I hadn’t planned to write another chapter today when I just posted yesterday. I learned, early in my experience as Channel for Da Blog, never to force the writing on some arbitrary-look-aren’t-I-prolific-timetable originated by my ego. (See 10/12/10 posting The C Word.) Inspiring author Julia Cameron advises repeatedly in her books on the creative life (The Artist’s Way, et al) that our ego should never be allowed to vote on anything we do – not if, what, how, when, how much – and most especially NOT on how effective we are at doing it. Julia believes we are all fundamentally creative beings, whether or not we self-identify as Artists with a capital A. We need creative outlets in our life like we need oxygen, water and food. Next time you’re cranky or restless for no apparent reason, ask yourself the last time you did something that felt creative. If it’s more than 24 hours ago, there’s a good chance that’s your problem.
The best way to get our egos out of the way and relieve the pressure is to stop thinking of ourselves as the author or originator of anything. We are merely the broadcast mechanism for messages and inspiration from the Universe. Whatever our venue – poetry, tax returns, oil painting, consumer protection, architecture, legislature, art quilts, child rearing, carpentry, musical composition, congressional oversight, kindergarten teaching, marketing, singing – we don’t create anything in isolation. We are co-creators. Our primary responsibility is to stay tuned to the right frequency; be conscious of the inspiration and life lessons we are sent; remain courageous about sharing them; and do it with humility, compassion, a sense of humor and a dash of rigor. Your life well lived is your greatest work of art. It will feed your soul and the souls of everyone who comes in contact with you.
I’ve also learned that, when the Muse shows up with something important to say, DO NOT IGNORE HER. Do not tell Her you just published yesterday and hadn’t planned to write again today. Do not tell Her you had other priorities on your to-do list for today that you put off yesterday in response to Her siren call. Instead, respect Her wisdom on timing and topic, thank Her for considering you a worthy Broadcast Mechanism and just do it. Don’t be especially wedded to what you thought She wanted you to communicate. Stay in receptive mode as you go, because She may take you down a bend in the road to a totally different destination than you intended. Trust Her, She knows what She’s doing. Today’s mini-message is a case in point. I thought She wanted me to write the sequel to yesterday’s blog. And She did, it just wasn’t the sequel I had in mind.
Yesterday, we left our Heroine (me) hanging by her fingertips from the newest cliff of her own making. She can dangle there a bit longer. She’s got lots of experience. I promise we’ll rejoin her soon for the enlightening and entertaining conclusion to her latest adventure in Choose Your Energy—Change Your Life!
Meanwhile, when was the last time you fed your creative inner child? Do something fun – borrow your kids’ crayons, scribble a poem, organize your closet, paint a mural on your wall, sing a song, dance a jig, hit a bucket of golf balls, stick glitter stars on your ceiling, clean out your junk drawer, paint your toenails purple. Or just lie on the grass and dream as you watch the clouds go by. It’s okay. It’s all art. It’s why we’re all here.
You are loved and loving.
You are blessed and a blessing.
Namaste, Happy Artists.
Choose Your Energy: Change Your Life! 
I am so glad you have a good relationship with your muse – my mother always grappled with her inclinations vs. responsibilities, i.e., certain commissions she did for $$ and tried to put her creative heart into it as well.
My particular “muse” came to me this am. as I was awakening and contemplating my impending day:
As the sands of time are running through our fingers it behooves us to enjoy/savor those “clearly golden” nuggets while at the same time to honor/respect the “learning/teaching” nuggets. You have to work hard to find the gold underneath those.
Now where in the world did that image come from?
I am now coming to the final pages of my current journal which has been a companion to me for several mos. Thanks to TJMaxx, the new one is ready – it’s almost as though they are passing the baton….
And, just now I am thinking back to s.th. you said during one of our discussion group meetings: At the end of the day – and before you say your nightly prayer or the equivalent thereof – let everything go and find s.th. to be grateful for – just for that day or moment. I like looking @ my pictures on the wall, the little aromatherapy candle you gave me and listening to my B/B/&B water feature – a small nook of comfort in my bedroom with my stuffed animals, the scent & the sound – so small and yet magnificent! I’ve read a few paragraphs in my current night stand book, I have my water bottle and I can transition into La-La land.
Just think of all the folks who do not have that luxury – the homeless, the people with family strife, addiction/psychological problems, even the folks who have to work the night shift (ugh!!). Just for that alone I am ever so grateful not to be in that category.
So gratitude indeed can create a different mind.