Finding Your Path Back to Creativity
Finding your path back to your creativity, to your creative practice may seem daunting but can bring immense personal joy and satisfaction.
Many members talk about in their Artist Profile story how they have the experience of rediscovering their creativity, their art and craft practices after a number of years away from them, looking after family, being carers, focusing on employment demands and all that is in between.
Once they get to return to their creativity they rediscover a sense of self that gives greater meaning to life, enriches daily experiences and nurtures a sense of being true to ones-self.
2 Part Series on Creative Practice Joy
In this two part Creativity series on finding your path back to creativity, we explore why this happens and how to find your own unique path back to creativity.
Years Away From Your Creative Practice
After years away from your creative practice, picking up a paintbrush, a sketchpad, or a ball of yarn can feel both exciting and daunting.
Life gets busy – work, family, responsibilities, negative messages from others – but that creative spark never truly disappears. It’s still there, waiting for you: waiting to be nurtured and embraced.
Returning to your arts and crafts isn’t just about making things; it’s about rediscovering a part of your innate self.
Unique Creative Voice
Creativity is a form of self-expression, a way to unwind, and a source of joy. It offers a sense of achievement that’s different from ticking off a to-do list.
There’s something deeply satisfying about bringing an idea to life with your own hands, of being part of a creative community of like minded souls.
And in the process of exploring your own unique creative voice you may just find self acceptance and delight in your natural talents.
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The Real Benefits of Your Creative Practice
Beyond personal fulfilment, creative practice has real benefits. It reduces stress, improves focus, and can even boost confidence. It allows you to step away from screens, slow down, and be present in the moment. To breathe again.
Whether you’re painting, knitting, sculpting, or journaling, making time for creativity nurtures your well-being, especially with the exploration of a creative mindfulness practice.
So, if you’ve been longing to return to your craft, know that it’s never too late. Your creativity is still there, ready to welcome you back with open arms. All you need to do is take that first step – and enjoy the journey.
Fortunately the first steps need only be the size that is doable for you.
In part 2 of this series we dive into a bundle of ideas for you to play with so you can find something that resonates with you, that you can adapt into a creative practice of your own.
Returning to Your Creative Practice
Life has a way of pulling us in different directions, and before we know it, our creative practice has slipped to the bottom of the list.
That sense of responsibility to provide, to love, to shelter and nurture others can squeeze out the time we need to honour our own needs, especially our creative needs.
There are many seasons in a life, and even for long term carers, there are times for looking after our own inner being.
Fortunately that spark—the joy of making, shaping, and creating—never truly goes away. It’s just waiting for the right moment to return, for the door to be opened, even just a little bit for it to flow through.
And the good news? Creativity doesn’t have to be an all-consuming commitment. It can fit into your daily life in a way that feels natural and fulfilling.
Making Space for Creativity
Making space for creativity, even in small pockets of time, brings so many benefits. It’s not just about producing something beautiful (though that’s a lovely bonus); it’s about reconnecting with yourself.
Whether it’s five minutes of doodling with your morning pot of tea, 20 minutes for an intentional practice program, a walk with your camera or an evening spent stitching, those moments of creativity offer a sense of calm, focus, and joy. Any or all of this forms your path back to your creativity.
Regular Creative Practice
A regular creative practice helps to release stress, let grief ease, boost confidence, and add a touch of playfulness to the everyday.
It gives you permission to slow down, switch off from the noise of the world, and do something just for you.
There’s something magical and healing about watching a piece come to life—whether it’s a painting, a quilt, a piece of jewellery, or a simple handmade card.
Weaving Creativity Into Life’s Routines
By weaving creativity into your routine in a way that suits your lifestyle, you’re not just making art – you’re making time for yourself.
And that’s something truly valuable. How often do you allow for that?
So, whether you have five minutes or an hour, know that every little bit counts.
Your creativity is still there, waiting to welcome you back. All you have to do is say yes.
The Creative Joy of Children
As children, we created without hesitation – painting, building, and crafting with pure joy.
We weren’t worried about being “good enough” or whether something was perfect. We just made.
Sadly, as we grow older, doubts creep in.
We start believing that creativity has rules, that we must be skilled, that what we make needs to be worthy of display.
These thoughts can hold us back, leaving our creativity locked away.
But here’s the truth – creativity isn’t about perfection. It’s about expression, play, and enjoyment.
The Act of Making Truly Matters
The act of making, whether it’s painting, knitting, sculpting, or stitching, is what truly matters.
Letting go of self-judgement brings freedom.
When we create without fear, we rediscover the simple joy we had as children – the joy of colours blending, of shapes forming, of ideas taking shape.
It is our own choice to set aside our fears or to be defined by them. So what is your choice?
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Releasing Pressure and Expectation
Returning to your creative practice without pressure or expectation is incredibly rewarding.
It allows you to reconnect with yourself, to find calm in the process, and to enjoy the journey rather than fixating on the outcome.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start. Creativity is always there, ready to welcome you back – no rules, no judgement, just the simple joy of making.
Given Back Your Creative Practice to Yourself
Your creative practice is a gift to yourself. It’s a space for joy, self-expression, and reconnecting with the part of you that creates.
You’ve spent years giving to others—now it’s time to give something back to yourself.
Creativity offers fulfilment, relaxation, and personal joy. And it is your right to experience this in your daily life.
Let go of perfection and self-doubt. You don’t need permission to create.
Your creative spark is still there, ready to shine again.
Even small creative moments bring calm, confidence, and a sense of self. Remember, your creative practice is about the journey, not the outcome.
It’s Making Time
Making time for creativity is making time for yourself. It’s a chance to breathe, to play, and to feel whole again. And what better way to nourish your creative inner being than to create some making time just for you?
Your creativity has been patiently waiting for you. All you have to do is say yes, pick up that brush, thread, camera, clay, and begin.
Part 2: 15 Ways to Reignite Your Creative Practice and Thrive
In Part 2, 15 Ways to Reignite Your Creative Practice and Thrive , we’ll share 15 fun and practical ideas to help you return to your creative practice in a way that fits your life to make that path back to your creativity easier for you.
With each idea there’s a question on how you want to explore it to get your thoughts going.
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Belinda is doing a great job creating a professional looking artist hub online. Check out the profile I posted recently to see how well she does them. To all my artist friends let’s help make this THE go to place to discover local artists.
You won’t regret joining Art Trails Tasmania . It’s a welcoming community for creatives at any career stage.Becoming an Art Trails Tasmania member wasn’t a hard decision for me to make as it’s such a wealth of knowledge and support.Being member provides a quality way to showcase your creative endeavours and it’s quickly growing in reach.
We operate a home based picture framing business and recently joined Art Trails Tasmania as a means to giving us exposure to the wider artist community. We have almost immediately seen increase in activity thru our online sites, which I am certain will lead to more opportunities to grow our business.
