Creating Joy - a 30 Day Challenge

Joy is a powerful byproduct of the process of expressing our creativity and also, in creating what we want in our lives. I experience the joy of creating with words, paint, photos, food, and my imagination. I am also aware of the continuous process of creating my life... with life being the greatest canvas I have been given to work with. Each of us have that same invitation... to be an active participant in the creation of our lives.

Lately, it’s become way too easy to get caught up in the heaviness of the outside world. But in times like these, creating joy is something of a necessity for our health and wellbeing. What if, rather than feeling moved by external forces, we made a conscious effort to spend more time doing the things we love and creating opportunities to experience greater joy?

““Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.””

— Henri J.M. Nouwen

30 Days of Joy Challenge

The world can certainly use more joy. And it starts with each of us, creating it in our own lives.

I invite you to infuse your days with joy… for 30 days, one joyful act each day. It can be anything—big or small—something you enjoy, that lights you up, makes you smile, fills you with delight. Maybe even the same thing over multiple days. 

Just a few ideas: You might choose to draw, paint, play an instrument, take a walk, or hike, watch a sunset (or sunrise), dance around the house, run, sing, play a game, play with a dog, create something or anything, spend time with a friend, watch children play, read, or sit down quietly with a cup of tea.

And to get you started I have created two printable sheets… one to jot down some ideas of activities you enjoy, and the other to log your daily joyful experiences.

So… what brings you joy?

 Download the Joy Challenge Sheets
Or... just grab a notebook and start from there.
I’d love to hear if you decide to join in!
And feel free to share your experiences
of daily joy, by commenting on this post. 

Choosing One Creative Path at a Time

Singular Vision Fuels Creative Progress.

There is a pattern that’s become part of my creative flow — when a single idea rises above the rest, asking to be played with, explored, and developed. It’s an invitation to say yes, to fully engaging with that one path, and to let it carry me into a world of it’s creation.

For me, the combination of focus and determination assist me in being able to embrace and achieve that creative invitation. When I can hold the vision and a "must do it" attitude, I am able to maintain an interest and enthusiasm for a project from beginning to end.

I love the feeling of becoming immersed in each step of the process without becoming lost in the outcome. In other words, allowing the process to unfold while following its flow without a pre-determined notion on where it must lead. I let go of my expectations while holding the overall vision of what it could be... remaining open to the possibilities.

So as much as I have tried, I am not as successful when holding multiple goals at the same time. I must admit, a single point of focus works better for me…and with that focus I can accomplish more in less time. Trying to achieve two major creative goals has been like adding water to each and diluting both.

Historically, when I have taken on a creative project, that seems to have been asked to be born, I eat, sleep, and move through life with that developing mission. And in the process, I become open to new insights and ideas as I watch the process evolve and unfold. Everything in my internal and external worlds can ignite inspiration. These sparks help drive me forward with renewed enthusiasm as I enjoy every step of the process.

So, trying to work on any painting series along with developing a series of writings has not worked for me at all. This is why I chose to place my artwork on the back burner in order to immerse myself on the writing projects that have been calling to me. And now, with each day, I am so very grateful to have allowed myself this time and attention to the words and ideas that fill me up with joy.

How about you?
Have you ever tried to give equal energy to two diverse creative projects at once?
Did it work for you — or did one naturally take the lead?
I’d love to hear how you manage this focus. Hit reply and share your experience.

You may also be interested in:
Following Life’s Breadcrumbs
Experiencing Joy in the Unknown

Experiencing Joy in the Unknown

For the past year, I have been in one of those special places as an artist. I’m referring to the experience of beginning something totally new and not knowing where it will lead. It’s very much like the beginning stages of falling in love and just getting to know one another. Every moment is special and you don’t know how the future will unfold but you are immersed in the delight and energy of what the relationship is right now.  

I have been in a state of wonder as I’ve explored a new process and a new way of working. It’s been exhilarating and something I’ve wanted to keep mostly private, with very little sharing, as I develop and settle into this creative flow without rushing it at all. 

And in the process of discovery, questions arise: Will any of the past creative methods overlap with the new? Is it possible for this joyful flow to end up as a short lived series or something so much more? Will this be shared more widely or will my artistic love affair remain a gift for me alone?

This is what I know: I don’t need to have any of the answers. The joy is in the process of the creative unfolding, and I have no need to rush it. It’s a journey to be present each step along this path of discovery. I’m interested in the process as it develops, not the results. Much of my delight is in the wonder of where it will take me and where I will take it. And most importantly, I’m in love with the exploration of the Creative Adventure I have found myself on.

One of the joys of creating art is to get an idea or concept and to bring it to life… to make something that was just a thought and breathe it into existence.

Why Do We Create?

Creating is an innate human desire. We yearn for the time and space to write, draw, paint, compose, and engage in various forms of artistic expression. But why? What drives us to create? What are we seeking through this act of creation?

Might we be seeking the feeling of accomplishment? When we create something out of nothing, it can provide us with an amazing sense of achievement. We get to witness our imagination coming to life. This sense of accomplishment can be incredibly fulfilling and empowering.

And… the act of creating provides us with a means of self-expression, allowing us to communicate our unique perspective in a very personal way.

In addition, the act of becoming immersed in the creative process can be uplifting and deeply satisfying. It allows us to tap into a child-like wonder, reminding us of the pure joy that comes from engaging our imagination.

Moreover, creativity provides an outlet for introspection and self-discovery. As we engage in artistic endeavors, we gain insights into ourselves, our desires, and our beliefs. It allows us to explore different aspects of our identity and encourages personal growth. Meanwhile a creative practice becomes a means for engaging our intuition and connecting with our inner wisdom.

Ultimately, the act of creation fulfills a natural need within us. It is an integral part of being human - to seek opportunities for self-expression, to feel a sense of accomplishment, to connect with something deep inside ourselves, and to experience the joy that comes from bringing something new into existence.

Why do you create?  I invite you to leave a comment below and share your thoughts.