This month, we’ve been diving into the theme of creativity, and it has been an enlightening journey. Our May book club selection, Creativity and Gratitude: Exercises and Inspiration for a Year of Art, Hope, and Healing by Amy Oestreicher, has truly resonated with our mission of inspiring women to live their best lives. Let’s delve into the highlights and transformative power of this wonderful book. Discover how “Creativity and Gratitude” by Amy Oestreicher can help you embrace your journey and share your story. This guide offers exercises to boost creativity and maintain positivity through life’s challenges.
The Healing Power of Creativity
Amy Oestreicher’s book is more than a workbook; it’s a year-long guide designed to help us embrace our creative impulses and integrate creativity and gratitude into our daily lives. Structured over 52 weeks, it offers prompts and activities that cover various forms of creativity, from drawing and writing to other imaginative activities. It’s a journey of healing, much like Amy’s own story.
Amy’s personal journey is one of resilience and transformation. As a high school senior, a sudden medical emergency drastically changed her life. She faced multiple surgeries, a prolonged coma, and the devastating news that she would never eat or drink again. Despite these challenges, Amy found strength in embracing life’s detours, and she developed a philosophy of resilience through creativity. Her experiences, shared in three impactful TED Talks, highlight the profound role creativity played in her healing process.
Creativity as a Daily Practice
One of the book’s key themes is the idea that creativity is not just about arts and crafts; it’s a form of energy that we can channel into our lives. Amy’s mother provided her with art supplies during her hospital stay, which ignited her passion for painting and helped her cope with her challenges. This notion of creativity as a tool for healing and self-expression is central to the book.
Amy emphasizes that hope is not something that comes magically; it’s something we create. This perspective encourages us to find the magic in everyday moments and to approach life with mindfulness and appreciation for our surroundings. By keeping a sketchbook handy, we open ourselves to new ways of seeing the world and capturing inspiration as it comes.
Embracing the Detours
Amy’s concept of being a “detourist” is about viewing life’s unexpected turns as opportunities for growth and discovery. She encourages us to embrace these detours with resilience and to see them as blessings in disguise. Her book is filled with exercises that promote this mindset, helping us build a more resilient and creative approach to life.
One exercise that stands out involves taking a familiar walk and observing it with “superhero senses,” focusing on the sights, sounds, and textures around us. This practice of mindful observation can transform ordinary experiences into moments of inspiration and gratitude.
Practical Tips for Cultivating Creativity
- Carry a Sketchbook: Having a small notebook or sketchbook with you allows you to capture ideas and inspirations on the go. It doesn’t have to be fancy; even a simple notepad will do.
- Create a Keepsake Box: Collect small, meaningful objects that inspire you and keep them in a box. Use these items for creative projects or as prompts for your artistic endeavors.
- Engage in Playful Activities: Whether it’s doodling, making collages, or crafting, allow yourself to play and explore without judgment. Creativity is about enjoying the process, not just the outcome.
- Try Something New: Take a class, learn a new skill, or explore a different medium. Stepping out of your comfort zone can spark new ideas and perspectives.
Sharing Our Creative Journeys
As we continue to explore creativity, we challenge our listeners to join us. Whether it’s keeping a sketchbook, attending a class, or simply finding joy in everyday moments, let’s embrace creativity together. Share your experiences with us on social media; we’d love to hear about your journey and how you’re integrating creativity and gratitude into your life.
Resources & Promotions:
- May Book Club Book: “Creativity and Gratitude: Exercises and Inspiration for a Year of Art, Hope, and Healing“
- TED Talks: Check out Amy Oestreicher’s inspiring TED Talks
- Games:
- Pens: Friction Pilot pens – erasable markers great for sketching
Follow Us for More Inspiration:
Instagram: @chasingbrighter
Blog: www.chasingbrighter.com
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