So far in the process of tapping into our creativity, we’ve learned how to appreciate the world around us by looking at life through the eyes of a child. We’ve learned the importance of appreciating the people in that world. And we’ve learned that if you take time to build something . . . to create . . . you can often come up with ideas or solutions to problems that you might not ordinarily have discovered.

Today, we’re going to tackle another obstacle to creativity: the problems that life throws at you. It can be difficult–almost impossible–to tap into your creativity–when your world is falling apart.

This may seem like a very strange topic for a creativity post, but please bear with me. It will eventually become clear.

Maybe your business isn’t as strong as you want it to be and your finances are suffering. Maybe one (or more) of your children have serious health issues. Maybe your aging parents are having health problems and can no longer take care of themselves, and it’s up to you to decide whether or not to put them in a nursing home. Maybe you or a family member was just diagnosed with a life-threatening disease.

Maybe your best friend just committed suicide and you think you could have stopped it. Maybe you lost your life’s savings in the stock market. Maybe your daughter has run away from home. Maybe your kids are doing drugs. Maybe they’ve overdosed, had a car wreck, or are in jail. Maybe your husband is having an affair. Maybe you’re getting a divorce. Maybe . . . maybe . . . maybe . . . You fill in the “maybes.”

The bottom line is: we all have problems.

Now here’s the thing. When you were reading the paragraphs above, how did you feel? You didn’t feel very creative, did you? You probably felt rather depressed and ready to hit the back button to get out of this supposed-to-be happy place.

In other words, when life hits you between the eyes, it’s difficult, if not almost impossible, to feel creative. Yet, we all have problems. How do we get past the problems to reach the creativity inside of us?

With me, I “compartmentalize” the problems to where I can create. I’ll be totally honest, though. Sometimes life hits me so hard that I can’t. But most of the time, I’m able to put the problems in their own compartment so I can reach the creative side of me.

I call it “Looking at Life Through a Dirty Window.” I have the choice of looking at life through a clean window or a dirty window.

If I choose the dirty window, I don’t get to see the vibrant yellow of the sun or feel its glow on my face. I don’t get to feel the grass tickle my feet or smell it after it’s been freshly cut. I don’t get to appreciate a majestic mountain range or a little boy playing in his front yard. It’s as if I’m anesthetized to life itself and I don’t feel anything.

Life is meant to be lived to its fullest. We have one life . . . just one. One chance to live a happy life–a life full of sunshine, flowers, and bumblebees. That’s what I get if I clean my window.

In order to create, I believe you have to try to set aside your problems for a while. Put them in a Problem Compartment. Then, allow yourself to be happy. Give yourself permission to clean the window of your life, then step outside and enjoy the sunshine. You deserve it. Life is meant to be lived.

Your problems aren’t going anywhere (regretfully), but you will feel so much better if you’ll just let them go for a while.

Please understand that I’m not trying to take a Pollyanna approach to the horrific problems of life. My own life is full of crippling problems that aren’t going anywhere for a long, long time. I’m simply telling you to detach yourself from your problems and allow yourself to live. Don’t lose years of your life to your problems. Give yourself permission to live.

Today’s Assignment

You’re going to think (know) I’m crazy when you read this assignment, but please give it a try.

Get your hands really dirty (or use flour and water). Rub your hands all over a part of a window that you look out of every day. Get the window nice and dirty.

For the next week, leave the window just like it is. See what it’s like to view life through a “dirty window.” Can you really see the sun sparkling overhead or the bright green grass? Can you see the people from all walks of life as they pass by your window, or are they just a blur? Is life itself just a blur from your dirty window?

After a week, clean your window. Think of the symbolism behind this cleaning.

Maybe you don’t have any problems that prevent you from reaching your creative core. If so, you’re a very lucky person. The rest of us often need a little help.

Robin