Post # 50 - The Creative Practice I’m Returning To This Year

Posted under: Creativity, Joy, or Expression | The Full Life Edit

At the start of a new year, I often think about growth — not just in career or habits, but in the parts of life that bring joy and self-expression. For me, creativity is one of those anchors. Yet, in the rush of daily life, it can slip to the bottom of the priority list.

This year, I’m making space for it again — returning to a creative practice that reconnects me with joy, presence, and even myself.

🌿 Why Returning to Creativity Matters

Life is busy. Work demands attention. Responsibilities multiply. But when I neglect creativity, I feel a quiet emptiness. The act of creating — whether it’s painting, writing, photography, or baking something new — isn’t just a hobby. It’s a form of meditation, self-discovery, and release.

Returning to creativity this year is about:

• Joy: Experiencing pleasure in the act, not the result.
• Presence: Losing myself in a process that exists only in the moment.
• Expression: Communicating feelings, ideas, or stories that might not find words otherwise.
• Recharge: Giving my mind and spirit a break from constant productivity.

It reminds me that growth isn’t always linear or measurable. Sometimes, it’s about doing something that simply makes the soul feel lighter.

✨ My Chosen Creative Practice

I’ve decided to return to doodling and journaling this year. Simple, portable, and deeply satisfying.

Why this works for me:

• It doesn’t require a perfect space or hours of time.
• It combines visual expression with reflection.
• It allows me to play, experiment, and make mistakes without judgment.

My routine:

• Keep a small notebook and pens by my bedside or workspace.
• Spend 10–15 minutes each morning or evening drawing shapes, patterns, or small sketches inspired by my day.
• Occasionally, pair doodling with writing short reflections or gratitude notes.

Even when the doodles are messy or the words clumsy, I feel accomplished simply because I showed up.

🖌️ The Power of Small Creative Moments

I’ve realized that creativity doesn’t need to be grand. You don’t need to finish a novel, paint a masterpiece, or bake a three-tier cake. It’s the tiny, consistent acts of creation that make the biggest difference:

• Painting a border on a journal page.
• Taking a photo of something beautiful or unusual during a walk.
• Experimenting with a new recipe or flavor combination.
• Writing a few sentences about a fleeting thought or dream.

These moments cultivate mindfulness and joy. They also remind me that self-expression is a vital part of a full life.

🌸 Lessons From Returning to Creativity

Returning to a creative practice after neglecting it has taught me:

• Perfection isn’t the goal: The act of creating matters more than the outcome.
• Consistency matters: Even a few minutes daily adds up over time.
• Play is essential: Creativity thrives when it’s fun, not pressured.
• Self-discovery happens in small steps: Often, insights about myself appear unexpectedly through doodles or writing.

Creativity, I’ve learned, is a gentle teacher. It doesn’t demand performance. It simply asks for presence.

🌱 Making Space for Joy

This year, I’m committing to small, regular creative rituals. I’ve noticed that when I carve out these pockets of joy, they influence other areas of my life:

• I approach work and chores with more patience.
• My moods feel lighter, even during stressful days.
• I feel more connected to myself and my surroundings.

The rhythm of creating, even briefly, restores balance. It reminds me that a “full life” isn’t just about achievement — it’s about living with presence, curiosity, and delight.

🌸 A Gentle Invitation

I encourage you to pick one creative practice this year — something simple, something you enjoy, and something that reconnects you with joy. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t done it in years or if it feels messy. What matters is showing up.

Creativity isn’t about proving skill or impressing anyone. It’s about honoring yourself, exploring ideas, and celebrating small moments of joy.

💬 Tell me: What creative practice brings you joy? Are you returning to something you loved in the past, or trying something new this year? Share in the comments — I’d love to hear how you express yourself.

– M.E