Episode 011: Make Stuff That Feels Good to Make
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Hey there! It's Adrienne here, welcoming you to another episode of the "Live Your Truth, Love Your Life" podcast. Today, we’re going to dig into a topic that's close to my heart - creativity. But we're not just talking about creativity in the traditional sense. No, we're taking it a step further, peeling back a layer if you will. Today's focus is about "Making Stuff That Feels Good to Make." Kind of intriguing, right?
Let's start by acknowledging one simple yet profound truth: creativity is not exclusive to artists, writers, or musicians. It's a fundamental part of being human. It's our innate ability to produce something new, unique, and often expressive of our deepest self. Creativity, in its purest sense, is about expressing your truth and living your life in alignment with that truth.
There’s a connection between creativity and flow state. Let's take a moment to unravel this term. You might have heard of it before: athletes call it ‘being in the zone,’ artists might describe it as ‘being lost in their work.’ This concept of being ‘in the zone’ or in a ‘flow state’ describes that state of complete immersion in an activity where time seems to dissolve, and your actions, thoughts, and movements flow seamlessly and effortlessly. In this state, we feel our best and perform our best. When you can get into that state, the worries of the world melt away while you’re engaged in that activity, because you are completely immersed in it.
When we talk about "making stuff that feels good to make," we're talking about aligning your creativity with your authentic self. It's about creating things that bring you joy, satisfaction, and maybe even a sense of peace or fulfillment. It's about using your unique abilities to produce something that resonates with your core values and desires.
I wanted to make the shift from creativity to making things that feel good to make because there’s so much pressure around that word sometimes. It becomes about making some original, brilliant piece of work, and I don’t want that to be what this is about.
So, what's so special about creating things that feel good to make? Why is it worth exploring this concept? Well, when we create things that genuinely excite us, we tap into a deep source of motivation, inspiration, and personal fulfillment. This kind of intrinsic motivation can drive us forward, propel us to new heights, and enable us to overcome challenges that may otherwise feel insurmountable.
Whether you're painting, sculpting, writing, cooking, or even gardening, the process of creating something from nothing is a beautiful dance between the mind and body. It requires focus, problem-solving, decision-making, and physical engagement. This combination is the perfect recipe for stimulating flow, making creativity a pathway for us to tap into this extraordinary state of consciousness. Not only does this type of creativity lead to personal satisfaction, but it also produces something that is often deeply meaningful - both for us and for others who engage with our creations.
The benefits of creativity or making things that feel good to make are vast and deeply impactful. When we're in a flow state, we're fully engaged in the present moment, which acts as a natural antidote to stress and anxiety that often come from ruminating over the past or worrying about the future.
In addition, achieving flow can boost our mood, thanks to the release of feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and endorphins. It also gives us a sense of accomplishment, helping to build self-esteem and confidence.
Regularly achieving a state of flow can lead to an increase in overall life satisfaction. It brings us into direct contact with the process of discovery and the joy of personal expression, providing us with a deeper sense of purpose and meaning.
Now, if this concept is so wonderful, why aren't we all doing it? Well, like many things in life, it's easier said than done. Various barriers can hold us back from truly embracing the joy of making stuff that feels good. These might include fear of judgment, self-doubt, perfectionism, or simply not knowing where to start.
But don't worry - none of these barriers are insurmountable. I'm going to share some strategies to help you overcome these blocks and embrace the joy of creating what truly feels good for you.
Okay, so how do we put this into practice? How do we transition from understanding the concept to actually living it? Let's walk through some practical steps together.
Identify what feels good: The first step is to identify what really feels good for you to create. What activities make your heart sing? When do you lose track of time because you're so absorbed in what you're doing? Make a list and start to notice any patterns or themes. Maybe it’s cooking, painting, gardening, taking pictures of your pets.
Give yourself permission: Many of us hold back from creating what we truly want because of fear or self-doubt. It's time to give yourself permission to create what feels good. Remind yourself that your worth is not determined by others' opinions or perceptions. You deserve to create what feels good for you.
Create a safe space: To make stuff that feels good, it's important to have a safe space where you feel comfortable expressing your creativity. This could be a physical space, like a dedicated room or corner of your home, or a mental space, like scheduling uninterrupted time for creative activities. This idea of a safe space is more about minimizing distractions so that you can focus solely on the task at hand, rather than redecorating a room so you can be creative.
Focus on the process, not the outcome: Instead of worrying about creating something ‘perfect’ or ‘useful,’ allow yourself to get lost in the process of creation. Be fully present in the moment. Engage your senses, and pay attention to every detail of what you're doing.
Start small and grow: Don't feel pressured to create a masterpiece right off the bat. Start with small, manageable projects that bring you joy, then gradually take on bigger, more challenging projects as your confidence grows.
Regularly engage in your chosen activity: The more you engage in a particular activity, the more familiar it becomes, increasing the chances of achieving flow.
Celebrate your progress: Remember to celebrate your progress along the way. Celebrating your achievements, no matter how small, can boost your confidence, motivate you to keep going, and reinforce the joy of making what feels good.
So, there you have it, friends - an introduction to the liberating concept of "Making Stuff That Feels Good to Make." I hope that this episode has inspired you to embrace this approach to creativity, shed any self-imposed constraints, and start making something that truly resonates with your authentic self.
Remember, the goal here is not to impress others or meet external standards of success. The goal is to make stuff that aligns with your values, taps into your passion, and most importantly, feels good to make. So, go out there and create with joy, authenticity, and a love for the process itself.
I cannot wait to see what you create!
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Close your eyes and think back to a moment when you created something purely for the joy of it. It wasn't for validation, accolades, or any external factors – it was simply because it felt good to make.
Describe that creation. What was it? How did it come to be?
How did it make you feel during the process? After it was complete?
Now, in contrast, recall a time you created something under pressure, or for external validation. How did that process differ?
How might you integrate more of the 'joyful creation' energy into your current endeavors?
Take a deep breath and commit to creating at least one thing this week purely for the joy it brings you, not for perfection or applause. Because when you craft from the heart, the results are always extraordinary.
This is your time, your moment, your opportunity to make magic. Believe in your own potential, and let's see where this journey can take us. Happy journaling!
If you haven't already, tune into the art of soulful creation in the latest episode, "Make Things That Feel Good to Make," on the Live Your Truth Love Your Life podcast. 💖🎧
