Reclaiming Your Creativity + “The Artists Way”
Reclaiming your Creativiy
Creativity is the act of bringing something into the world that didn’t exist before. From that lens, so much of what we do is inherently creative: making a beautiful meal, hosting a gathering with friends, planting a tree, pulling together a playlist, snapping a photo. Even resolving a conflict can be an act of creation—taking clashing perspectives (beliefs, feelings, opinions) and transforming them into something new (understanding, peace, a way forward).
I used to think creativity was a personality trait reserved for artists or children. Now I see it as a birthright — a core part of how we work, live, and lead. It’s how our intuition, our spark, our essence comes alive — and how we each shape the world we want to live in.
If you're feeling restless, burnt out, or detached, chances are your creativity has taken a back seat. Or maybe you're overlooking the creative potential in something you're already doing. This season, what might it look like to reclaim your creativity? Here are a few prompts for reflection:
✨ What did you love doing as a kid, before the world told you to be practical? Think back to childhood joys — were you always dancing, doodling, collecting, storytelling, exploring?
✨ Where have you been denying yourself permission to create — and what would it feel like to say yes? Is there a quiet longing you’ve pushed aside? Let yourself imagine the joy of saying yes.
✨ If you weren’t afraid, what would you try next? Let your inner artist lead the way. Fear often guards the door to your most meaningful expression.
“The Artist’s Way” and Artist Dates
One thing that’s been influencing me lately is The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron — a ‘90s classic about discovering (or recovering) your creative self. A core element of the practice is the weekly Artist Date: a solo, playful, and intentional outing to nourish your inner creative.
It’s more than self-care — it’s meant to spark joy, curiosity, and inspiration. It’s a chance to stimulate your senses, feed your imagination, and refill the well you draw from in your creative life. No pressure to produce — just permission to explore.
This week, my Artist Date looked like blocking off a day at my property, Terra Nova, to spend some solo time in a space that inspires me. Just to keep it real: I spent a lot (okay, most) of the day working — it was a Monday, after all — but I did carve out a couple of hours for intentional, nourishing activities:
Morning (1 hour): Meditated and flipped through my favorite design books (inspiration for an upcoming renovation)
Evening (1 hour): Watched the sunset while experimenting with a set of singing bowls I brought back from Thailand
Bonus: I also got to blend work and play by spending time with a new set of postcards I created for guests at Stay With Terra — a collaboration with local photographer, Karli. I’ll be handwriting notes to each guest, giving them a little dose of desert magic and a tangible reflection of our ethos: grounding, connection, and care.
✨ Where might you take yourself on a date this week? Try a sensory adventure — wander through a flower shop and take in the scents, or try on wild outfits at a thrift store you’d never usually wear. I’ve had friends and clients go off-roading in their Jeep, rewatch a favorite childhood movie, or get lost in a library aisle. My husband recently walked through a botanical garden, then read his book at a favorite lookout — simple, grounding, and just for him.
