The Energy of You Volume XX Issue #30

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Hi Reader,

Last year I learned La donna scrive il libro (the woman writes the book) in Italian. I also discovered that clay can magically transform into silver jewelry,it felt a little like Rumplestiltskin was inside the kiln working his magic.The material feels and looks like clay. You shape and decorate it, then fire it in a kiln. Once it comes out, it's silver.

At my age, I'm more curious than ever, and science shows this might be the secret to aging vibrantly.

One of my intentions this year was to follow my creativity. This weekend I’m taking a Shibori indigo dyeing class. I saw some finished pieces at a quilt show this spring and was curious how it was done. The stir of curiosity often leads me to creativity, sometimes leads me down the research pathway. The energy of creativity has nuance, learning to lean in and explore can take some practice(fun practice though).

Why Creativity Matters More in Midlife

Research shows that engaging in creative activities doesn't just feel good,it literally rewires our brains for resilience. Studies find that creative pursuits decrease cortisol (stress hormone), boost immune function, and even help prevent cognitive decline. For women in midlife, creativity becomes especially powerful as we navigate identity shifts and seek new sources of meaning. It can help us connect with our authentic self, exploring our own unique desires.

Creativity decreases stress by releasing endorphins (happy hormones) and blocking specific chemical reactions that spark anxiety. I've noticed both with myself and clients that energy flows better when creativity is present.

But here's what most people don't realize about midlife barriers to creativity...

Redefining Creativity

I know what you're thinking: "I don't have time for creativity." Between caring for aging parents, supporting adult children, and managing careers, creativity feels like a luxury. But here's the shift: creativity isn't another item on your to-do list,it's the thing that makes everything else more manageable.

Let's define creativity first. So often we jump to thinking creativity is only about creating art. Dictionary.com defines creativity as: "the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality, progressiveness, or imagination."

Creativity can take the form of a classic artistic pursuit like painting, writing, sculpting, or music. But it often shows up in things we love to engage in or are curious about. Here are some examples:

• My client bakes beautiful cakes with a liquid ganache in the center (I wish I lived closer so I could taste them as well as admire them)
• My sister Pam sews all sorts of crafts, including some of my favorite Christmas decorations
• A friend Deni creates beautiful gardens. If you've been here a while, you may have seen pictures of some of her gardens as I used to live in a cottage on her property

It could be a puzzle, a poem, upcycling, an invention, or a podcast.

Creativity in Everyday Moments

It's not always about large chunks of time or even artistic pursuit. However, I do love a couple of hours in my garage studio getting covered in paint doing acrylic pour. It's more about engaging your imagination with something you're curious about or want to improve.

• Pam pulls out the sewing machine while watching TV at night
• Deni would tend her garden when she got stressed in the wee hours
• I pull out a puzzle when I have a problem rattling around in my head that I can't quite figure out

Living creatively isn't just about making things,it's about staying curious, open, and engaged with life. It's a form of conscious aging that keeps our spirits young while honoring our accumulated wisdom.

Leaning into the energy of creativity is about looking at life through different lenses, allowing for a little bit (or a lot if you're like me) of whimsy and beauty to bubble up in everyday life. Being tuned in to the creative flow allows for inspiration to visit more frequently.

If you're waiting in line at the store, instead of mindlessly scrolling social media, try sketching out something in your notebook, jot some notes for a story you're writing, or singing along to whatever song is playing over the speakers.

Or, if you're driving home in a galaxy of red brake lights, try reciting poetry in your head or making up an original song for the occasion.

You never know what kind of inspiration might sidle up for a visit while you're tending to the mundane necessities of life.

Your Creative Challenge

Here's your creative challenge: This week, try one 5-minute creative moment daily. Doodle during a phone call. Rearrange flowers from your garden. Write a haiku about your morning coffee. Notice how these small moments shift your energy.

Then hit reply and tell me,what surprised you about bringing creativity into your everyday moments? I'd love to hear how you express creativity in your life.

Because at this stage of life, creativity is deeper and richer than ever before. It's how we stay vibrant, curious, and fully alive.

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Be Inspired,

Cathy

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P.S. I've been working on a course on Mind-Body Medicine to support longevity for women to start in the fall (click here if you want to be on the early notification list).

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