Photo by Shanon Wise via Flickr

Motherhood set my creativity on fire.

It’s not that I wasn’t smart or creative before children. Part of it was that I was just rather lazy, unproductive and a bit preoccupied with many other things that could easily be done, like going out and doing things on a moment’s notice. It was easy to get distracted. And, we all know that parenthood doesn’t allow for much distraction in life. We have routines, and we stick to them. Well, I have anyway.

And, the routines have worked for me.

But, mostly, my children inspire me. They inspire me to be more creative, to have more fun, to laugh, to play, to say yes. They inspire me to create things and try things and think.

Oh, yes they definitely inspire me to think — about things I never gave a second thought to in my life, like exactly what kind of bug is under that rock. (a grub!)

I see things differently because of their childlike wonder, imagination and enthusiasm.

Whatever the reason, I own this creative life now. It’s as much a part of me as being a mother, as being a woman.

Part of the problem with being a creative parent is the lack of time. How do we care for ourselves, our house, our families and still manage to pursue creative projects?

Throw in a full-time job or homeschooling your children and, well, it may take a very special mindset to be creative and inspired and to allow your imagination to run wild often rather than when the time allows.

In fact, if we sit around waiting for the right moment to arrive we may as well give up on any dreams we have until the kids leave the house. I’m too impatient for that. The ideas are here now. I have to listen to them.

I’m not just talking about writing.

Photo by Sarah Parrot

To be creative is to see each day as a thing of beauty. Each moment as gold. Every second, even the difficult ones, as a chance to stop and reframe and look at things differently. To offer a new perspective to an old problem. To add color to a dreary day. To be the light in an otherwise dark situation.

To be inspired is to wake up today — and every day — and see a new possibility before your eyes. Amazing, wonderful, fantastic possibilities.

OK, it’s not that easy for everyone. Not even me, some days.

Photo uploaded by KayVee Inc via Flickr

That’s why I ask my writing students to draw up their energy list. Anyone who wants to feel inspired to see today as the blaze of beauty it is can benefit from this same list. This list can pull you up on your worst day. It can fuel your fire of creativity. It can bring a smile when you need it most.

Jot down as many things you can think of that give you energy, that lift you up, that turn today into wonderfulness, that make you smile – things you would do if you had a spare half hour, an hour, two hours. Just as important, write down things you can do to make yourself feel connected to the world in just five, 10 or 20 minutes. What are they? List them all. Have fun. Release into this writing activity. See where it takes you.

I will share MY ENERGY LIST list on my new Facebook page on Monday. Please share yours here or there or anywhere. Just be sure to put it in a place easily read often as a gentle reminder to take time for yourself each day. Thanks to all who participated in Friday’s Kids Co-Op link up. You have until Thursday to link up, and then it will start all over again on Friday — this time for ideas related to being creative with your kids (or any wholesome family fun you want to feature as well).