30 Days Of Creating
I once tried to do a 30 day Photography challenge…
It didn’t go well. 3 days in and I felt boxed in and sufficated! The pressure of having to take a photo EVERYDAY became a chore!
It seemed ridiculous to me and I felt like such a failure. And couldn’t understand what had happened. After all I love taking pictures.
Fast forward a two years, and one ADHD diagnosis and things make a little more sense!
I love to start something… Make a list, dream of what it will be like, buy ALL of the supplies!
Then drowned under the pressure and guilt of not finishing once the dopamine wears off!
It’s feels CRAZY!
But this blog post isn’t about ADHD, it’s about creating- for 30 days…
I know, I just said I don’t do well with this- boxed in, pressure…
True, but this time is going to be different!
First: No Boxes
I am going to do something creative everyday- ANYTHING! Not just one thing. It might be a photo today and a beautiful cake tomorrow, a watercolour in my sketch book and a sewing project next week! No boxes!
Second: Done Lickety Split
I’m going to start with quick finish items- you know, projects that are done in one sitting. So I can see and enjoy the results right away.
But wait! You may be wondering “Shouldn’t we be trying to detox from Dopamine?”
Well, Yes! Especially if we find ourselves overly motivated by the dopamine it’s self or if it comes in unhealthy ways. That good feeling dopamine provides can turn into a yuck pretty quickly. Too much screen time or sugar can lead to feelings of slothfulness and self loathing.
Not the goal here!
But creating is a good thing! And doing more of it will bring growth and satisfaction. If starting out with a quick win is what it takes to get started, I’m okay with that!
Third: Taking Friends Along
This time I’m bringing others with me. Accountability! Kind of like body doubling, except not!
Knowing I have someone checking in helps to keep me moving forward. I have to be careful with this one though. Too much pressure to finish on time could send me into paralysis and feelings of wanting to quit all together. Picking the right person for this is important!
So, not my Dear Husband… maybe my Mom!