I am the people pleaser, the person who tries to read the room and make sure everyone is happy. For so many years my main goal was to put everyone else in my life first and left little to no time for myself. Over the last few years of empty nesting I have been able to slowly realize that I can leave room in my head for me! And in doing this I have had to take a good look at what me is all about, try to come to peace with the past and move on with today. And my focus is each day to do something that will make a part of my life better. Whether I learn something, take time for art, baking, reading, complete a task or make a goal. I began to process this idea as many of us did in 2020 but I didn’t really come to the aha moment until mid 2021 when I decided that I would take up fluid art. The process of taking a blank canvas and bringing it to life has opened another realm. It has been therapeutic and has put me on the express lane to self discovery. I feel I have always been a creative type but never would have called myself an artist. But these days I understand I do not have to fit into a stereotype to call myself an artist. My art is my expression alone and I do not do it to please anyone but myself. I choose each day to Be Creative and love the message from the Philosopher’s Guide to the Universe that I do not need a message for my creativity to be art I just need to express myself.

Here are my highlights!

What I learned this week – Time blocking, I am always looking for ways to be better with time management. I am also a person who tends to try and multitask which seems to be less productive these days. So I am taking the time at the beginning of the week, and day, to work in blocks. I was listening to a podcast, Goal Digger, and they were discussing 6 Easy Habits to Create more time in your day and studies show that multitasking can hinder productivity. So I am using my focus on my devices and working in small chucks to see if my productivity increases. This is not a super creative but I think if it is successful I will have more time to Be Creative!

How I was creative this week – Continuing my iPhone photography exploration. Looking at everything slightly different and trying to capture the feeling I have when I take the photo. Still a work in progress but having fun! (See pics below)

Quote of the week – “You don’t need to have a message for your creation to be art, so just express yourself” The Philosopher’s Guide to the Universe Love the message, everyone is creative and have fun. Good quick read

What I listened to this week – Taking Control of Your Life by Mel Robbins. I love audible while I am driving, walking or cleaning. If you look at my library it is 90% learning, self discovery and motivation. She is fun to listen to, easy to relate to and I am always inspired. My ENTP mind needs constant information, I crave it!

App/s I have explored – Word Swag – I have been using the free version to add text (quotes) on my photos. Though this week I am testing this out the pro version which offered more options for text and styles. I love the text styles the pro brings but not sure I am ready to commit to another monthly subscription. I may try out some others first.