In which I'm feeling pensive
Of course, thanks to J.K. Rowling, I always think of it as "pensieve" now and wonder how my thoughts are being filtered. But as I mentioned earlier, I've been doing loads of work on my personal growth lately--firing up my creativity, questioning some beliefs I've resisted adopting in spite of the fact that they happen to be true, that sort of thing.
Much of what I've been reflecting on has to do with my work, and as I come across tools that help me, I plan to share them in case they happen to work for you as well. But I'm curious as to how many of you are engaged in creative work. (Personally, I think ALL work can incorporate creativity, although sometimes this might prove elusive.) What about you? Is your work creative? Are you doing what you always dreamed you would do? Are you settling or are you working actively to pursue something? And most importantly, are you happy with your work?
Much of what I've been reflecting on has to do with my work, and as I come across tools that help me, I plan to share them in case they happen to work for you as well. But I'm curious as to how many of you are engaged in creative work. (Personally, I think ALL work can incorporate creativity, although sometimes this might prove elusive.) What about you? Is your work creative? Are you doing what you always dreamed you would do? Are you settling or are you working actively to pursue something? And most importantly, are you happy with your work?
Labels: work
posted by deanna at
6:19 AM
7 Comments:
Since a very helpful conversation over the summer I've been opening myself up to creativity more than ever. For my writing I do it through fun new tools, reading articles, and making a space that reflects me. For my health and fitness I keep a log/book in which I paste pictures and paint. I'm not doing what I always hoped I would be doing at this point but I'm actively pursuing it and I'm finding myself more happy with my progress than I've ever been. :)
I actually get depressed if I can't create, whether it is through my writing, or through artwork. But, oddly enough, it isn't my lifeblood. My lifeblood is my volunteer teaching work. But I'm not successful in it if I don't approach it creatively... doing it in non-traditional forms, or perhaps teaching through unconventional lines of thought. Frankly, I suppose if I don't approach everything creatively, I'm unable to stay in it for the long haul. Creativity is key for me to succeed.
Roller coaster cretaivity is what I ride on. I go through phases where I feel this need to create and have an outlet whether it's coloring( childish but actually soothing), scrapbook card making, or painting, etc. I even try my hand at writing (poorly done).
I'm a musician by nature but far too hard and opinionated of my talent that I think I'm my own block and most assuredly worst critic.
I am most definitely not doing anything close to what I thought I would be doing career wise in my life. I'm not even using my college degree much to my own chagrin, but I'm content in what I am doing since I am still helping people. Definitely not glamorous and by no means heroic. But I totally understand the need to recreate or revisit life pursuits and reflection on self-improvement. I know my thoughts are all jumbled here - but isn't self examination and creativity what life is supposed to be about? Even Socrates told us, "The unexamined life is not worth living."
-Marissa
Bossier City, LA
My work is creative--I write full time (kids books) and am pretty much living my dream. It is the life I always wanted for myself, and while it took a while to achieve, it was well worth the struggle.
While I absolutely enjoy what I do, I am also always striving to make each book better than the last. That is part of the fun of living a creative life, the ability to try new things or look at old things in new ways, then incorporate what we've learned into the next project.
Reading your blog is one of the "well-filling" things I do for myself; it's one of the places I visit that has nothing whatever to do with networking and everything to do with filling the creative well. Needless to say, I'll look forward to you sharing whatever you learn and choose to share. :-)
And normally I only lurk, but since you asked...
I've always envied people who have a passion for the work they do; I've never been that involved with any of the jobs I've had, tho I've been able to find something interesting in each one. I've now been working for a hospice (medical records) for almost seven years, and while the detail work is right up my alley and I'm good at it, it is not something that I love to do. I do however, find it very rewarding to work for an organization that makes such a huge difference in people's lives.
As for creativity, I have writing/journaling, stamping/scrapbooking, ceramic painting and am in the midst of decorating the house I recently bought. I went thru a rather stressful period of "have to get it just right" and have finally settled into a "hmmm... let's see how this works." A much nicer place to be!
Journey
There has been a continuous ebb and flow with my creativity of late. I am really trying to tie it down and keep it consistent, but every time I do, it seems to flutter away. But I won't stop trying.
If someone had told me that I would be teaching middle school chorus at this point in my life, back when I was in college, and think that I have my dream job, I'd have told them they were crazy. But it really is true. I have no desire to do anything different--and I went through some career changes that would make your head spin. Exhausting? Yes. Creative? Absolutely! I get to do what I love best (sing), and teach it to amazing, talented kids. And I get paid!
That's not to say that I'm always happy and fulfilled. Particularly this year, when we have a lot of craziness going on in our school district, I find myself frazzled and worked to distraction on a pretty much weekly basis. Plus, I'm dealing with vocal issues and feel that, as a musician, I need to put more time in on my personal craft. And I would love some "me" time to do some non-musical creative things, including some writing, scrapbooking, and just reflecting on where I've been and where I'm going. But all in all, I can't imagine a much different or happier life than where I am right now.
Lynn
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