Whether you’re a writer, musician, artist, or another creative type, there is that energy inside you that spurs you on. Tells you to keep creating, keep working, for your stories need to be told.

Some folks call it the muse, others call it blessings from a goddess, others call it inspiration or God. No matter what you label it, the key thing we all need to remember from time to time is to pamper it. Your brain requires new input (museums, colorful paintings, a great film, a lovely book, etc.) in order to get new and fresh ideas. If you’re constantly at the canvas or the keyboard, it’s tempting to keep working and never give yourself a break.

This is counterproductive. The key is to offer a balance. Yes, do the work. Do not give in to resistance. But you must feed your muse, too. It will make all the difference.

Ideas:

– Walk in the park (or just around the block if you’re in a big city)

– See a movie

– Go have a picnic outside

– Take another driving route from the one you usually do

– See paintings in a museum

– Visit Pinterest to see some colorful and inspiring photos.

Pamper your muse. She will pay you back tenfold.

Welcome to Tuesday, all :) This morning I am typing with a bit of a sad heart. Two wonderful artists – Lee Thompson Young, who played a detective on the TV show Rizzoli & Isles, died yesterday. He was 29. Then I wake up and hear that Elmore Leonard, the novelist behind the hits such as Get Shorty, has died at 87. The world is a bit less bright today. Lee Thompson Young seemed to have a bright future ahead of him which is now snuffed out. Elmore Leonard, while in his 80s, continued to write. We will miss any pent-up stories that he was never able to tell. RIP…