Vinnie’s Spoken Word: One Thing Vs. Many?

Vinnie’s Spoken Word: One Thing Vs. Many?

Creativity in its purest form is creating the life that you were meant to live … fully and joyfully with no regrets.

Vinnie sure knows that is real for him! I consider myself a good cook, but he taught me some lessons about variety, cooking and creativity.

Creativity is much more massive than the attempt or ability to paint a picture,  produce a screenplay or teach dancing. It begins and lives within every single thing we do and say, each and every day.  

Recently I had a discussion with someone about the value of knowing your why. I do think it is everything, in terms of eliminating second-guessing,  self-doubt and indecision. 

Knowing your why is the catalyst for owning your energy signature and will guide you to consciously making decisions that work for you in living the life you deserve and desire.   

It is your niche … a place or position that’s particularly appropriate for someone or something, especially due to being very specific and different from others. That, I believe, is where narrowing down on a personal and deep level will get you the most focus and clarity about the direction of your life. And you have to use your creativity to get at what is truly meaningful for you; what will get you up in the morning.

There is where Vinnie comes in. Boom, bang, fast, intentional and unafraid. He got me to thinking about how creativity comes into play with cooking.  

He swirls around like a windstorm, rarely landing. He doesn’t like nor does he want anyone in his kitchen. That is A-OK by me. I was on vacation and when at home I do all the cooking. Living in Michigan and shutdown for a year has tested my cooking creativity to the max, so It was truly a treat to be waited on as if in a restaurant, as plates of deliciousness magically appeared in front of me.

He knew what he was going to cook. It was well planned and everything was bought and ready. But the one thing he knew he was going to prepare was just the beginning of a creative cyclone that brought in the many. Vinnie’s words, paraphrased:

“When I eat, I want a lot of flavors, various versions, and many different kinds of food. I don’t want to eat one thing.”  

What started out as waffles, turned into a mound of soft, thick, and with a bit of crunch waffles, top with some sausage that was seasoned with dozens of spices, underneath fresh blueberries and topped with real organic thick maple syrup (laced with butter) that was heated. I could not stop that  sentence from being so long because it is one memory that reads in my mind just as I wrote it. Not just waffles but lots of tastes, textures and flavors adding to the final creation.

He did the same thing with shrimp. We’ve had shrimp about 5 different ways already.  Even the melted butter for the crab legs was laced with garlic and some other mystery flavor. If you’ve ever watched Forrest Gump you’ll remember his friend listing the many ways shrimp can be prepared and eaten.

Creativity can be a planned action…knowing you are going to paint a picture, prepare a meal or write a book. If you trust yourself and let your soul feel what it feels, there will be some stirrings that pop to the surface that are inspirational, unexpected and full of delight. Add as many pop-ups as you can and see how and if it delights you and adds flavor to your life.

Don’t be afraid to let in some funky, some soul, or some unexpected ingredient into your creation. It might surprise and delight you! And if no one else notices, no matter. Focus on how it makes you feel. Does it help you feel that what you are doing matters? Does it add to your yummy life, help you hear your whispers, and bring you bliss? Does it help you live the life you’ve always imagined?  

This is what matters. 

To thine own self be true.   Allow others to do the same.  Do no harm.

Rita Long is the author of 10 Little Rules for Your Creative Soul.

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What is your creativity trigger?

What is your creativity trigger?

Sometimes it’s the things that ignite us, like the depth of the ocean and the roar of her waves, that bring us the clarity and focus we need to get excited about creating our lives.

Not the life we imagined, but a life re-imagined. A life consciously created, moment by moment, based on how we feel, listening to our whispers, and taking our own counsel. 

So it was for me recently when I realized Covid was taking control of my life, and I did not recognize my life as my own. Covid became a negative trigger for me. It triggered fear, suspicion, anger, sadness, loneliness, doubt, loss of freedom and security and even life itself as we once knew it. What a rabbit-hole a negative trigger can lead us into!    

A decision was made. Living a life of creativity is based more on curiosity than on fear, and the plans had been made before the ‘rona visited. I call it the Covid Connection because, in retrospect, it wore away at my soul and my psyche. It wore me down, it made me weaker and it made me doubt a lot of things during those 9 months of lock-down and social distancing. And I took a lot of Vitamin C to fight off the virus as well as build my immune system.

Realizing I needed healing, and knowing that when I really, really need healing I go to the sea, I decided to make the journey to the waters edge. Airline tickets were cancelled and very long, arduous car drives were added. I needed Vitamin Sea now. Vitamin Sea is one of my positive triggers that turns my brain into a creative force like little else. 

The Sea … she lifts me up and grounds me all at the same time! There’s a humbling insignificance I feel as I watch her relentless, consistent, unexpected and never-ending magistracy as it goes on-and-on, day-after-day, year-by-year and through the centuries of time.

The sea has always been a trigger for me. I am in awe of the massive creativity connection I have with water.   I feel all of my senses come to life as soon as I begin to smell the hint of salt in the air miles away. As I drive closer to shoreline, I seem to vibrate with hope, anticipation, passion and purpose. Sitting watching the waves, the surf, the bold power of the sea gives way to feelings of connection and oneness. How can it be so powerful and yet variable? How can it be destructive and yet so alluring? How can it be so strong and yet so intriguing and inviting?

So…here’s my question for you. What are your triggers? Those things, sounds, feelings, sayings, looks, songs, memories, etc that stir you up and kick you into high gear?   Good or bad, it’s important to notice. They pull you much like a trigger on a gun. They can cause you pain or create joy…it’s still a trigger. Figure our what YOUR creativity trigger is and your life will become magic.   Figure out what YOUR down-the-rabbit-hole trigger is and your life can become magic when you learn how to manage and take control of it’s appearance and impact on you.

Contrast can be good if we observe and learn. The problems come when we are emotionally out-of-touch and bounce back and forth not truly owning the feelings we are having or why we are reacting as we do. If something feels wrong to you, ask yourself why? Do you have any control over it? Is it serving you? Or is it getting in your way of joy and love?

Our whispers speak to us about our truth, our calling, our vision and our contribution.

Our creativity allows us to life the life we were meant to life, in our own certain way.

Rita Long is the author of 10 Little Rules for Your Creative Soul.

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the link between fear and creativity

the link between fear and creativity

Creativity is less about talent and more about fear.

Yep, I’m going out on a limb here.  Time to have a serious talkin’ to … with ourselves.   

Not all fear is real.  And once we learn how to get out of our own way, our lives will be spectacular!

You’ve all seen the acronym FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real. How many excuses do we need to justify not doing what we want to do?  Do these excuses come it from your M.F.T.P. (Mother, Father, Teacher, Preacher)?  You know these fears … Artists can’t make a real living.  You’re too old to write a book.  What if you fail?  What if people don’t like it?  Why can’t you be happy with what you have?  What makes you think anyone cares?  You’re too young.  You’re too old. 

Begone, excuses!  That was someone else telling you their fears.  And they were probably truly trying to help you.  But they are not you.  Their experiences are not yours.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know how I feel about “whispers.”  They matter and they are important.

As I write in my book 10 Little Rules for Your Creative Soul, I was an artist, in my mind, when I was eight years old.  Where it came from, I do not know, but I found myself sketching and longing to take an art class.  There were no art classes available to me, and “being an artist” was foreign to my family and my situation.  So I just drew sometimes … because it felt good.  (The rest of the story is in my book …  and the ending may surprise you.) 

My point is this: It took me 40+ years to listen to those whispers.  I wouldn’t trade anything in my life, except that I could have included art and painting all along.  I thought I had to make a choice.  I thought creativity tapped you on the shoulder and selected you.  I never dreamed, until I retired and had the time to listen to my whispers, that I actually was an artist.  Maybe not the best trained or recognized artist, but I was sure happy.

What do you want to do?  What do you want to try? Listen. Listen. Those whispers may be warning you of something, and deserve to be heard.  They may also be trying to get your attention so you can go on a journey of self- discovery.

Aim up!

Rita

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Your Creativity LOVES Uncertainty

Your Creativity LOVES Uncertainty

We certainly have been pushed into a vortex of uncertainty.

This is good news for your creative soul.

Don’t look now, but your creativity wants to come out and play!  And all the old routines that we were forced into, either gladly or reluctantly, are gone for a while.  Like the kids’ practices, and events we didn’t really want to attend anyway. 

Take a deep breath and say hello to your whispers.

As we rush toward returning to the life we once had, let’s consider what things we truly want to take back with us.  We have some time to reflect and remember who we really are.  What is most important to us?   Why do we live the life we choose to live?

Whispers are not scary.  They can be messy, though.  Whispers are thoughts or ideas that keep popping into your head, and sometimes seem silly or weird.  Those whispers start out quietly and can turn into nudges.  If we ignore the nudges or signs, a crisis can absolutely make you pay attention.  It’s so much easier to listen to the whispers.  Your inner voice will only speak when you allow it the opportunity.  Your heart is speaking; let it be heard.

Your whispers are trying to tell you something, so let’s invite them in and have a little conversation.  You are always in control, so start asking “why?” and let the answers come, then ask again, until you can’t get to another answer.  Your whispers don’t always make sense, but give it some time and listen carefully … your world will open up and your clarity will be laser-like. 

I had a conversation today with a friend about how she can’t plan for her creativity.  It just doesn’t work.  She feels there has to be a real need for it and then her creativity just explodes.  I call this Inspired Action, and I talk about it in the introduction of my book 10 Little Rules for Your Creative Soul

No two snowflakes are alike.  We are all creative and we are all truly snowflakes. Until you convince yourself you ARE creative, it may take a forced or planned action to get you to shine your little light!   

There is a real need right now to listen to your whispers so you can fast track your joy.

I believe in you.  Aim up!

Rita

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How is hope working for you right now?

How is hope working for you right now?

HOPE.  I used to think this word was an excuse. That it could mask pain and maybe even support a “why did this happen to me” mindset. It always seemed to come from need.  Hope seemed to require no real action, and did nothing. Nothing to get the car in gear and the pedal to the metal. 

Well, the universe has sure taught me a lesson around that, and it’s especially poignant during the uncertainty we are now living with. 

Hope is at the very basis of creativity, which stems from purpose and passion. In my book, 10 Little Rules for Your Creative Soul, I quote Liz Gilbert, who shared her thoughts on this:

 “Creative living is living a life that is driven more strongly by curiosity than by fear.”

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

To me, that curiosity can only be based in some level of hope, that there is something better waiting. Deepak Chopra’s asked the question “How is hope working for you right now?” and his thoughts helped me view hope, in the face of fear, in a whole new light.

  • Hope is Intention   
  • Hope is Joyful Desire   
  • Hope is SELF
  • Hope is our source of strength in times of uncertainty.

Hope is faith in things working out, even if we don’t see how that will happen at this moment.

Hope is being brave, experiencing life in a new way each day, trusting others, and mainly trusting and living in our truth.

Hope is being true to yourself,  your inner knowing, your core, your true north – in a world that is beginning again and will be your new canvas on which to paint your story.  

Be well, my friends…and stay hopeful.

Who Are You?

Rita

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a teaser about creativity

a teaser about creativity

Creativity — for many of us it’s absolutely vital to feeling fulfilled and on purpose. That’s certainly true for Rita Long, an artist and life coach who knows the role creativity plays in her own life.

Rita shares with us a little preview of her upcoming book reading from 10 Little Rules for Your Creative Soul, to help us all learn how to listen to those whispers that are urging us on to create … this is where the yummy giggles lie! Enjoy the teaser below, then sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss the full reading. Stay strong and keep creating your best life!

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10 Little Rules for Your Creative Soul

10 Little Rules for Your Creative Soul

Rule #1 in living a more creative life … Stop stealing from yourself.  Every time we neglect ourselves or put the needs of others ahead of our own, we drain our cup.  Take the time to do things that give you the yummy giggles.

Rule #2 to living a more creative, fulfilling life …J ust Do You!  Creativity blossoms when we honor who we really are, beyond the masks and the to-do lists and the roles we play.

Rule # 3 to living more creatively … Courage, my friend!  Creativity is messy, it makes mistakes, it gets things wrong.  Embrace the process and be bold!

Rule # 4 for your creative soul … Call out your fears.  Fear grows in the dark and silence.  And it loses its power once we shine some light on it.

Rule # 5 to live more creatively … Surround yourself well.  We become like the people we hang out with. Check your circle.  Does it support you and lift you up? 

Rule #6 too creative living … Reframe your beliefs.  We all carry around beliefs about life, about our past, about our abilities … and those beliefs may or may not be true.  Maybe it’s time to redefine what we know to be “true.”

 Rule # 7 for a more creative life … Be FOR something.  It’s so easy to be against something … we are pretty clear about what we don’t like, what we don’t agree with.  Take a positive stand with your creative efforts and let them bloom.

Rule #8 for your beautiful, creative soul … Own your energy signature.  What you put out comes back.  Take a moment to really look at what energy you put out there. Is it lack?  Anger?  Take the time to adjust. Sprinkle love and light around like glitter.

Rule #9 for a more fulfilling and creative life … Be grateful.  Be thankful for this day, this moment, the people around you, that cup of coffee, those moments of peace in the chaos, support in the hard times, the respite from the mess, the indoor plumbing … know that it is all there for a reason, and be grateful, even if you have no idea what the reason is.

Rule #10 to living your best creative life … Stop It!  Stop the negative self-talk and self-fulfilling lies that you aren’t good enough, capable enough, smart enough, rich enough, pretty enough … just stop it.  If you have to, put a rubber-band around your wrist and snap it when your mind brings you back to those lies. Be conscious of the dialog in your head that makes you believe you are less than. Talk to yourself the way a best friend, a lover, your Creator would … You are unique, amazing, beautiful and whole.

Who Are You?

Rita
Excerpts from the book 10 Little Rules for Your Creative Soul

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The five people closest to you

The five people closest to you

If you are or once were parenting young folks, you will relate to this. 

Part of my parenting was to teach and remind my children to carefully monitor the people they associate with on a regular basis. Why?  The five people closest to us will impact our own success and happiness in life.  

Just this week, even at my age, I had to make a conscious choice to choose who would hang out in my space.  Yes, it really is that important!   Presented with a lucrative opportunity, my gut told me “no way” even though my checkbook was saying yes. So I remembered my new mantra from my book 10 Little Rules for Your Creative Soul

“If it’s not a “hell, yes” – it’s a no!

The mere thought now of seeing, communicating, and dealing with this person on a daily basis makes me weak.  The confirmation is so strong and I know I made the right decision.  The decision to say no.  The decision to include people in my life who inspire, encourage, dream, support, connect, and care.  So when I ask myself daily what I want my day to look like and how I want to feel, I know I have at least five awesome people surrounding me in my life.  I am lucky and grateful.

Key #1 –  Choose wisely and treat them kindly. Your chosen few are treasures and priceless.

Key #2 –  Create a full circle of stimulating your intellect, creativity, meaning, and adding value in doing what matters most to you.  It’s a true give-and-take.

Key #3 – Be honest with yourself, and become the person you were always meant to be.  When you surround yourself with the right people, you’ll feel good about yourself and your direction, your world will begin to expand.  And then you can give back.

This is creativity at its best!

Rita

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