So many artists feel *lost* ~and stay that way, spending years noticing *what is* and never harnessing the structure and accountability that could set them free!

Thank you, always, Susan for your thoughtful comments!

Many blessings,
Nancy

I find that structure, discipline and even deadlines help me get my best work done. I agree that without structure one’s creativity can just flounder. My latest projects require time frame commitments such as my newsletters and even my blog. There is something about the discipline of doing these projects on a regular basis that spikes my creativity even further. It instigates new ideas and topics I want to write about.

I hadn’t thought about that formula before but it makes a lot of sense. And, in a way isn’t that part of why we are here in the physical – to channel our creativity into form?

All the best,
Susan
Susan Eller´s last blog ..Manifesting Your Goals

@Ann of the Alpacas, thank you for stopping by. I appreciate your different perspective. You certainly are creative on the farm (I’ve seen the yarn & knitted pieces), even if it falls outside the traditional definition~turns out, we are *all* creative since we create our life experiences. Thank you for sharing what has worked for you!

Many blessings,
Nancy

Most alpaca owners are women who are likewise passionate about these gentle animals. Generally, we are supportive and nurturing, creative and business-minded, willing to share of ourselves and our various talents. It is a microcosm of the way the world can work, and I find that to be incredibly stimulating, inspiring me to want to do more, to give more, to be more. I am so excited to learn the many new things that I can easily get scattered, so must remind myself “progress, not perfection.” Making daily/weekly lists helps. My challenge is to complete open-ended tasks when external deadlines are either distant or non-existent. Networking with other alpaca farm owners on similar paths helps me to stay on track. It is all good.

I reflect on what I learned about creativity in The Artist’s Way, and expand my horizons by getting off the farm, exploring our new home city, doing things with others beyond the realm of alpacas/farm life. It’s akin to “life after children.” And I learn a lot about myself from what I refer to as “cross-over thinking” like this, applying AHA’s and concepts from one area to something quite different. Thank you!

@Cheryl – Reading your post is like watching you reach the AHA in real-time! I hear you on how the day-to-day job can suck the energy out of you~if you let it. Julie Powell was going through that until she found the recipe for combining her existing passion (cooking) with some structure and accountability. I do believe this recipe makes having a day-job tolerable!

Sounds like the “Doggy Daycare” & “Pet Fostering” are your passions, the research/contacts/talks provide your structure, and the accountability comes from sharing what you’ve learned/discovered and have decided to take action on (perhaps a blog or a coach?). Anyone else in your area share this passion? Perhaps you could form a committee to divvy up the jobs and account back to each other/community.

Thank you both for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!

Many blessings,
Nancy

While doing that I was working elsewhere to make the money I wanted to support my explorations (ISP, domain registration, internet provider, etc.) I’m not totally sure I want to continue in that vein… I haven’t had much inspiration to teach or perform some service, although helping people unlock their creative capacities could be a good focus for me!

With the work we’ve been doing in 2009 with rescue dogs and fostering them I am beginning to have that pull toward the “Doggie Day Care” and I love the idea! I JUST now realized there is something useful I could start promoting right now and that would be fostering animals as an alternative to shelters and helping people learn what’s involved! (hm-m-m! might have to make a visit to the Humane Society on Monday! There I go – if I hold myself to that I’ll have some structure to start the momentum!)

If I want it to grow into something REAL It will take some discipline and would force at least some structure, as in a schedule for doing presentations. That would also be the best way to meet the people who would be able to foster or provide financial support to the creation of a care centre. Wow!

Thanks for getting my brain working on this!

@Kathleen – I love the insight you bring with

A repeated daily activity is also the grounds for calming and focusing the mind, much like a repeated sound or mantra.

Of course, that’s the *basis* of meditation and meditative activities ~showing up, every day, no matter what! I know as an artist, that’s also a big key~just *show* up, no matter what.

I’m happy to hear that you’ve found a way to honor your own schedule at the same time you’ve recognized the need for order to contain the *flow*. Thank you for stopping by and sharing these valuable insights!

Many blessings,
Nancy