This was a very easy article to write. I was late in getting started this month, and as my publication deadline got closer and I could no longer wait until I felt like writing an article, I was forced to sit down and do it. In doing it, I thought about the last month (when I meant to be getting started on this as well as other creative projects), and I identified seven things that have gotten in the way of my creativity. Maybe youll see yourself in some of these.

1. Not getting enough sleep I noticed this one the most when I DID finally get a good, long sleep (the night before writing this, actually). All of a sudden my muse was speaking to me again (see below for more on that), the day looked positive and full of promise and I was open to the ideas that are always flowing around me. And I just plain felt good! Sleep is something I write and speak a lot about, and its still a practice I need to consciously keep up so I dont slip back into bad habits.

2. Trying to do it alone Bouncing ideas off someone else is invaluable to me. When I stop before I start (see below), and I dont consult or collaborate with others, I miss out on the collective voices that are available to me. Just hearing my own telling of an idea reading it aloud or describing it can be enough. Any feedback or new ideas is a bonus. If the idea is really fresh and precious, I may ask the listener not to give feedback, and let them know I just need a sounding board at this point.

3. Stopping before I start Not carrying out my creative projects because of self-doubt, real or imagined obstacles, perfectionism or generalized fear. When it came to writing todays article, I had to Just Start.

4. Poverty mentality Its very constricting to be worried about money all the time. Im doing a lot of reading and learning about this topic right now Im sure Ill be able to share more in future issues.

5. A cluttered work/living space Its been over two years since I finished my first major de-cluttering and its time for another one! Exciting! While my living space has stayed tidy, some clutter (things I dont need, use or love) has crept back in and is starting to gnaw at me.

6. Disconnection from my inner wisdom When Im rested and feeling well, I can much more easily tap into the ideas that are flowing around me. Whether its being open to something useful in an article Im reading, or just listening for the solution of that problem Ive been struggling with for a few days (and really, it just came to me), the answers are there.

7. Disconnection from my body If Id been paying closer attention to my bodys needs, I think I would have arranged sooner for some nights of extra sleep. I need to listen to the messages my body is sending me do I feel nourished by the food Im eating (or am I getting hungry too often), am I hydrated (or do I feel thirsty or light-headed, or is my skin extra-dry)? Am I showing physical signs of stress muscle tightness, shallow breathing or headaches? My body will reward me if I listen to it, use common sense and give it what it wants.

If you saw yourself in some of these examples, take heart. Awareness is the most important step for change to take place. To look in more detail at your self-care habits, take the free quiz on the Resources page of my website.

(c) Copyright 2005, Genuine Coaching Services.

Linda Dessau

Linda Dessau, the Self-Care Coach, is the author of Roadblocks to Creativity, a free e-course designed to illuminate the 7 most common issues that creative artists face on the road to expressing their creative dreams. Pick up your copy now at the Genuine Coaching Services website.