Some years ago I was sad and empty and feeling very inferior. I started this blog and 3 people reached out and encouraged me (symbols above, Jamie, Megg, Alexandra). Those first contacts and countless more since then have added beautiful, bright colours to my world and made me feel more a part of things and not so isolated here in my little town. This week I will be watching out for guides all around me and working on intensifying relationships with them.

12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women

Secret 6: Conquering Saboteurs

I can give compliments freely and have no problem being enthusiastic or sharing my admiration for people BUT I cannot criticise others OR take personal criticism – I have no problem talking to a third person about someone who upsets me but it´s very difficult for me to tell that person directly for fear of it coming back at me and then having to accept some criticism myself. This makes me ashamed of myself again and again and I am often fearful of putting myself and my ideas out there. My biggest fear is being laughed at. It makes my tears well up just thinking about it.
I´m sure there were situations in my childhood and later years that have played a role but only because it´s a weakness of mine that others have picked up on. Their critical, unaccepting and laughing voices are my gremlins and although I can be creative and happy regardless, they have the power to hold me back.
I have noticed my fear of success. I see the world in two parts. The artists, social thinkers and alternative lifestylers on one side and the greedy, money making business mogules on the other. (Even while I´m writing this one of my gremlins is saying you´re all going to thinking I´m crazy). I want to be in the first half and am afraid of getting too close to the second half. Does this make sense to anyone? So although I do want to have abundance and financial security in my life, I fear getting caught up in working life and becoming part of a system I don´t like. I´m sure that this outlook also blocks my creative ideas and endeavours too.
I feel like the path has been easy these last few weeks and now I´m standing in front of a steep hill. HELP!

SEW HAPPY!

One pile of scraps + 3 lovely, quiet hours of cutting and sewing = lots of bags

The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women

Secret 5: Commiting to Self-Focus
The way for me to silence those voices in my head telling me I have more important things to do than collage or sew, is to have a plan and stick to it. Routines and rituals feel good to me. I feel at ease when I know that I am taking care of myself and my family, when I can open my door and not be ashamed of my apartment or my appearance and when I have enough time to create and to be with family and friends. When I don´t plan my days and just let them happen, time runs away from me and I feel like I´ve done nothing.
During Soul Coaching I made my Zen Teacup - I know what´s important to me and I don´t let much else in. It´s MY cup, it´s MY life! I´d love to see what´s in your cup.

The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women

(Wolfsberg and Bad St Leonhard-where I live)

Secret 4: Surrendering to Creative Cycles

In the past I have often felt stuck and lost - mainly this had to do with my financial situation. Living in a house too big for my pocket had me frantically looking for ways to be creative to make money. I started to realise that it would be easier to find ways to live well without spending so much. I started buying groceries locally- directly from farmers, baking my own bread, cookies and cakes and making yoghurt, pasta, marmalade and cordials myself. I learnt how to grow a vegetable garden that almost feeds us during the summer months and I started making gifts and cards instead of buying expensive gifts for friends. I used to feel held back by not having much money but now I see it was my ticket to creativity.

Right now I love what I do - teaching english to adults and children and including my own creative ideas within my teaching. It thrills me to see people develop confidence in their language skills and I love that I am able to put them at ease so they enjoy their time with me and go away smiling.

Being outside, exploring my surroundings, fresh air and the change of seasons stimulates my creativity. I love moving with the seasons like people did years ago. Being in the garden in spring and summer, knitting socks, scarves and gloves in autumn, slowing down in winter and using up what I have. The year moves a little slower when I live with the seasons and appreciate what each one has to offer. Going for walks and really seeing the world around me opens my eyes to the beauty all around and makes me feel invigorated and open to creative impulses.