It started last month with a need to be creative. I’ve had a bunch of arts supplies languishing in my craft/laundry room for years now so I didn’t have to start from scratch. I went on YouTube for some inspiration and fell down a rabbit hole of the mixed media art, junk journals and paint techniques world and I haven’t been the same since.

Here is what it has done to and for me.

I began by clearing away the dust and debris that was piled high on my work space. That alone created excitement. Nothing like a tidy surface to get the creative juices flowing and the desire to begin something new. Then I took stock of my supplies and ventured out to the local art stores to top up my inventory but in truth, the dollar stores ended up being a great source of cheap papers, stamps, and ephemera to get me started.

I was feeling like a kid again who was loaded up with new school supplies. Excited to try out my new materials and so sure that they were all the right items that would enable me to create amazing art. I was practically giddy.

I pulled out a few classic CD’s; Elton John’s, Yellow Brick Road – Fleetwood Mac’s, Rumors – Heart’s, Dreamboat Annie. Dusted off my antiquated CD player, turned up the volume and began.

Now I’m not delusional. I knew that my art was not going to be very good to start. That was never the point, only the act of creating. I yearned for that totally freeing, in the zone, space where time stands still and flies both at the same time. When you unclip the leash of expectation on your imagination and let it out to play.

The flood gates opened on my whole world, and not just with my art. My dreams have become vivid once again and honestly, a little strange. My vision is more acute; the colours I now see are more dynamic. My energy has improved as well. I used to be curled up in my recliner with a good book by 8 o’clock but have found myself on more than a few evenings burning the late night candle with the need to see how the next stage of a project is going to reveal itself to me.

And that’s the biggest kick of creating for me, I am as much the creator as I am along for the ride of the creation. I am always surprised by the final results and maybe a little awed as well. Did I really just create that?

But here is the most important realization that I’ve received from the rebirth of my creativity, an even deeper joy in me than I had before I started to create – and I’m a pretty joyful crone! My soul is singing once again. Actually, so am I, singing that is, and while I still remember the words to my favourite classic albums and can belt out a tune with gusto, there won’t be any Karaoke competitions in my future.

That doesn’t matter though because I am creating for myself. No one is watching and even if they are, I couldn’t care less. I’ve missed this part of me. Why I stopped, I couldn’t say, but I’m glad I’ve got my creative groove back and plan to continue letting my imagine out to play as long as she wants to.