stoking the creative fire

This year has been off to an unusual start. Sensing back in time, it even feels a little rocky, and yet at the same time, life has come to feel more peaceful and balanced than I have maybe experienced in years. The year closed with a mix of machine malfunctions, frustrations with certain aspects of my business, the suffocating mess my studio had become through months of heavy work, and a pile of other little irritations, all of which mounted to a general feeling of burnout. I don’t use that word lightly, and I think I really know what it means now. It’s no fun, and yet if taken advantage of, it’s sure a great catalyst.

So I have been spreading out my wings, shoring up the deficiencies in my life, dedicating time to art and design, brainstorming over collaborations with my partner, learning new skills, brushing up on old and unused skills, and generally trying to round out each day with a flow that includes doing what gets my creative fires burning. I feel like this is going to be a kick ass year – every year feels like it’s going to be amazing, really – but the feeling of this year has a spark that I haven’t felt the likes of in quite some time.

Anything you all are feeling for the year? New inspirations, aspirations, motivations? It helps to look forward now and then, and feel around for the right direction to go.