Do Something Ordinary

Many times when I am holding onto worry about my "creative accomplishments", I don't really get too far with my creative work.

I stall out. 

The reason for me, at least from time to time, is that I am so concerned with whether or not this thing I am doing is going to be good enough, excellent, great, earth-shattering or extraordinary. 

Putting yourself out there with your creativity can feel scary. It can bring up all of those feelings of desiring approval or a gold star, like we used to from our parents or teachers. Except now, we may be desiring it from our friends, family, community or professional peers. 

I have found that the greatest work happens for me in the moments I am doing something ordinary. When I am not thinking about what I am doing as a potential accomplishment, but when I am simply present in the moment, enjoying the paint, enjoying the process of drawing or allowing the words to flow. 

If I sat down to my drawing table and thought to myself, "I have to make something great right now!" I am certain I would choke. In fact, when I realize that is my actual thought process (my subconscious being called out for what it is), those are the times I'm completely frozen. 

I am continually learning this lesson, that small movements over an extended period of time are what yield true and honest art. If I sat down and said to myself, "I am going to make marks and write words with integrity, though they may seem ordinary, I will simply be as honest as possible." Then I am sure I would have a more productive time. 

Productivity is not necessary helped by our hurried and busy attitudes. In fact, often times that hurried feeling is just us trying to be meaningful and important and show ourselves and others that what we do is meaningful and important and thus, so are we. It is really scary to slow down and be ordinary for a moment. Or for a whole day. But I truly believe that is where the extraordinary stuff has room to grow. 

Have the courage to do something ordinary today. 

Pick just one small and ordinary thing to do that will nurture you, your creativity or your art today. 

Just one. 

Today, I plan on being altogether ordinary. 

There are snow clouds in the sky here in the mountains and I will be spending the weekend ordinarily editing the book... probably wearing yoga pants the whole time and slowly sipping some ordinary coffee or tea. 

Hope this weekend finds you well and that you find one ordinary thing to do today!

-Court

p.s. Art Nurture: The Simple Guide to Cultivating Creativity is currently being pruned (edited) and if you would like to pre-order a copy, you can do so on the home page!