Thursday, October 15, 2009

The Joy Diet: Creativity


Last week's ingredient in The Joy Diet was "desire." I'm still unclear as to what my heart's true desire is at this time. As I've mentioned before, I'm in a place of transition at the moment and I'm ok with that. I also live a pretty charmed life. I have most of what my heart truly desires. So, I didn't have much to say last week.

Creativity was the ingredient this week. Here's where things got interesting for me. I consider myself a relatively creative person and being in the performing arts I call upon my creativity on a daily basis. But, in this chapter Martha Beck is really talking about creating YOUR LIFE. Ah! The assignment was to name one true desire daily and TAKE ACTION. Yep - you guessed it - that's where I get stuck. I was amazed, truly amazed at how frequently I defer my little everyday desires. I have a movie from Netflix that I've been wanting to watch for 6 months now!! I have a background that I've wanted to do an image transfer on for three days, I skip meals when I'm hungry, I have an ipod full of music I love that I rarely listen to. I've been asking myself "WHY" all week. I'm not even sure the answer is important and searching for the answer might just be another diversion tactic. This week I've been trying to diligently and honestly follow the suggest to identify one true heart's desire and take action on it. It hasn't been comfortable and I am still processing everything that has come up this week but I've been doing it.

18 comments:

Lawendula said...

Yes, I think this chapter leads us to dig a little bit deeper. Maybe your problems have something to do with the theme "am I deserving this"?
Not eating when you are hungry seems to be a thing that sounds kind of alarming to me.
Maybe you should look closer on this!
Thanks for sharing- have a joyful walk into risk!

Sherry said...

Sometimes it's hard to see what we want or what we are looking for because we have so many diversions...we can't see the "forest for the trees" as "they" say. Sounds like you are in the forest, looking for the direction out but aren't quite ready to step out. It will come. In time. You're thinking about it -- that's the most necessary step!

valarie said...

I really relate to the Netflix thing. Is what is wonderful is that you are noticing when you aren't allowing things into your life. So maybe the question to ask is "How can I allow more of the things I love into my life?" This chapter came from a different perspective for me as well. It was a very enlightening week. Here's to your journey. Best wishes for this week.

Lucy Ladham-Dyment said...

Thanks for sharing.

Kara Chipoletti Jones of GriefAndCreativity dot com said...

Lots of supportive Reiki vibes to you, Kim! Sounds like you are uncovering big things in the process of looking at your truth, your desires. Yeah, that kind of growing isn't always comfortable. Just wanted you to know you aren't alone in the growing pains! Miracles, k-

GraceGal said...

As i read these posts I am getting a better idea of what this chapter was really saying. I like the way you summed it up. if you're like me, the tendency to put my desires last is because I place value on other's needs first. try one thing differently:) place the highest value on you today. See what happens.

Jamie Ridler said...

What a powerful revelation. I wonder what will happen when you watch that movie, play that music, create that background and more!

Amy said...

I know the feeling about having things that I want to do, yet just don't do it. I am trying to make time to do things in my life that i truly enjoy!

Grammy said...

You may already have your hearts desires. As you are so creative. And the things like the ipod are maybe really not that important to you.

Girasole said...

Hi Kim,
I like your post and can relate to deferring the action on daily desires. That can be such a challenge and it is action that really makes the difference. Nevertheless, it sounds like you are making progress. Have a great week and enjoy the process.

Karen D said...

Thanks for sharing your journey with creativity this week. I hear you on the netflix, I have 2 movies for months that I was so excited about but have not made the time for.

The Other Laura said...

Good for you. Now go watch that movie!

Lisa @sacred circle said...

What wonderful awareness you have of having so much of what you want, yet not really allowing yourself the pleasure of them. I'm suspect that once you give in to these little desires (the movie, etc.), it might lead to embracing some bigger ones... and might open doors you never even knew were closed. Many blessings to you!

Arlene said...

I read your post with much interest and I can really empathize with what you were saying about postponing your everyday desires. I congratulate you on continuing to process stuff that has come up this week while you are trying to identify your one true heart's desire. It is not easy sometimes, I know. I am also struggling with things that are coming up as a result of going through the steps. Good to have a group to support us while we are doing it.

gma said...

Our lives are muiltilayered with so much. Yes! Watch the movie, play those songs, make that background...You will notice a lightness and freedom.

Jean said...

Isn't it fascinating that a bunch of creative people are struggling with CREATING our life? With finding our desire lines (from the book "Life is a Verb" by Patti Digh)?

Thank you for posting. I hope you find some Netflix time - I know how hard it is. We defer ourselves so often. Go enjoy.

Sherry Ways said...

I am so with you on this. But it is ok. The book really opens your eyes to a lot!

Lexington said...

Thank you for sharing journey. I also found myself questioning why I allowed certain things to continue to happen.

My own little place to explore my creativity and imagination