Finding Your Spark in the Quiet of Winter: Why Now is the Perfect Time for Creative Reflectionan Invitation to get Creative!

The new year has arrived, and with it, a barrage of "Happy New Year!" messages. While I appreciate the sentiment, I can't help but feel a disconnect between the festive cheer and the reality of this time of year. It's mid-winter, a time for hibernation and introspection, not necessarily for grand celebrations and declarations of new beginnings.

I've always been resistant to phrases like "Happy New Year," "Happy Birthday," or "Merry Christmas." They seem to carry an expectation of joy and celebration, leaving little room for those who might not feel it. That said, I do want to take a moment to offer my sincere well-wishes to everyone reading this, however you may be feeling about the turning of the year. May this season bring you moments of peace, reflection, and perhaps even a spark of creative inspiration.

This year, I'm choosing to embrace the quiet stillness of winter and find my own rhythm for reflection and renewal. While spring may be the time for bold new beginnings, winter offers a unique opportunity for introspection and creative exploration. It's a time to turn inward, to connect with our inner selves, and to nurture our creative spark.

One practice I've found particularly helpful is daily drawing. Even just 10 minutes of sketching can provide invaluable insights and a sense of calm amidst the chaos of life. It's a chance to let go of words and express ourselves through the simple act of creation.

To further cultivate this sense of creative community, I'm sharing daily prompts on Instagram and inviting others to share their creations and reflections. It's been incredibly inspiring to witness the vulnerability and connection that emerges when we share our art and inner worlds. If you're the type of person that would like to think about the prompts ahead of time, or print them out on a sheet with space for some notes, you'll find that available here. 

For me, 2025 is about connection: connecting with myself, my loved ones, connecting with other artists, and connecting with those who resonate with my art. I invite you to join me on this journey of creative exploration and self-discovery. Let's embrace the quiet magic of winter and find our spark in the stillness.