By Jan Gutowski, Creativity Coach
Sometimes it is hard to remember what life was like before COVID-19 drastically changed our world. In looking back, I find many silver linings. The additional time alone without the hustle & bustle of what I previously knew to be normal helped me to spend that much-needed time alone with myself. I took the chance to get more acquainted with my creative self, and to really think long and hard about what aspects of “normal” I really wanted in my life.
I am one of the fortunate who were called back to their day job; but even though I am very grateful, I feel that it is important to plan for unexpected changes. Business is business, and cutbacks & company re-organization are often part of corporate economic recovery plans. These days, anxiety has become a daily part of our life; and we have no choice but to find a way to face it head-on. For me, I have spent more time with self care activities…. Reading or listening to audiobooks, deep breathing & meditation, and of course, doing creative things! And boy, has it made a difference!
This time of year when the weather starts to get cooler has always been uplifting. Fall is the season of change and reflection – a time to take stock in who we are becoming, and the life journey we are on. The best time to grab a cup of pumpkin spice latte and spend time with ourselves.
Today, I finished a LGBTQ+ pride mixed media piece that I had been working on. What do you think? One of my quarantine achievements has been my letting go of trying to make “perfect” art – I found that being fearful of creating something that may not be liked was restricting. In fact, I am diving in deeper by working on a plan for virtual “Creatively Your Best Self” gatherings to help others make time for fun and self care. Taking time for the creative writing “gym” has also been helpful. Have you shared your art lately? It’s intimidating, but worth the risk; since sharing one’s art is truly way to open ourselves up to each other!
Times are still very scary and uncertain, but the excitement of starting new things can help us through. What are you doing to become creatively your best self?
Have a great week!
Creatively Your Best Self! 
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