Stay close to your creativity – it’s what loves you most
No matter how enamoured we might get with the marketing and the business side of things, it’s the creativity that saves our souls
Sometimes, I have to remind myself that foremost; I am a writer.
Playing with technology excites me. So to do software and planning. I often lose sight of the bigger picture.
But I feel most content when I am creating from scratch.
This is a problem I find many freelancers (and clients) share. We get so caught up in the marketing and business of it all; we neglect the creation. But creation got us where we are. As I write to you now, I can feel my head unwind. The stress from working through yet another Meta Business fault dissipates. The sense of Imposter Syndrome recedes as my mind switches from planning when the work will come to actually completing it. That dragging I feel to get to the desk, the sensation of burning head as the TO DO list grows, it is more manageable once the writing has taken place.
If you’re a creative freelancer, I am sure you can relate. We have to squish the work between our fingers and let it slip and slide around our hands and mind to plop down on the page.
We have to get dirty occasionally.
If we don’t, it becomes harder and harder to connect with it. The engine is colder, the cogs somehow tighter and over-geared.
Image: my usual morning meeting companion throughout spring. Sam the Seal sleeps at the surface, one flipper tossed out from the lake’s blanket of water at Lake Illawarra, Windang.
Creating a spark within
I am experimenting with things to help me create more. This includes:
· Tapping into gamification (and dopamine accomplishment hits) via Clickup and Meet Edgar
· Transforming my journaling (and soon, my planning) with stickers
· Stopping to have that conversation on my walk to feel more connected and observant
· Easing into the week with a lo-fi and compassionate Monday
· Giving myself the permission to experiment more – especially when it comes to the Freelance Jungle Patreon
· Three different types of therapy – the Happiness Trap, plus a book on schema, and incidental reading
· Accepting myself more. Whether that’s less shame or guilt about the dust on once loved projects or ideas, or for being human and needing rest
· Trying new roles and new ideas on for size
I asked myself:
1) How can I make work more fun and attractive?
2) How can I add a play element to everyday activities?
3) If I actively challenge busyness when it takes hold, what will happen?
4) Are there areas where I am allowing rigid ideas or thinking to dictate the terms? What can I do about that?
5) Am I people pleasing or acting in such a way to reduce the risk of pain rather than committing to what I want to say, do or think? What can I do instead?
6) What does it look like to be a healthy, happy creative person?
7) What do I need to do to become that vision?
8) What does acceptance look like to me?
9) How does that vision of accepting myself influence social, psychological, intellectual and physical wellbeing?
10) What do I want off the TO DO List within three months by giving it a shot?
I am a writer. I am also a dreamer, a creator, a Multipotentialite, a deep thinker, and someone who is enjoying life because I am finally deciding who calls the shots. It’s also giving me a unique perspective on situations I encounter. How about you?
Things to keep you curious and informed
Watch Tracey Lloyd on the mic at Ignite Sydney asking “What does work mean to you?”. Check out Katherine Coppock’s cold-climate Tassie art. Read Carly Findlay’s thoughts on the Disability Royal Commission. Up your social media game with this content creation guide. Challenge the psychology of marketing in a recession with this webinar.
Preparing for end of year
Some gifts and ideas for you as we hurtle towards festive season.
Send a sensationally Australian Christmas card to your clients and family. If you’re in Melbourne, hire a magician for your party or event. Grab some fabulous fabrics for your celebration outfits. Pair it with a clutch from Ginger and Lash. Fancy a read? Here are some great titles – The Rebels of Mount Buffalo and Sunday Skating. Look freelancer fresh with this exclusive merch from the Freelance Jungle. Sarah Norton Creative is weaving a spell in the Southern Highlands from October until January. Oh, and the Freelance Jungle Planner returns for another year, so join the Patreon to receive a copy at the end of the year AND come to the January planning sit-in!
Oh and don’t forget the office dogs!
Events for you
Tackle trickier topics with Gretel Van Lane, a facilitator of discussions surrounding grief, singledom, purpose, gender, pleasure and more as dinner conversation as part of her Dinners with a Difference series. She joins us as part of Mental Health Month in October. Come play 11am Sydney time on October 20th at this free event https://www.facebook.com/events/252198550545426/
Social Media Sit In: Community without the cringe. Are you constantly overthinking your social media, slapping up posts at the last minute or sneering at the whole idea of social media for your business? It's not dead - and we still need it, folks! So, join The Pinky Patreons as we dive deeper into the world of social media and community management to elevate your online presence and client relationships. Come join us October 27th from 9:30am Sydney time. Sign up for event details here: https://www.patreon.com/freelancejungle
International Festival of Death and Dying. Jessica Harkins and I are at it again at the International Festival of Death and Dying – and we’re tackling how to flip the script on death when things don’t go according to plan. Festival runs from Nov 17th to 20th.
Sit-In Event: Crowdfunding & other funding for your creativity. Are you ready to transform your creative project dreams into reality through crowdfunding and other unconventional funding sources? Join us for a power-packed sit-in 24th Nov from 9:30am Sydney time. RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1080216846324205/ Sign up for event details here: https://www.patreon.com/freelancejungle
Illawarra Festival of Design and Architecture. Love your interiors, architecture or DIY renos? Join me at the Illawarra Festival of Design and Architecture on Nov 25th. There are bicycle tours, house tours and hot panel discussions!
December Stress Down. Let’s say goodbye to the year with a special stress down over lunch. Dress up, call in from your car or whatever suits you! Let's all gather by the virtual watercooler, reach out and let out an enormous sigh. This is your chance to chat, let it all out, and hear from others in a safe, supportive environment. Friday 15th Dec 12:30pm to 13:30 https://www.facebook.com/events/5710122375761307/5710122382427973
Love and other ways we create,
Rebekah