R U Stuck Creatively?
In the crafting world “UFO” means Unfinished Objects. Usually a quilt or large project that has been left to sit for various reasons.
In the rest of the world, I think UFO refers to those things on a seemingly unending To Do List that never seem to get done.
I’m guilty of this. Big (or maybe not so big) projects that I really need to do simply to answer a question or two, let alone resolve a cleaning issue. Cleaning out and inventorying my pantry, for example.
I can have a better handle on meal planning when I know what I have on hand and what I need to purchase.
Recharge your creative batteries!
I’m beginning to think that one of the biggest hurdles to moving forward with Change is tackling the left overs and clearing the decks.
There are always the general day-to-day things that we do simply to keep moving; food, dishes, laundry, trash, etc. But even within those tasks are tasks that keep being pushed to the “I’ll do it later” stack.
More than just clearing the decks, however, tackling UFOs opens up space to be creative. It gets rid of those things that are preventing you from trying new things.
Lots of us get stuck in the rut of “I can’t start anything new until I finish all my pending stuff.” or some such.
Could this be considered self-sabotage?
Can’t start the New Eating Plan until all the old food is eaten.
Can’t start the New Craft Project until all the old projects are done.
Can’t find a New Series to Watch until I’ve caught up with all the old ones.
A few years ago I spent a couple of weeks away from home recovering from surgery. As such, my regular TV schedule was put by the wayside and I lost momentum with several series. Turns out, I had the opportunity to catch up, but didn’t.
Recently, for various reasons, my TV viewing schedule has been put on the sidelines, not because I can’t, but because I don’t want to keep up.
If you’ve been with me for any length of time, you know how dedicated I can be to those few shows I keep up with. This change has been unsettling and interesting.
I’ve spent time focusing on classes, checking out new videographers, exploring topics I had previously had only a passing interest in.
As a result of this, I’ve rekindled an interest in a craft I’d put aside and am now contemplating tackling again. I gathered new material to use when I’m ready. I’ve added information that I can use later.
By clearing out my “I have to do this” list, I made room for the “I might want to do this” list.
To put it another way, by cleaning out the closet, I’ve made room for new things.
If you are stuck, in whatever version of “creativity” you prefer, maybe you need to consider that not all projects left unfinished need to be “finished” and that you can give yourself permission to either hand them off or leave them be and go on to the next.
