Sometimes I think it’s hard to define what creative living actually is, as it can be anything from making to being spontaneous, how you go about your days, decorate yourself or simply problem solving.

Here I am talking about making, producing something in the Arts in the form of art work and writings. Because those are in my story.

In Elizabeth Gilbert’s book Big Magic, I’ve written on her chapter on how fear is boring about when ideas fail she goes on to talk about permission.

This for me is a biggie.

I too am reminding myself of my creative abilities daily, I don’t have anyone in my everyday life that makes stuff. I turn to the online world, social media and authors who make stuff for people that do.

Creative living starts at A – allowing, allowing yourself to make stuff without anyone’s permissions. To cultivate a knowing that you are free to explore whatever you want and make something out of it.

To take that photo when it looks odd to others, to focus in on a word, phrase and make it the main focus of a journal page. To let go and use children’s paint to decorate lining paper with whatever that comes. To type up moments in your life and make them into stories because you enjoy it and so may others.

It also begins with another A – action. Take the other day, for example, I was talking to T.Singh about a project idea I have and am working on. I was vague on purpose as it’s a BIG goal of mine and involves writing more. I mentioned how I will do a little a day and it’ll become something much bigger. He responded with – wait till you have more time.

Wait. What.

That is totally the last thing you should say to me or to any creative being on the planet.

Because I don’t know how much time I have. This may be it, life may get busier. The only time I really have is now. The 15 minute gap of time or 30 minutes free is all mine for the taking.

That and I want to give life to my ideas, like building a boat to sail across the sea, gradual action goes far.

‘He didn’t quit his job to follow his dream; he just folded his dream into his everyday life.

When my father grew curious about things, he pursued them. He had solid faith in his capabilities’. – Gilbert, on her Dad

Creative living is becoming the new normal again, last year I was getting myself through a lot of changes and trudged through making like I was walking in thick mud. I showed up anyway, with an unbalanced but steadfast faith that inspiration and ideas would come one day again, they have.

I’m all for permission slips, imaginary or actual, whatever supports you through.

To end here are some permission slips I’m exploring again, you, of course, have permission to use any of them:

• Sketch now think later
• Shut up and write the book
• Make a mark (any mark)
•  Paint it out
• Just journal