Chapter 1: The Call to Create

Lately, I’ve found it challenging to put pen to paper. However, that changed today after a session of painting in my backyard studio. My focus here is on the inspiration behind my writing rather than the actual writing process itself. In my professional life, I produce a variety of written materials: sales copy, blog posts, training materials, scripts, websites, landing pages, and high-converting email campaigns.

I’m often described as a spontaneous writer, creating when the inspiration strikes, which is usually quite often. But recently, I’ve felt a notable absence of creative energy for my writing endeavors.

A nagging inner voice has been questioning my worth as a writer: "Aren't you tired of your own words? Who even cares about your interests? After all the literature you've consumed, you still feel clueless. Perhaps it’s time to hang up the pen and pursue painting more seriously. Why not consider a vow of silence while you're at it?"

Instead, I’ve found a renewed passion for painting. Why has painting taken precedence over writing? Honestly, I can’t pinpoint the reason. Yet, the more I immerse myself in creativity, the more it becomes a familiar and comforting space. It’s a realm where words flow effortlessly, much like paint on canvas.

These words aren’t solely mine; they are the result of an ethereal creative force that guides me. I’m merely a facilitator, responding to its call. My approach to writing mirrors my approach to painting: spontaneous and instinctive.

Section 1.2: Clues to Unlock Creativity

One of my favorite reads is "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" by Betty Edwards. This influential work delves into how our brain’s two hemispheres relate to our drawing abilities.

First published in the 1970s, the book suggests that mastering drawing involves engaging the right side of our brain, which excels at visual tasks, rather than the left side, which tends to dominate our thinking with logic and analysis.

“Draw what you see, not what you think you see.”

Edwards offers exercises that help us transition from left-brain to right-brain thinking, enhancing our visual perception and drawing skills. The left brain simplifies the world into familiar shapes, but by engaging the right side, we can perceive our environment in rich detail.

The essence is this: as children, we all possessed the ability to draw and paint until we lost that connection. Fortunately, we can rediscover that part of ourselves if we are willing to invest time and effort into reigniting our inner inspiration.

“Dismissing drawing as something that only some people can do closes off a varied and meaningful human experience.” — Betty Edwards

Chapter 2: Engaging with Your Inner Artist

The wellspring of creative inspiration resides in each of us; it’s an innate part of who we are. Unfortunately, societal pressures often diminish our creativity in favor of more traditional career paths, such as law or medicine, leading many to feel trapped in a cycle of unfulfilling work.

Let’s be honest: nurturing creativity and daydreaming isn't typically celebrated in our culture. Instead, we’re conditioned to focus on accumulating material possessions, often at the expense of our mental well-being.

To find inspiration, it’s vital to listen to that inner voice. Practices such as meditation, proper rest, mindfulness, and physical activity can provide valuable insights.

If self-doubt creeps in, embrace the mindset of a beginner! Personally, I consider myself a novice in many of my pursuits, and by trusting in the source of creative inspiration, I continuously draw closer to it.

Engaging with creative inspiration vastly outweighs the alternatives of monotony, distraction, and the relentless pursuit of external validation. It significantly benefits our mental and physical health compared to the chaos often portrayed in the media.

Thank you for taking the time to read my reflections. When I'm not mentoring emerging entrepreneurs or advising business owners, I focus on enhancing people's mental well-being through writing, speaking, and coaching. For more insights, visit www.CliffordJones.com or subscribe to The Clarity Letter on Substack.

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