First 4 Favorite Creative Resources of 2014
Have you ever had one of those moments where you’re just putting your dream “out there” and suddenly the Universe/God takes notice and decides to throw you a bone? Those moments are divine. Last week was like a big “Yep, you’re on the right track, kiddo,” from God. It seemed that inspiration came from every outlet I was exposed to. Friends, colleagues and family provided new tools, so much in fact that it took me a few days to process.
It feels like optimism is literally flowing through my veins. And I want to share that with you!
I have to taste-tested each of these resources before I recommend them to you.
Snag these creative resources to start your year off right:
1. Visit the lovely Susannah Conway’s website and download her free Unraveling the Year Ahead 2014 workbook. Sometimes we all just need a little hand-holding when it comes to figuring out what’s next. This workbook is a great tool. Thanks to my friend Emily for sharing this with me.
2. Buy A Year of Writing Dangerously, by Barbara Abercrombie, well, that is, if you’re in to writing – even just for fun.
I’m only a few days into this book, but every day is another meaningful, meaty inspiration. It’s so good it’s almost too good. I haven’t stopped savoring the previous day’s inspiration when it’s already time for today’s treasure. It’s like being at an all-you-can-eat buffet of carefully selected gourmet fare.
I am a big fan of Barbara Abercrombie, in fact she is one of the first authors I came across, years ago, when I was toying with the idea of becoming a writer.
Visit her site here: barbaraabercrombie.com
3. Sign Up for Monica Bhide’s Powered by Hope, a one-year long digital storytelling project. It’s free and it’s just one inspirational email per week, “to get you thinking,” and then on Fridays you can chat with Monica live on Facebook. It just started on Monday, Jan. 6th so jump on board.
I was immediately intrigued by Monica’s story because she too had a former life before becoming a writer and one day (ten years ago) decided to finally pursue her dream. She has become quite the successful writer as well. She is one of the top 10 food writers on Twitter. In addition to several books, her work has been published in The New York Times, SELF, Food & Wine, Bon Apetit & more.
Her first email (sent Monday) helped me set my week with the intention of focusing on what I really want to do, not the 1,000 other things I could do. I look forward to the next and subsequent emails.
So what are you waiting for? Go sign up before you miss too many inspirations! Plus it’s Free. Join the Powered by Hope movement >
(You also get a pretty amazing free gift when you sign up – like whip cream on top.)
4. Finally, Buy & Use The Complete Artist’s Way: Creativity as a Spiritual Practice, by Julia Cameron. “Wow,” is the first thing I have to say. I received this book for Christmas, from my wonderfully supportive mom. I started working through the 12 week creativity reawakening exercises. Let me tell ya, if you want to be a more creative person, whether it’s in your art, craft, writing, speaking, even work you will grow leaps and bounds by implementing the principles in this book.
I’ve been wanting to read/practice this book for years, but my life has been quite tumultuous. I finally have the time and support to commit now and I am utterly enjoying it. I consider myself a pretty creative person – a designer, brand strategist, writer, etc. but this book is helping me open the floodgates and court the muse like I never have before.
As you step into this New Year I encourage you to imagine the possibilities and visualize what could happen if this year becomes the year you finally commit to your dream(s).
Have some creative or inspiring resources? Please do share!
