Do we really have to balance our work and our life to have authentic creativity?

It is so wild how I continue to have these conversations with folks.

It seems that they just flow so naturally. 

Everyone wants to talk about creativity and work/life balance.

I think many of us are reaching that point (or perhaps the movement is just growing!) of realizing that there is so much more that defines us than just our work. 

That there are many areas of our lives that deserve to be successful also!

Not only that, but that we can find meaning and purpose in those various places.

Yes, it's true, our identity, meaning, purpose, worth, or value is not just tied to where and how we earn our dollar bills. 

Here's another idea. Work doesn't have to be drudgery either. 

We can like it! 

It could even be an authentic expression of our creativity!

Say what?! 

Yep, I said it. Our careers aren't everything. There are so many areas of our lives to invest in and be successful in (i.e. our health, our relationships). But, we can feel authentic in each of those areas and find value in each of them as well. 

I propose that it is not a "balance" that we need. 

Balance occurs on a single point, with things on opposing sides. Balance has a lot to do with making sure things are even, that the scales aren't tipped in the direction of a particular thing, because if they are, then we are imbalanced and things can get out of hand. Balance also embodies this idea that these things are completely separate and potentially even divergent areas of the self. 

Yes, healthy boundaries are needed and we don't want to constantly be consumed with work and/or personal concerns when it's time to be professional. Let's consider other ways of thinking and ask new questions. 

What if we are just more integrated than all of that and this idea of striking a "perfect balance" is false? 

Maybe that is why we find it is constantly elusive before us and we are constantly comparing ourselves to others and envying their seemingly "perfect balance"?!

I prefer to think of it as clarity and integration. 

Clarity of your values and clarity of your vision. And by that I mean your overall big picture whole life kinda deal. When there is clarity, there can be integration into all areas of life. When you have clarity, you can integrate your vision and desires into your work, into your life, into your art...whatever! 

With clarity, you can integrate the necessary step in a direction you feel confident and passionate about.  It is the gaining of that clarity that is often the most challenging part. Quite frankly, most of us (myself included) have spent years or months in a foggy haze with little to no clarity.Most of us get stuck there and we fantasize about being "balanced" one day. 

I am honored to be a part of two upcoming opportunities for professional and personal clarity, where we head after not a fantasy of "balance" but clarity driven, integrated action steps. 

 Let's talk Creative Revolution and Poetry!


Underground Art Initiative 

Tomorrow evening at 8pm EST I will be speaking online on the subject of Authentic Creativity as a part of the Underground Art Initiative. 

If you can't catch all of the live interviews, 
the free recordings will remain up through January 24th.
  Register here to get in on the action and tune in tomorrow at 8 pm EST for my interview!  www.undergroundartinitiative.com

Art Nurture's Poetics of Work Project

Over the past 6 months I have been working on a collaboration with poet, James Nave', for Art Nurture's upcoming series The Poetics of Work Project! 

We launch on Tuesday, March 3rd at 7pm and would love for you to be in attendance. 

The Poetics of Work Project will prove to be an amazing Salon series asking important questions and seeking simple & authentic approaches to getting it all (work, life, art, whatever!) done.  For more information & to get tickets click here.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this idea of  a "perfect balance", so please leave a comment below.

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As always, keep nurturing and cultivating,
Court