One small thing - How to find your creative spark after a holiday.
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Hello there,
Well, I'm back from holiday but I'm not sure that I'm raring to go (yet). A week is just about long enough for me to get into the groove of downtime and I feel hungry for more.
Despite the arrival of storm Kathleen this weekend, my favourite time of the year is here. Everything is bursting into life and the trees are the freshest green that they will be all year. I wrote more about my love of spring ​here​. I also discovered a new feature in the weather app, on my iphone, that I have been transfixed by (I know that sounds a little bit nerdy but bear with). There is a wind map that shows the direction and speed of the wind and you can pan out to see how windy it is all around the world. This weekend the eye of storm Kathleen swirled just off the coast of Ireland and we had more wind in the UK than anywhere else I cared to inspect. I had two very windy dog walks, one in glorious sunshine and one being pelted with rain. But it was so nice to get outside into the very fresh air. A long walk in the countryside always makes me feel like I can breathe again and any stress just melts away.
In fact walking is also my go to activity for problem solving and creative inspiration. But that only works if I don't listen to music or a podcast. I need stillness and the sound of my own thoughts to let my mind wander. That is when the magic happens.
It can feel counterintuitive to take a break during the working day. I have been conditioned for years that work should start at 08:00 and end at 17:30. When I worked in the hospital there was no guarantee that there would be coffee breaks or a lunch break either!
Now when I work from home, I sometimes find myself staring at my computer screen thinking that I am working, but really nothing is happening. I usually try a coffee break, and that can yield a bit of inspiration, but if I really want to make some progress, then I need to get outside for a walk. I try to make sure that I don't forget any good ideas. So I take my phone along as a good way to record a voice note or type a memo.
It has taken a lot of self-work to give myself permission to do this during my "working day." I needed a big change in mindset to redefine walking as work time. I would love to try walking coaching with clients. I think the change in scene and being in nature will be a great motivator and creative boost. Watch this space…
Let me know what you do to reignite your creative spark when you return from holiday, only to find yourself in the work doldrums.
Something else to read...
"Fitness to finances: tips to help manage the menopause"
Harriet Meyer
Prefer audio? Then check this out...
"I was a spice girl shouting about girl power, but I was girl powerless."
How to fail podcast - Elizabeth Day and Mel B
Coaching Prompt
"What is inside your circle of control?"
What are you able to control? It can be very liberating to let go of the things that you have absolutely no control over.
3 songs long
I chose 3 songs for the playlist because it lasts for 10 minutes (ish). That 10 minutes is the perfect length of time for you to either listen, relax, do an exercise snack, walk round the block, or do anything you fancy to music (go wild with your imagination). You can listen to my playlist or make one of your own.
That's it for this week. If you would like to explore how to take the next steps please ​check out my website​ to find out more about working with me. I have two places left for one to one coaching starting in May, and ​I would love to chat with you​ to see how I can help you to make a start on your next fabulous adventure.
Love from,
Lucinda x