Your Creative Backpack, Part I

So we’re going on a lion hunt creative adventure.  Intentions have been set.  Desires have been coaxed from the dark and dusty recesses. We’re pretty sure we know where we’re heading, and we’re ready to be on our way.

But before we go, we need a couple things — tools of a certain sort, and maybe an emergency snake bite kit.  We also need something to put them in.

So…

1.  Grab Your Backpack

I’m a great believer in using what you have.  Don’t rush out and buy a new backpack.  The one you’ve been carrying around since you were a kid will do just fine.

It’s familiar and it fits.

What’s that you say?  You don’t have a backpack?

Hmm.

Okay, let me start over.  This is a metaphorical backpack.  Sometimes referred to as baggage.  It’s full of your stuff.  We’ve all got stuff, so we’ve all got a backpack.

Are you with me now?  Okay.

2. Dump it Out

Yes, right on the floor.   Or the bed.  Whatever works.

And don’t panic.  Nobody’s going to look at your stuff, or ask you to examine it.  Ugh.  I’m big into privacy, and your stuff is private.  This isn’t about invading your space.  It’s about creating space.

So put all that stuff you dumped out into a pillowcase and shove it into a closet.  Dealing with your stuff is the subject for another day.

Or another blog.

Okay, then.  Your backpack is empty.  Yay.  Wasn’t that easy?

3.  Toss it in the Wash

Let’s assume your backpack is machine-washable (and if you don’t have an actual washing machine, that’s okay.  The washing machine is a metaphor, too.)  Toss your pack into the machine, add some eco-friendly laundry powder and set it on gentle wash — you don’t want to batter your backpack, after all, you just want it clean.

4.  Consider These Two lists.

While your pack is in the wash, give some thought to the following lists.  One is short, the other is a little longer.

I’ll start with the longer one.

This is a list of things you don’t need.

• A degree.
• A certificate of competence.
• A stamp of approval.
• A permission slip signed by your mother.  Or your husband.  Or your kids.  Or your friends.
• Scads of money.
• A new wardrobe.
• A bunch of expensive supplies.
• More hours in the day.
• More days in the week.

And here’s the list of things you’ll want to bring along:

• Your open mind.
• Your open heart.
• Your open eyes.

It’s good to travel light.

When you go on a creative adventure, the most important thing to carry is a willingness to be exactly where you are.

A good spyglass is nice to have, too.

Okay, then.  I think your machine is on its spin cycle.  Wasn’t that fast?  As soon as it stops you can toss your pack into your metaphorical dryer, add a little muslin bag filled with something that smells nice, and let it tumble for awhile.

As soon as it’s dry, we can move on to Part II.

Click here for Your Creative Backpack, Part II