Work Life Balance: the importance of RR&C
Those of you who know me well will get a chuckle out of todays’s title. One of those chuckling chortling types of sounds that often comes with ‘a pot calling the kettle …’ and a smirk.
In my defence may I suggest that those who relate most keenly are posed perfectly to develop the best tips .
What I do know, after a beautiful day out with friends where lots of chatting, creative inspiration, fresh salt air and the most amazing coast line watching happened, is that 24 hours out of the ‘everyday’, is restorative.
I seem to be on a theme. If you are wondering about the two Rs they are Rest and Relaxation (normally abbreviated as R&R).
To R&R, I have added C.
C is for Creativity. Now before anyone protests about not having a ‘creative bone in their body’, I would like to share my views on creativity. I hold a passionate belief that we are formed with creativity embedded in each of our cells. How can we not be?
We live in a breathtaking (although challenged) world, in bodies that are intricately designed (even though they can and do malfunction).
From my perspective everything we are and everything we do, is founded in creativity. Each thought we think, each dream we dream, each decision we make.
We may not all ‘naturally or even easily’ fit the ‘expressive arts’ mold of creativity, but creativity is so much bigger and broader than that.
Independent thinking; out of the box living; curiosity; adaptability; willingness to embrace change, step into the unknown or go with the flow; these are just a few of the ways creativity can be experienced in our lives.
Our belief system and mindset plays a significant role in whether we embrace our creativity or not, whether we can fully express our true selves or not.
In the last few years of Primary School, I fell in love with the piano. Fortunately for me one of my brother’s had expressed an interest, so when one became available our family said yes. I can’t remember how many lessons, if any, my brother ended up having, but as I’ve mentioned before, I went on to learn and play for years.
Our piano teacher happened to be one of the most respected and renowned piano teachers in Victoria, of that time. She was also one of the strictest AMEB (Australian Music Examination Board) examiners.
I will never forget our first meeting, the day my younger sister and I went together to be assessed by her. She talked with us and tested our ‘musical ear’. Her verdict still rings in my ears. My sister had a natural musical ear and gift. I could be taught if I studied and practiced hard enough.
It may have been the first judgement passed on my ‘musical ability’, it certainly wasn’t the last.
On applying for a place in the school choir, my High School music teacher told me that I did not have a good singing range or voice, but that I could probably manage to sing with the ‘Altos’ (the mid-range singers), with practice.
Much later in a very different setting my lack of gifted ‘ear’ and innate rhythmic timing were spotlighted as deficits. Along with, that was amazing you actually ‘sounded’ good, after performing one of my original songs.
I share these stories with the knowledge that many of my friends ‘think I am the most creative person they know’. Even that my piano playing is ‘precious, and special’ (a couple of them have literally taken the time to remind me of this lately).
So what does it all mean, what is the take home.
Firstly and hopefully more and more intuitively, others may have opinions about us, even educated ones, but these do not need to define us.
Secondly, creativity in which ever shape or form inspires us, is not the right of a chosen few, it is something each and everyone of us are able to explore and grow in.
Curiosity is the foundation of creativity. Ask yourself these questions:
What am I drawn to,
what inspires me
What would happen if I allowed myself explore this
do some research, gain some skills?
The day before yesterday after a busy stressful week, a few choice pages of art found themselves folded in disgust and dropped into a bin.
Today, after watching a few simple lessons on a style that caught my eye and inspired me to try again, I am excited to spend some time and put my new knowledge to good use.
There are areas in all our lives where we naturally excel and others areas where we need to learn, practice and put in the harder yards.
A balanced life is built when we spend time in what comes easily to us, it builds our self -esteem and resilience … AND … when we take time out to learn, grow and develop skills that don’t.
Whether your definition of creativity comes naturally to you or not, I encourage you to get curious and allow yourself to explore the subjects or activities that light a spark in you.
Of course to do that, you need to make intentional time management choices; to manage you work life balance. To give equal weight to areas of your life that include self care and build your well-being.
It is especially important to schedule in ‘special days’, like I had yesterday that fill your contentment tank. These days give you the energy and excitement to try new things?
If you have any questions or are looking for support for your journey, you can DM me or book in an appointment ( see link on Bio)
P.S. I am dreaming in the back ground towards offering creative and mindful classes, if you have any thoughts or requests I’d love to hear them.
Until next time
Liz