Living Creatively: 13 Ways to Embrace Your Inner Artist
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Chapter 1: The Artistic Mindset
Have you ever felt that a life filled with inspiration and creativity is beyond your reach? This sensation often arises because living as an artist can seem counter to conventional lifestyles. As a result, artists often feel like outsiders, while others perceive them as eccentric.
Your definition of an artistic life may differ from mine, and not everyone desires to embrace creativity in the same manner. Nevertheless, there are several universal strategies to help you cultivate a more artistic lifestyle and infuse your life with creativity.
How to Embrace Your Inner Artist
Many individuals are curious about how to become an artist. The truth is, it begins with the simple act of living artistically. But what does that entail? It’s less complicated than you might imagine. Here are 13 ways to embrace your inner artist:
- Find Beauty in the Mundane
Creativity flourishes when you appreciate beauty in everyday life. Although it can be challenging to find inspiration in monotonous routines, you can learn to romanticize the ordinary. Create significance where there may seem to be none.
Take a moment to enjoy a coffee in a park, feel the grass beneath your feet, or leave thoughtful notes in library books for future readers. If you allow life to be unremarkable, it will be. But by romanticizing the little things, you can reshape your perception and ignite your creativity.
- Challenge the Status Quo
Many aspects of life are accepted without question. If your aim is to fulfill conventional milestones, this mindset might serve you well. However, if you wish to live artistically, you must learn to question everything.
Inquire about the reasons behind societal norms, the motivations for your actions, and seek deeper understanding. This practice may not yield immediate answers but will encourage you to forge your own path rather than simply conforming.
- Embrace the Chaos of Creation
Art is a journey, and being an artist means navigating that journey—even when it feels chaotic. Life is often a messy middle, where outcomes are uncertain. Embrace this uncertainty, trust the process, and keep moving forward even when the end is not in sight.
- Reinvent Yourself
Those who remain unchanged since high school often struggle with personal growth. Life offers you the freedom to evolve into whoever you wish to be.
For instance, I transitioned from a people-pleaser to a determined individual who shares her work with the world. By embracing my true self, I have gained a sense of empowerment and joy in my creativity.
- Set Your Own Standards
Remember, you dictate your own path. Your aspirations need not align with external expectations.
- Embody the Spirit of Adventure
In tarot, The Fool signifies new beginnings, The Magician represents action, and The High Priestess symbolizes intuition. Embrace these archetypes to guide your creative journey.
- Take Time to Reflect
Sometimes, creativity requires stepping back. A professor once reminded me that staring out the window can be as vital to the writing process as actually writing. Schedule moments of reflection to rejuvenate your creative spirit.
- Practice Unwavering Positivity
Adopting a mindset of militant optimism can be transformative. Although I struggle with maintaining hope, I find that a positive outlook fuels my creativity.
- Let Go of Expectations
In the creative process, outcomes rarely match our initial vision. Often, the pieces we invest the least emotional energy into receive the most praise. Focus on the act of creating rather than the end product.
- Create an Inspiring Environment
To live artistically, your surroundings should inspire you. Fill your space with art, music, and elements that resonate with your essence.
- Disconnect from Noise
Engaging too deeply in online discourse can stifle creativity. Instead of getting caught up in endless discussions, prioritize your creative practice.
- Eliminate Energy Drainers
Be mindful of the people and situations that drain your creative energy.
- Prioritize Your Creative Work
Ultimately, to live like an artist, you must create. Even dedicating a mere fifteen minutes daily to your craft is a powerful choice in a world full of distractions.
Writing Your Creative Narrative
Remember, you hold the reins to your life. If this thought feels overwhelming, it’s time for introspection. Begin by jotting down your aspirations and identifying small ways to integrate them into your daily routine.
While the journey may not always feel linear, each step you take is a move closer to the artistic life you desire. Embrace the messy process, knowing that it is part of living authentically as an artist.
In this video, "How To See Like An Artist," explore techniques that can enhance your perception and foster creativity.
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