What Inspires Creativity? - A Short List

Yesterday, while driving around, I started to get ideas for things "someone" should do when "they" retire or have more time on "their" hands. Today, I saw a post on Edutopia, "Creativity on the Run:18 Apps to Inspire Creativity." The apps, truth be told, were not inspiring. So it made me wonder, just what was going on yesterday that got me inspired. 

I started the day by going to the post office.  I had ordered a new book from Amazon by creativity guru, Austin Kleon, titled Show Your Work, about being a working artist or writer. I hadn't read it yet when I started having these ideas. Maybe it was the vibe of the book that was emanating to my brain. I had ordered this book for obvious reasons, but also as a way to support art and creative writing in others. So, while I do have some money (not being retired yet),  I spend it on books. I have no more shelf space, but that's okay, I'll figure it out. I'm putting my money where my mouth, and heart is. 

The second thing I did was go to the public library. Since I rediscovered this amazing community resource, I have been motivated to choose my reading well, and read a whole novel in the three weeks I have with it. The trip to the library becomes a trip to your "self", your identity, an affirmation and recognition of who you are and what is important to you. After making my selections to check out, I sat with a magazine called Flux, a lifestyle magazine based in Hawaii. This one had a War and Peace theme, which was very interesting. 

Then I went to the Keauhou Farmers Market, where I got an avocado and some honey. Why is this creative? It connects you to people doing creative, life-affirming things with their lives. Entrepreneurship is creative, I believe. 

Decided to have lunch at Habeneros, and wanted to tweet: Why do I love Mexican food? I may start tweeting, as I have these tweetable thoughts (and Austin Kleon says to). On my way out, I saw a woman looking out to the ocean with a camera. I looked to see what she was looking at, and I saw a big splash which we know as whale action. I parked my car to whale-watch, and though I saw some spouting, I did not see more breaching. Was this inspiring me? The life force from these magnificent creatures, which I only saw glimpses of? 

This is not my meal, found it on Trip Advisor, but I had 2 soft tacos, fish and carne asada. 

Finally, I went to the beach.  It was one of those shore-crashing Kona days. There's something exhilarating about those days. I read my new book, which was like sitting with a good friend telling you to "Just Do It!" Perhaps, at some point, my creative ideas will come to fruition, as they were sure flowing. Now is not the time. 

This is not the beach I went to, because I didn't take my camera/phone with me. But this was one of those shore-crashing days as well. 

But I will share this. Based on my day, here are 4 things you can do to inspire creativity.

1) Support writers whose work includes inspiring creativity. 

2) Support your local library, spend time there reconnecting to your self.

3) Support  local businesses, especially farmers and restaurants.

4) Go to the beach. Look for whales or dolphins. I don't think this works on its own, because most times, beach days are for chilling, and not doing much of anything, which is still a good thing. I think the important thing was breaking out of my routine and getting out to get fresh air and be one on one with nature. I'm sure it was the combination of these elements in the context of other things going on in my life now that got the juices flowing.