Another Mirror80 photo shoot in the works
Happy Monday, Everyone! This past spring, Mirror80 started a new series that celebrates the creative process. Many of you have written in and shared information about your own creative projects, and it occurred to me that a lot of us are in this together–living a life that includes a heavy dose of creativity on a weekly, daily or hourly basis. Our first post in the series (titled “On Creativity“) gave a little bit of background on Mirror80, then asked all of you to get involved in the dialogue. We then focused “On Making a Fresh Start” and the ways that a few changes can take creativity to new heights. Today we take a look at the power of recharging…
Poolside seating at Austin’s Hotel San Jose
Many of us who make time for creativity in our lives start finding it a bit difficult to juggle our daily demands (work, basic tasks such as doing the dishes, remembering to go to the dentist from time to time) with fulfilling our creative passions. Then there’s making time to hang out with friends. And if you’re lucky enough to make money at doing something you love, or if you’re trying to, working around the clock can become a way of life. So when do you slow down? And what’s relaxing to you?
Cut Copy’s Dan Whitford and Tim Hoey perform at Stubb’s in Austin, Texas
I can always tell when I’m reaching a point where I need to recharge, because I find myself completely overextended and short-tempered. Due to a bit of flooding in our house last month and some other expenses, travel is not possible this summer. So I’ve decided to take a few weekends over the next couple of months and make them special right here in Austin. This past weekend was a great place to start, because we had tickets to see Cut Copy. I’ve been a fan of their music (and live performances) for the last 9 years–my hubby introduced me to their work when we first fell in love! This weekend’s show was amazing. [photo above from The Line of Best Fit]
Second Bar + Kitchen in Austin, Texas
After the show, we headed to Second Bar + Kitchen on 2nd Street and enjoyed a sampling of delicious desserts. Fruit pate, moon pies and lavender shortbread were the perfect way to top off the night. Did I mention that we kicked off the weekend by briefly visiting Austin’s Hotel San Jose and relaxing at their lounge while enjoying some Saltine Chocolate Toffee Brittle? One budget-friendly tip: eat a super affordable dinner, and then head somewhere special for dessert. [image above from Austin Race Hotels]
A DIY cinder block planter
So that leads me to the whole point of this post, folks…
How do you recharge? Do you immerse yourself in your creative projects? Do you take a break from them? Do you travel? Do people energize you, or do you need to spend time along to recharge?
For me, it’s a little something like this: Having a weekend where there are absolutely no obligations (I get up when I want and do exactly what I feel like doing), creating a special post for Mirror80 (like the Retro Foodie photo shoot I staged this weekend), engaging in some type of DIY project (yesterday I made the cinder block planter above), making a point to sit and do nothing (hence the eating dessert outside at relaxing places), and experiencing some sort of art, music or film that inspires me creatively (thank you, Cut Copy).
It means saying no sometimes when people ask me to do things that I don’t have the energy to do. And it means having some weekends that are even a little more low key than this past one. But I wake up every day with the desire to create something, so for me, the perfect day is a day in which I’ve been able to work on some sort of project.
What does YOUR perfect weekend look like? Let us know how you work relaxation into your creative schedule by leaving a comment below…
I feel you on so many levels Kate.
Most people do not understand the creative personality complex. Most people don’t realize that without minds like us, everything around us purely doesn’t exist. Every object, wall paint, couch, street light etc was designed by a designer and people take these things for granted. The amount of stress we put onto ourselves and always feeling guilty if we don’t help others or don’t perform to 100% compacity on a daily basis is a blow to the creative energy.
Most creatives (including myself 10 fold) are always giving. Always working and trying to be the best at what we do because our passions run so deep for it. Sadly, this amount of energy gets wasted on highly toxic people and energy vampires that take advantage of our addictive auras. Thus, the draining process.
I personally suffer from adrenal fatigue syndrome. It started after an ugly incident 2 years ago with my ex. In this time and managing my condition, I have learned that the biggest power we creative types have it the ability to say no. I know, it’s hard. But it’s the most powerful weapon you have. Unless you recharge your batteries and give yourself a little isolation nothing is going to get done and what good are we if we are running on empty?
I personally take time off in chunks and do simple things to recharge. I love experiencing new foods, drinks and doing a little shopping. Walking around the wilderness helps a lot too. I frequently visit the mountains out here in Las Vegas a lot to get away from everyone and go meditate on a rock somewhere. My biggest release though is ballet and yoga. It’s just a matter of doing it and when your running on empty it’s hard to stay active.
Good for you taking the steps to gain control on your stress levels and find solace in the things you love most. Always remember it’s okay to say no! You are the most important person to yourself! If we don’t love ourselves humbly, then we crash. We can’t have that now!
My recommendation? Come to Vegas. We’ll hang out and eat frozen custard. hahaha
Heather, thank you so much for your comment, and for sharing what brings you peace when you need to recharge. I’m also a big believer in the importance of setting boundaries. It sounds like we both really need time alone on a regular basis, and I’ve noticed that about creative types.
I also really like your idea of taking time off in chunks. And walking around the wilderness. That’s something I really need to do more of. And I’d love to visit Vegas! ; – ) Thanks again for sharing, Heather.