Welp.. First understand that it’s OKAY! When stuck, there might be a chance that just a little bit of self care is needed to get back on the right track.

I know that when I am in this state, the very first thing I do is take a look at my creative area, environment, & myself (mental and physical) and see if there is anything I can do to beautify, rearrange or clear to inspire a good ‘feeling‘. An emotion. The question to ask is “How can I beautify?” because if I say- “..Oh my goodness I have to clean!” or “I need to fix this mess-” I get overwhelmed. Focusing on where I can instill beauty or clarity in the environment is a better goal because it has me behaving in a more positive direction. Here are some tips; a mini guide I’ve been tailoring to reference anytime I need to escape that creative ‘funk’ 😀

Preparation in Order:

• Get some H2O, or a large hydrating drink.
• Put on some socks, (great time to moisturize!)
• Empty ALL garbage cans if over half full, and put fresh bags in each.
• Gather cleaning supplies and place them in a group nearby the area to be cleaned:
  -Gloves if necessary
  -Broom / Vacuum
  -Swiffer / Mop
  -Disinfectant Wipes / Rag / Paper Towels
  -Glass cleaner / Wood Polish / Feather Duster
  -Smelly goods: Fabric freshener / Pillow spray / Wall scents / Oil burner / Diffuser / Incense / Candles (safely)
• Get a little snack bowl of little bites for little breaks ^^
  (Just remember to wash hands before indulging ♥)
• Have a pen and pad / notes ready nearby to write down ideas that may pop up during the tasks.
  (Walter Russell once said that God manifests in the rhythmic tasks that we do, so stay receptive. ♥)
• Pick an audiobook, a music playlist, mix, or an enlightening lecture, podcast or talk on an interesting subject!
  (Something to listen to instead of watch for good reason, ^^ If you NEED to watch something instead, the only show allowed is HOARDERS xD)

Clearing the way:

Starting at the fundamental level, the floor.

“How can I make it easier to maneuver in a creative environment from the bottom up?”

-It makes sense to create a good foundation 😀 Set an intention to really flex into some squats while picking things up off the floor. Do not judge yourself for any mess that is present. You’re creating an orderly environment now. Be proud of yourself instead!

-Check in often with your posture from the ground up. Check in with feet and legs to check alignment of sacrum, neck and spine.

-Rearrange! ♥ Get a literal fresh perspective. Move objects around if you can, and dust underneath them. Get a little workout in. I feel a sense of security when I am able to see underneath things to view the entire floor. I also lose things a lot less frequently when I am able to easily see underneath furniture. Use this as an opportunity to evaluate a different arrangement of your creative space in respect to the lighting of the room or windows.

TIP: Have designated spots to put ‘stuff’ you don’t know what to do with yet, AND keep in mind where you want to see which items go where!

Reflecting back:

Moving up from the floor, check for any areas that hinder movement or flow in the environment in respect to the layout. Start in one area, and go in a spiral around the room. I call this ‘The Whirlwind’. ♥

-I think its safe to say ‘Flow’ is something to be strived for when expressing creativity. Fundamentally, if the environment doesn’t have this element, clarity is lost. For example: Is something blocking something else? Is something crooked on the wall when it can be easily straightened? If your eyes were to glance around the environment, what literally sticks out as being out of place, out of symmetry, or simply out of order? If un-orderliness inspires you, then make that a common element in a way that reflects positively but not hindering productivity. For example: stacking books not by size from largest to smallest but by colors (which may not be by size) for aesthetic effect.

TIP: Group ‘like’ things in the designated spots. ‘Office stuff.’ ‘Crafting stuff.’ ‘Hair stuff.’ ‘Workout stuff.’ Having designated areas to dump these like things help so when you get to that area, the stuff is all piled and ready to be put away. Remember ‘The Whirlwind’ and go around the room in a spiral– continually from bottom to top.

– When beautifying, choose arrangements that reflect who you are, or who you want to be. Inspire wholesome, good feelings by making your environment your audience who applauds you for being you.

-Color coding also helps when wanting to set a mood, putting certain colors upfront as accents can influence the next creative work. I love labeling with washi tape and stickers. This motivates me to stay super organized as well. So much fun. ♥

-Flowers or greenery are a lovely way to make the creative space feel fresh. 💐 !!