As we’re tempted to hibernate a bit more and expand our creativity a bit less, here are a few winter warmups to keep creativity sleigh-riding all season long.❄️  (and for our southern cities, there are still plenty of gems here too).

1.// Listen to Elizabeth Gilbert’s talk on where muse comes from. Decide that this winter, you’re going to write down or record ideas, prose, moments from your screenplay the second they hit. Another good motto to live by comes from a friend + author in the Daybreaker community. Her name is Sam Horn and she’s told us part of her secret sauce to writing and publishing six books of her own is “when you think it, ink it.” Meaning, get that content down on paper the moment it arrives! Then cozy up for 15 minutes each night (light a candle, wear a stocking cap 😜 ) and develop the idea further. By January, you’ll be far into your next creative endeavor.

2.// Create space. Artist Camille Selhorst says part of her process in creating art is “I listen to my body and to my instincts telling me where to put the color. Here, yellow. There, blue. I listen, too, when it is time to put the brush down and rest.” The best way to accomplish arriving at this totally zen, totally tuned in headspace? Create room for it. Schedule two experiences per week that will make you feel like “ahhhh” AND create room for new ideas and experiences. Pick a unique spot for a winter walk, watch kids snow tubing on golf courses, listen to a playlist and move your body in a way you haven’t before (wear a snowsuit while doing it.) 🙌  #itsnotweirditsart

3.// Find atypical ways to stay “on-your-toes-inspired.” Embrace the chill! It’s cold outside but there are still people out there doing polar bear plunges and chasing outdoor adventures. Purposely shaking things up by brushing elbows with new experiences (especially if they’re a little uncomfy!) automatically gives you a new vantage point in which new thoughts can form. Sign up for that hike, run to the store in your shortie shorts despite the snow. Commit to feeling exhil.er.at.ed more often this winter and thrive like it’s the summer.

#morningmischief

Photo by Kristin Vogt