.”
- “I release judgment and embrace the fun of creating.”
- “Every day, I turn ordinary moments into something extraordinary.”
Getting By with a Little Help from Our Friends
Looking for inspiration? These books are packed with wisdom, humor, and creative fuel:
- “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert: This book is a delightful guide to embracing creativity. It encourages letting go of fear. It helps in living a more joyful, imaginative life. Find it here.
- “Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon: Short and witty. It is packed with ideas on how to unlock your creative potential. This is done by rethinking originality and embracing curiosity. Check it out here.
- “Make Good Art” by Neil Gaiman: It is a funny and inspiring manifesto. Anyone navigating life’s messiness can relate by making something beautiful or at least entertaining. Explore it here.
- “You Are an Artist” by Sarah Urist Green: A playful and inspiring collection of prompts and projects. It helps you rediscover creativity, no matter where you start. Discover it here.
The Curtain Call on Joy (Not Really!)
As we wrap up this four-week journey, remember this: joy isn’t about grand gestures or big wins. It’s about those everyday moments you choose to embrace. Whether you’re doodling, laughing, or baking a lopsided cake, joy grows when you make space for it.
So go ahead. Paint outside the lines. Dance like your cat is judging you (they are). Create your best version of happiness. Life is messy, beautiful, and endlessly creative—and so are you.
Discovering Joy in Life’s Simple Moments series:
Finding Gratitude in Life’s Simple Joys
Laughter, Our Way to Everyday Joy
The Ripple Effect—Sharing Joy with Others