If you are any kind of creator (and we all ARE, some just don’t exercise it or even realize it yet) I’m sure you will relate to this. As a creator, I find that the distraction is always there. I find myself scrolling social media or watching television, or “wasting my time” with some other peoples “creative ventures”….mindlessly ignoring my inner yearnings to create. So many creations “in process”, paintings, drawing, glass collections, plans in limbo and unfinished. Most of my creative work goes into my yard, into my kitchen and here….writing, because I do find it is the most therapeutic for me. But, as I continue to flip through channels on the tv, start a movie or series, lose interest, start another….I find myself remembering ….that THIS is “the distraction” at work…and for every minute I spend watching or consuming, I am not creating and exploring and expanding my horizons.

Exercising our creative abilities is not only important to help reach our highest potential but is also important in supporting a healthy brain. A creative practice is vital for brain health because it boosts cognitive functions (memory, focus, problem-solving), strengthens neural connections for efficient communication, reduces stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins, and promotes mental well-being through self-expression and novel challenges, essentially acting as a mental workout that builds resilience and slows cognitive aging.  Creative expression works physiologically and psychologically, helping people process experiences, regulate emotions, and find purpose. 

A couple of years ago I participated in a mastermind project with some talented musicians and vocal artists called “Finding Your Voice” when I was reminded that finding your voice doesn’t necessarily mean singing or speaking. It is our personal sense of expression, whatever that may be – painting, building, cooking, writing, gardening, music or anything that may spark our interests and inspire us to use creative expression. So I am writing this as ONE, a practice of my creative output but also to inspire and encourage more exploration into my (and yours!) creative ventures. And I am finishing this piece nearing the end of 2025 with the full intention of setting into motion set block time(s) for more creative practice, whatever I determine that to be….after, of course, I get through the splendid chaos of the holidays. So perhaps, a “New Years resolution” which I typically shy away from and wrote about a couple years ago! https://open.substack.com/pub/cindyhubbslonsdale/p/ditching-the-new-years-resolutions?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web)

I would love to hear about or even see your creations! Please do share!

Happy Holidays, and here’s to less consuming, more creating in 2026!

Namaste, friends!