CREATIVE OUTLET | One of my many passions is writing. I have always been a writer, albeit most of my life I was a secret writer. I would write stories as a kid - tucked away in my bedroom - or even with friends for a wild sleepover night spent hunched over the kitchen table in a notebook. I have countless folders in every laptop I ever owned titled "Writing" with various years or dates or concepts. I have at least 50 notebooks, none of them filled to completion as my dedication would wane and I'd begin with a new notebook once inspiration struck again.
Writing was my creative outlet. But I had somehow convinced myself along the way I wasn't particularly good, and since I wasn't dedicating real time to it, it was time to put it away. And so I stopped writing. I stopped the notebooks. I stopped the journals. I stopped the endless word documents of half-finished stories. And I lost a piece of myself. The part of me that can connect to what's going on inside of me through words on a page.
Last year, I gave myself permission to begin again. I read about The Artist's Way Morning Pages through some blogger or other than I follow, and decided to give it a shot. 3 pages. Every single morning. I sit down and write. I won't pretend that I manage to write every day, but I do write most days. I feel so connected to my mind and spirit through my writing that I can't believe I ever denied myself such a simple pleasure.
I am back to my fully inspired, creative self - and while I won't say writing is 100% of my creative expression, I will say that just giving myself the time, the space, and the permission to create has drastically changed how I view myself in the world, and how I make sense of what happens around me. I am expressing my creativity in a way that feels authentic and fulfilling. I am channeling innovative thoughts and ideas through my writing. And I am confident enough to tell the world how much I love to do it.
I may not be a best selling author (yet) but I am opening myself up to the possibility that following my passion and what brings me fulfillment allows me to live a more fulfilling life.
What is your secret creative expression weapon? How do you choose to use it?
Amanda is a purpose-driven entrepreneur on a mission to humanize the workplace. She helps purpose-driven scaleups to create an empowering, high-engagement culture that inspires individuals to show up with passion, purpose, and creativity every day.
She also works with badass humans to activate their courage and take their personal and professional lives to the next level.
Want to activate your courage? Schedule a coffee chat and see if you’re ready.