Hey, creative peeps, here are twelve gift ideas (either for yourself or for others!) in honor of the 12 Days of Christmas. Enjoy!
On the FIRST day of Christmas // The gift of aloneness
We know there’s a difference between being alone and being lonely. Embracing time away from people, phones, and laptops can boost our brain power, especially during this bustling season.
On the SECOND day of Christmas // The gift of learning
Try taking a class or an online course in an unfamiliar field to broaden your creative horizons.
On the THIRD day of Christmas // The gift of momentum
Feeling off your game lately? Try priming the pump with these writing prompts by ThinkWritten.
“If the road behind me is not growing ever longer, then it is likely that the feet underneath me are not moving any longer. And if my feet are not moving, I have somehow, somewhere traded this most glorious journey for lesser endeavors.” ― Craig D. Lounsbrough, An Intimate Collision: Encounters with Life and Jesus
On the FOURTH day of Christmas // The gift of a fresh perspective
Allen Arnold’s The Story of With: A Better Way to Live, Love, & Create offers a fresh perspective on the subject of creativity, squashing pre-conceived notions that only certain privileged folks can attain it.
“Science has shown that, in many ways, we are all wired to create. The key is recognizing that creativity is multifaceted—on the level of the brain, personality, and the creative process—and can be displayed in many different ways, from the deeply personal experience of uncovering a new idea or experience to expressing ourselves through words, photos, fashion, and other everyday creations, to the work of renowned artists that transcends the ages.” -Scott Barry Kaufman, Wired to Create: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind.
On the FIFTH day of Christmas // The gift of acceptance
Embrace your quirks. Enough said.
On the SIXTH day of Christmas // The gift of prayer
Pray for a heightened sense to your surroundings. Engaging all our sensories helps to improve every aspect of life and who better to help than the Creator Himself?
On the SEVENTH day of Christmas // The gift of rest
This is different than the first day. True rest involves shutting down the very senses we just prayed to heighten. It’s resting the body both emotionally and physically. This kind of rest allows our minds to breathe, possibly birthing some of our most creative ideas.
On the EIGHTH day of Christmas // The gift of keen observance
Immerse yourself in nearby crowds. (What better time of year?) Take note of those who pass by. What do you notice about them? Eavesdrop on those eating at the next table. Is there a particular word or phrase you could use in your WIP? The list goes on. Another idea is to pack your camera and head to your downtown area. Capture all things Christmas!
On the NINTH day of Christmas // The gift of a notebook
“A writer is someone on whom ‘nothing is lost'”. -Henry James
On the TENTH day of Christmas // The gift of music
Buy a pack of 3 I-tunes gift cards. Give two away, keep one for yourself. There’s power in music!
“When sailors have to move a heavy load or raise an anchor, they all sing together to keep them up and give them vim. That’s just what artists lack.” -Vincent van Gogh
On the ELEVENTH day of Christmas // The gift of good health and energy
Who needs candy canes stuffed in their stocking? Stock your fridge with blueberries, green tea, leafy vegetables, fatty fish, water, dark chocolate, flaxseeds and nuts.
On the TWELFTH day of Christmas // The gift of a mini-trip
Enjoy all or some of the above gift ideas on a mini-getaway following the holidays. Use this time to restore and re-energize for 2017!
Do you plan to give yourself or someone else any or all of the above gifts? If so, please share your favorite in the comment section. Or, if you have another idea to add, I’d love for you to share it.
Thank you!
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