Women nurturing creativity

Women who paint, photograph, draw, sculpt, write & create will gather once a month and spend a weekend together once a year to inspire and support each other. I mentioned this idea to a friend who I've never known to be artistic. She said, "I just went out and bought paintbrushes and supplies thinking I'd try to paint!" Many of us have a longing to carve out time for creating. It's a soul-satisfying exercise that celebrates our individuality. Family, work and everyday obligations sometimes take precedence over these endeavors. Why not carve out some time for yourself to share, support and connect?

It's possible that we'll have some discussions initially about the book "The Gifts of Imperfection (Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are)" by Brené Brown, which is the catalyst for the group. Says Brené, "If creativity is seen as a luxury or something we do when we have spare time, it will never be cultivated. I carve out time every week to take and process photographs, make movies and do art projects with the kids. When I make creating a priority, everything in my life works better." The group she belongs to is called the "Lovebombers," and rightfully so. Sometimes it takes seeing yourself through the eyes of others to really feel heard, love and accepted.

We're looking for a community of positive, like-spirited women who share the same beliefs about creavity. Says Brené, "Creativity, which is the expression of our originality, helps us stay mindful that what we bring to the world is completely original and cannot be compared." I saw a funny quote today courtesy of Wayne Dyer's twitter (author unkown): "The only difference between a flower and a weed is judgement." Can we lose our judgement and embrace what beauty flows from us?

If you're interested in a gathering of inspirational women in Elk Grove, please respond to me at kimkimcherie@yahoo.com with your contact information. You are welcome regardless of skill level. Just be dedicated to yourself, your creativity and participation in the group! We're hoping to select a first meeting date for early September!

(I've included a marker drawing that was part of an assignment in a lifecoaching course a few years ago called "Freedom." Although I have a background in art, I didn't have time to plan, paint or do anything fancy. I just grabbed some markers and got busy! It really came from the heart and is one of my favorite creations.)