Allowing for Change

image by three lives left

It’s easy to get attached to certain ways of doing things. This is especially true when “your way” seems to be working just fine. With spring beginning to peek her head, it is a great time to think about rejuvenating your life, your work or your craft by stirring things up a little.

Sometimes we don’t realize that we are bored or that we might be preventing wonderful things from happening by holding on to older habits and techniques. Opening ourselves up to change in many aspects of our life can allow for truly magical things that we could never imagine. It is lovely to nest and get into the rhythms of life that work. But with the sunny, fresh days of spring coming our way let’s give some time to change.

For some people this all sounds particularly frightening but I have a few easy ideas that can help open your heart and mind. You don’t have to make enormous changes. There is a subtle beauty in the little steps. The little changes tend to have a much stronger hold then the big, jump feet first ones. Although those crazy adventures can be a lot of fun too!

Allow for spontaneity

If you usually eat lunch at home alone when you are between projects or at your desk make a change and go on that spontaneous lunch date. It doesn’t have to be a big deal, far from home or a two hour lunch but taking the time to connect with someone during a time you usually are alone can be really opening. I sometimes find my greatest thoughts when stepping back and taking a spontaneous break. I am very guilty of not allowing these short day time adventures in my life, even when I know how refreshing they may be. This is my personal promise here on out.

Practice a new craft

This is a hold tried and true idea that we creators often forget. Using a different creative muscle for one or more hours a week can open us to new perspectives on our work. If you are a writer, dedicate one hour a week to creating something with your hands. Take up sewing or a wood turning class. If you are a jewelry designer, take time to go to a museum or sit back at a well made film at a small theater. I always think of my yoga instructor telling me to cross my legs the other way or to sit in a different place in the room. It is all about allowing ourselves to feel different things and to exercise alternative muscles.

Do something a little scary

Again, small steps are fine. This could be in the form of reaching out to someone you had always wanted to meet via social media or email. It could be in the form of applying for a paid writing job with 1000 other people. It could be showing someone you respect your new work. You cannot clearly project the end results. Doing something out of your comfort zone should be celebrated and understood as wonderful on its own despite the end results. You never know who will end up seeing your work or who you will meet. How very exciting!

What fun ways will you change it up this coming spring?

Shelly Kerry — Creating Space, Mindful Living

Shelly Kerry is the founder of the program Creating Space, Mindful Living – motivating and inspiring people to run their businesses more efficiently. She helps others look at their personal and professional lives and explore what is and isn’t working. As a jewelry designer she has spent many years testing and honing the skills and discipline needed to run your own creative business while still having time for friends, family and fun. She puts her wealth of experience to use in the Creating Space service – healthy living advice to help keep you motivated and make the most out of your already busy schedule. She will help you find both the physical and emotional space so you can pursue your dreams and she’ll always insist there’s time for yourself.

Shelly writes guest posts on living your best life on well-known blogs such as Kanelstrand, Handmade Success and Awfully Grand and is pursuing a Core Strengths coaching certificate through San Francisco State University.

You can now find Creating Space on Facebook.