Do you mutter the words “Yes, but…” when someone suggests you take ten minutes for yourself? Many people I know cannot seem to muster a simple “yes” or “great idea, I think I’ll do that” then go do it. That big ol’ but (and life) keeps getting in the way. Dang that BUT!
Imagine, though, ten whole minutes just for yourself—to do whatever you feel like—not reading emails, doing chores or running errands—something special. What does that look like?
INVEST
Close your eyes and take one long, satisfying breath. Imagine what you would do with ten minutes. What is it that you truly love to do? Where do you see yourself? Are you dancing? Singing? Lying on a beach? Getting a back rub? Making art? … Writing?
Typical responses to the ‘what-would-you-do’ question revolve around creativity. Yet, human conditioning suggests that taking time for creativity is when you have nothing else to do, or that you should be doing something more practical, or that it’s a forbidden guilty pleasure…oh, how selfish!
If the human conditioning changed, there’s a chance the habit of saying “Yes, but” could change, too. So, instead of feeling like you don’t deserve, you happily invest in your creativity time and subsequently open up a channel of beautiful inspiration and ideas—a new story, perhaps.
DIG DEEP
You wouldn’t be participating in PiBoIdMo if you weren’t creative. Writing (or illustrating) comes from another place. I call this place the Creative Self. Some refer to it as ‘The Well,’ or ‘Sea of Creativity,’ or ‘Happy Place.’ It’s where your ideas manifest from a deeper part of who you are, emanating from your heart and your soul. You have a calling or desire within you to bring your message to the world through story (visual or written). You cannot explain it, you just know it’s there—you feel it.
HABITUATE
Some researchers consider that repeating a behavior for 21-30 consecutive days is a habit. So why not make ten minutes a day a habit? That’s the month of November right there. You may already do this, and that’s awesome. I have to remind myself to take the time because I easily get caught up in life filled with a job, family, friends, NJ SCBWI, book deadlines, school visits, etc. It’s exhausting. Yet, when I do take that time to paint, sketch, write and be creative, I feel reenergized, spontaneous, excited and suddenly new ideas begin to flow.
Taking time out might seem difficult at first, but as mentioned before, think of it as an investment for your Self AND your writing/illustrating career. Here are some simple ways to find ten-minute pockets to get you started:
- Wake up 10-30 minutes earlier than usual and paint/write while still in a dreamy state
- Take a break from online activity (after you read the daily PiBoIdMo posts of course!)
- Take the train instead of driving
- Arrive ten minutes early for school pick up and stay in the quiet of the car.
- Switch off the TV
- Set a timer for household chores. (Instead of spending 30 minutes cleaning the bathroom, do it in 20. It’s great because you’re challenged to work faster to beat the clock!)
- Go to bed 10-15 minutes early, relax, let go of the day and imagine yourself doing what you truly love to do.
AFFIRM
Affirmations are powerful, self-appointed statements that can help condition the subconscious mind in a positive way to accomplish goals or boost self-perception. You can write them down, pin them in your creative space and say them aloud every day. Feel free to use any of the affirmations listed below or create your own:
- I am creative ten minutes a day
- My creativity brings me new and brilliant ideas
- When I am creative I nurture my soul
- Creativity fosters my imagination
- My creativity comes from my heart with love
- Creativity is a gift that I cherish ten minutes a day
- When I write/illustrate, I bring my joy to the world
RECEIVE
PiBoIdMo is all about ideas. Ideas come from your creative thinking. Creativity comes from the very depths of your soul. It’s who you are. Nurture your soul and ideas will flow abundantly. Plus, you are a beautiful giver—to your spouses/partners, families, co-workers, readers, community, environment—you makes others feel good. Please don’t forget give to your Self and how good that can make you feel, too. All it takes is ten minutes a day!
Leeza Hernandez is a children’s book author and illustrator and volunteers as Regional Advisor for the New Jersey chapter of SCBWI. Her latest illustrated book NEVER PLAY MUSIC RIGHT NEXT TO THE ZOO, written by John Lithgow, released October 22.
Leave ONE COMMENT ONLY to be entered into TWO prize drawings!
The first prize is a copy of NEVER PLAY MUSIC RIGHT NEXT TO THE ZOO signed by both Leeza and John Lithgow!
The second prize is a 20-minute Skype session with Leeza to read and discuss her new book, plus a Q&A!
Both prizes will be given away at the conclusion of PiBoIdMo. You are eligible for these prizes if:
- You have registered for PiBoIdMo.
- You have commented on this post.
- You have completed the PiBoIdMo challenge. (You will have to sign the PiBoIdMo Pledge at the end of the event.)
Good luck, everyone!
213 comments
Comments feed for this article
October 25, 2013 at 9:18 am
Hana Yoo
Thank you for the inspiring words of wisdom!
October 25, 2013 at 9:20 am
Joanne Sher
I already do the “ten minutes early to school pickup thing” – though I use it for reading. Not sure I’m ready to give that up – but I’ll find ANOTHER ten minutes! Great ideas here – thanks so much!
October 25, 2013 at 9:21 am
Donna J. Shepherd
When I need to concentrate on a particular task, sometimes I set a timer and then say (out loud!), “Go!” You have to say it out loud. 😀 Thanks for highlighting this new book! Sounds wonderful.
October 25, 2013 at 9:22 am
Mary Kate O'Keefe
What awesome prizes from Leeza Hernandez!! I’m definitely going to try to implement that 10-minutes-a-day strategy!! We’ll see where that takes me 🙂
October 25, 2013 at 9:23 am
shiela fuller
I have found for me to stay committed I need zen music surrounding me. Writing Immersion like yoga, only for writers.
October 25, 2013 at 9:25 am
Debbie Smart
Thank you for reminding us to make “creativity” a part of our day — every day! Thanks for taking the time to write a blog post for PiBoIdMo! Inspiring!
October 25, 2013 at 9:27 am
Mary Jo Wagner
I raised my hand for the “10 minutes early for school pickup”! In fact, I usually give myself 15, but…. Just kidding, no “BUT” here. 🙂
October 25, 2013 at 9:28 am
Jackie Wellington
This was great. I am taking my ten-minutes-self-time NOW. Thanks for this post. I need it.
October 25, 2013 at 9:32 am
Amanda Sorenson (@AmandaDSorenson)
We’re off to a great start!
October 25, 2013 at 9:33 am
kpbock
Thanks so much for the inspirational thoughts! What a great way to kick off this great event!
October 25, 2013 at 9:34 am
Julie Falatko
What a PERFECT first PiBoIdMo post for this year! Breathe, receive, take ten minutes (OR MORE). Here come the ideas, everyone! (For all of us, I mean — not just me.)
October 25, 2013 at 9:35 am
rnewman504
Terrific advice, Leeza! Great post! 🙂
October 25, 2013 at 9:36 am
Kathy Doherty
I love the the sentence: “Nurture your soul and ideas will flow abundantly.” Powerful!
October 25, 2013 at 9:41 am
Wendy Greenley
Congrats on the new book, Leeza! I’m all tingly. And I agree, alone time in the car can be a great time to brainstorm.
October 25, 2013 at 9:48 am
carterhiggins
Leeza! This is awesome. (And want this book BAD.)
October 25, 2013 at 9:49 am
robinghoward
Thank you for these important reminders!
October 25, 2013 at 9:51 am
Laura Gehl
I am going to spend five of my minutes slooowly savoring a bit of dark chocolate, and then the next five coming up with new PB ideas.
October 25, 2013 at 4:06 pm
Eileen Lee
Yes!!! Good one
October 25, 2013 at 9:58 am
Pam Brunskill (@PamBrunskill)
Great inspiration, Leeza. Congrats on the new book. It looks adorable!
October 25, 2013 at 9:59 am
Jacqueline Adams
I’ll try to ban the “but.” Thanks for the great advice! By the way, I loved DOG GONE! and look forward to seeing your new book.
October 25, 2013 at 10:01 am
Sylvia Liut
Hi Leeza! Such great words of advice and congrats on your new book with John Lithgow!
October 25, 2013 at 10:03 am
Sue Heavenrich
10 minutes seems like such a small amount of time – but 10 minutes a day… adds up to more than an hour a week. I’m thinking a 10-minute walk each day to get those cobwebs out of my head & leave space for some creativity to grow. Plus it would burn a few calories…
October 25, 2013 at 10:04 am
marylouisealucurto
Thanks for reminding us to take 10! Congratulations on your new Book!
October 25, 2013 at 10:05 am
Ping Wan
Thanks Leeza. I completely agree that 10 minutes daily makes a huge difference. Besides quiet minutes, we can actively look, hear, and think in the crowd of kids. I was amazed that I got four PB ideas yesterday (after I registered for PiBoIdMo) during picking up my two little ones, one from preschool and another from first grade. These ideas may not stick but I’m glad they came to me when I started looking for them.
October 25, 2013 at 10:06 am
Debra Daugherty
My ten minutes are with a cup of tea, relaxing in a chair on my deck in the afternoon sun. I use this time to figure out where my plot is heading and what to do with my characters.
October 25, 2013 at 10:07 am
Lori Alexander
What a lovely kickoff to PiBoIdMo season! Thanks, Leeza.
October 25, 2013 at 10:08 am
lindamartinandersen
What if 10 minutes for ourselves was a requirement to claim you had had a “Super Woman” day? We all like to think we should be super women. Make it so.
October 25, 2013 at 10:12 am
Ashley Bohmer
I’m ready to “Dig-Deep” and make a Habit! 😉
October 25, 2013 at 10:18 am
Heather Greene
I’ve been taking 15 minutes a day to write. Once I get going, I keep writing. It’s making the commitment to 15 minutes that gets me there.
October 25, 2013 at 10:20 am
Rachel Stones
My 10 minutes usually happens in the shower, the only place my kids (usually) don’t interrupt. Two of my PB ideas have come to me in the shower. 🙂
October 25, 2013 at 10:25 am
Lori Dubbin
“Dang that But” – I think you have a picture book idea there 🙂 Thank you for affirming what I’ve been thinking. It’s okay to take a quiet break and just 10 minutes can go a long way to giving birth to a germ of an idea.
October 25, 2013 at 10:30 am
Janie Reinart
Women are such caregivers. Thank you for the reminder to take care of ourselves. Also with just having snow and no power yesterday in Ohio–your Pre-PiBo post is just the ticket to lift my spirits and get going on ideas! Yeah!
October 25, 2013 at 10:31 am
Priya Gopal
I can do that ten minutes a day, get up earlier and think of the lovely things I really love to do and then actually do them
October 25, 2013 at 10:35 am
Nancy Churnin
Thanks for this great reminder that ten minutes to nourish our souls can make all the rest of the minutes in our day go so much better!
October 25, 2013 at 10:35 am
marciecolleen
Thank you, Leeza! Great post! xoxo
October 25, 2013 at 10:39 am
carol munro
Write in a still dreamy state! Oooo, I want to try this.
October 25, 2013 at 10:40 am
Ashley Bankhead
Thank you for the suggestions and ideas. Taking time for creativity, truly is a must.
October 25, 2013 at 10:43 am
AndreaW
Thank you for all these great suggestions! I often tell myself to “do something productive.” Now I’m going to change that to “do something creative!”
October 25, 2013 at 10:46 am
Sophia Mallonée
It’s always helpful to be reminded to take some time out. Great post!
October 25, 2013 at 10:46 am
Jennifer Ali
Thank you for the jumping-off point. Congrats on the new book!
October 25, 2013 at 10:47 am
Dawnyelle Moore
I am going to start my first PiBoIdMo making this post into a poster! And post it on my ceiling to read each morning…okay maybe not on the ceiling but definately where I can remember that there is a whole group of people taking time for themselves! and loving November as I do!
October 25, 2013 at 10:58 am
Robyn Campbell
Schweet! Wise words indeed! T-I-M-E. 🙂
October 25, 2013 at 10:58 am
Kathryn Ault Noble
Thanks, Leeza, and congratulations on the new book!
October 25, 2013 at 11:05 am
caseyg
Great post Leeza. I love the affirmation section, give yourself the right to have creative time each day. Yes!
Thank you 🙂
October 25, 2013 at 11:05 am
Teresa Daffern
Thank you for the advice about taking time to be creative. I like the tip about setting the clock to clean house faster! Can’t wait to see your new book!
– Teresa Daffern
October 25, 2013 at 11:05 am
janelle mikulas
Thanks!!
October 25, 2013 at 11:08 am
Lynne Marie
Love you, Leeza! Best Room-Mate ever 🙂 Great post! XOXO
October 25, 2013 at 11:15 am
deborah freedman
I like the idea of using PiBoIdMo as a way of getting into a creative habit. Congrats on the new book!
October 25, 2013 at 11:15 am
Louann Brown
Thanks for the gentle reminder! Setting my alarm.
October 25, 2013 at 11:21 am
beckylevine
The small chunks of time can be really effective–especially on picture books, I think. Thanks for the nudge!
October 25, 2013 at 11:21 am
Sheri Dillard
I love the ideas for finding “ten-minute pockets” of time. Definitely do-able! Thanks, Leeza!
October 25, 2013 at 11:25 am
Denice R. Gilb
Ten minutes? I think I can do it! I know I can do it!!!!
October 25, 2013 at 11:26 am
betsydevany
Thanks for a great post, Leeza, and congratulations on your newest book! The cover is superb!
October 25, 2013 at 11:30 am
aneducationinbooks
A great post and great prizes!
October 25, 2013 at 11:30 am
Teresa M. I. Schaefer
A great pre-PiBoIdMo blog! Thanks Leeza and Tara. Assigning ten minutes a day is far better than laying in bed at bedtime and thinking about PiBoIdMo and staying up way past bedtime and being cranky the next day.
October 25, 2013 at 11:35 am
Lori Mozdzierz
Congrats, Leeza to you and John on your book together!
“When I am creative I nurture my soul.”
Life feels right when I tend to my creative self. But when others mention they see how happy I am, that is affirmation I am where the Universe meant me to be.
October 25, 2013 at 11:39 am
Tasha Tripplet
My time is in the pickup line at school.
October 25, 2013 at 11:42 am
sageandgracedesigns
Hi Leeza, Thanks for sharing some great ideas again, you are always an inspiration!! Congratulations on the new book by the way! 🙂 Hope all is well, Kelli
October 25, 2013 at 11:44 am
Jessica
Good way to get going… Thank you.
October 25, 2013 at 11:50 am
Johnell
Ten minutes is doable. I need to incorporate it and I think I can :).
October 25, 2013 at 11:59 am
Debra
I liked the suggestions about positive affirmations. It’s something I’m going to try.
October 25, 2013 at 12:01 pm
Danielle Heitmuller
Thanks for the important reminder Leeza! It’s so easy to let cleaning, cooking, and other chores get in the way of what truly makes the heart sing.
October 25, 2013 at 12:02 pm
Kerry Mazengia
Thank you for such a great post! Here’s to ten minutes of creativity all year long!
October 25, 2013 at 12:17 pm
Michelle O'Hara Levin
So, I’m a writer but, oh how I yearn for an artists space where I could have paints and crafts and markers out to play with whenever I wanted…
the kids’ playroom may need a makeover to be MY playroom!
October 25, 2013 at 12:26 pm
Debbie Austin
I love the idea of planning for that ten minutes. I already know where my ten minutes is going to come from — during my half hour lunch break at work in my car. Thanks, Leeza. And Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo looks fun!
October 25, 2013 at 12:26 pm
Lori McElrath-Eslick
Hi … what great commentary on creativity! I am doing a painting series ‘just for me’ on pinterest:
you can see the Painting a Day by me: Lori Eslick there. I am a children’s book Illustrator, but when I do a small painting for me, it taps into that creative corner that I don’t always reach. I am set free, and that does open up the best painting in me.
October 25, 2013 at 12:36 pm
Shirley
In this busy world we too often forget to take time out for ourselves. Thanks for the reminder to do so. Your latest book looks very appealing.
October 25, 2013 at 12:42 pm
Pia Garneau
Ten minutes sounds totally doable. Thanks for the inspirational post.
October 25, 2013 at 12:45 pm
Tracy Molitors
The key is to really believe that creative time is productive time! Thanks for the reminder.
October 25, 2013 at 12:48 pm
Laura Lowman Murray
Love all of it – but these two points really resonated with me –
1 – You have a calling or desire within you to bring your message to the world through story (visual or written). You cannot explain it, you just know it’s there—you feel it.
2 – When I write/illustrate, I bring my joy to the world.
Thanks, Leeza for breaking it down into do-able bites, and in such an encouraging and positive way!!
October 25, 2013 at 12:48 pm
lindaschueler
Thank you! It’s great to be reminded to take time for our creative self.
October 25, 2013 at 12:56 pm
Jessie Miller (@pigknit)
A great start to the pre-PiBoIdMo kick off!
October 25, 2013 at 1:02 pm
Angie Jones
First have to say Leeza’s work rocks and i adore Lithgows writing. I agree with Leeza setting a set amount of time to be creative is a good idea. I try to set some time aside everyday to do this too. Sometimes I try to combine that time with my workout time.
October 25, 2013 at 1:11 pm
Beverly Snedecor
I can’t wait to see the new book, congratulations! When I have ten minutes, I just sit quietly and stare into space (thanks Anne Lamott!). Or maybe I sleep. I always notice when I have a few minutes because it’s QUIET. Thank you for this post!
October 25, 2013 at 1:15 pm
Alisha Gabriel
I’m excited about this new book and can’t wait to read it! I love using literature in the my elementary music classes and this just might be the next addition to my library. 🙂
October 25, 2013 at 1:21 pm
Christine LeBlanc
How true!
October 25, 2013 at 1:22 pm
cheryllovestoread
I saw a television interview with John Lithgow about this book and honestly thought “great illustrator”. Now I kinda know you!! Lovely work! Thanks for the pre-PiBoIdMo pep talk.
October 25, 2013 at 1:27 pm
heatherj
Thanks for the post, and congratulations on your new book!
October 25, 2013 at 1:27 pm
Denise Bowman
I love starting with a do-able goal, like 10 minutes a day. What a wonderful idea! Thank you for sharing it.
October 25, 2013 at 1:28 pm
naturewalkwithgod
Thank you for the reminder to nurture our creativity!
October 25, 2013 at 1:32 pm
megwrites
Great post! Ten minutes is such a nice, not-overwhelming time frame to start with!
October 25, 2013 at 1:35 pm
Penny Parker Klostermann
Wonderful FIRST post of PiBoIdMo 2013! The habituate part seems the hardest because I tend to make excuses and not stick with something long enough to make it a habit. But lately I’m doing better (for 3 weeks now) and I’m really developing habits that have increased my productivity! Thanks for the inspiration. The book sounds wonderful and your illustrations are beautiful!
October 25, 2013 at 1:39 pm
Gabriel Patten
10 minutes a day sounds perfect, but…. but nothing! I’m going to start doing this! What a great concept for PiBoIdMo preparations!
October 25, 2013 at 1:45 pm
mellin4333
What an inspiring post! Thank you! 🙂
October 25, 2013 at 2:02 pm
LeslieG
Lovely first post and great kick-off to PiBoIdMO! Thank you!
October 25, 2013 at 2:06 pm
Andria
Awesome advice!
October 25, 2013 at 2:13 pm
maryann769
Thank you, Leeza, for sharing your God-given gift of encouragement. 🙂 For years now, I have made it a daily habit to spend time nurturing and nourishing my soul and my spirit. I start with Bible reading and prayer followed by a time of journaling where I write down my conversations with God, my heavenly Father. Each day He gives me direction for the day and fills me with creative ideas. When I go to my computer, I am filled with joy, peace, and lots of creativity. Creativity is a gift from God given to each human being. As you point out, we must remove the “Yes, buts” from our vocabulary in order to experience this gift. We create because we are made in God’s image. He is the original and ultimate Creator and the Source of all creativity. Thank you so much, Leeza, for encouraging us to create. In so doing, we are imitating our Creator. One last thing: I also use a timer! LOL! It has helped me immensely in maximizing my time. I get more done in less time because I’ve made beating the clock a game! 🙂
MaryAnn
____________________________
MaryAnn Diorio, PhD, MFA
Novelist & Poet
Truth through Fiction®
http://www.maryanndiorio.com
A CHRISTMAS HOMECOMING
Harbourlight Books, 2012
October 26, 2013 at 8:05 pm
writersideup
MaryAnn, I wholeheartedly agree 🙂
October 25, 2013 at 2:20 pm
Audrey
After the kids leave the house in the morning and before I sit down at my computer. That’s my favorite “me” time of day.
October 25, 2013 at 2:40 pm
teresamis
A great pre-PiBoIdMo blog. Ten during the day beats not being able to go to sleep because all the great PiBoIds ideas are whirling at bedtime. Thanks Leeza and Tara. Teresa Schaefer
October 25, 2013 at 2:51 pm
mona861
Take 10. Yes! Love that you’re warming us up, Leeza. Thanks
October 25, 2013 at 2:55 pm
Sandy Brehl
Hello, friends. First, thanks for the feedback to date on Book Aunt- Already has my gears turning more productively on that one. I’m forwarding this in case you missed the note about it on FB page. Even if you don’t register, you may want to subscribe to have the posts sent to you email or other RSS feed through the end of November. I know I won’t be able to work on this daily, but their advice and links each day have been worth reading in the past.
Have a great weekend, all, Sandy
October 25, 2013 at 2:57 pm
Pat Holloway
Leeza, thank you for the encouragement. It is so easy to become stuck, I like starting with 10 minutes a day.
October 25, 2013 at 3:05 pm
culinarycam
What a great reminder to do something for yourself…to nurture your creative self. I think we push ourselves last in the face of the daily grind, even as the kids get older and more self-sufficient. Here’s to making our creativity front and center, if only for 10 minutes a day.
October 25, 2013 at 3:13 pm
Michelle Heidenrich Barnes
Taking a break from the distraction of online activity is key for me.
October 25, 2013 at 3:19 pm
Joanne Roberts
Thanks for the guilt-free creativity pep talk. I like that speed-cleaning thing!
October 25, 2013 at 3:21 pm
Donna L. Sadd
It’s amazing what a few minutes of quiet can do to recharge the creative flow. Thanks, Leeza. :0)
October 25, 2013 at 3:30 pm
sketched out
Such a great idea! 10 minutes a day can add up quickly in the creativity cache! Thanks for that!
October 25, 2013 at 3:32 pm
gpatmiller
My favorite of your ideas is setting a timer to shorten chore time for creative time. It is like a game–beating the clock–and the prize doesn’t steal time away from anything else. Brilliant!
October 25, 2013 at 3:35 pm
Jill Tadros
Finding time for myself is always a challenge, but these are great suggestions!
October 25, 2013 at 3:53 pm
Laura Purdie Salas
Love this–I’m so busy with freelance work that I’m getting very little “me” writing done, but I WILL take my 10 minutes per day and make sure I come up with an idea every day in November!
October 25, 2013 at 3:53 pm
Diane Kress Hower
Thanks for sharing your ideas Leeza!
October 25, 2013 at 4:08 pm
Sue Poduska
Wonderful ideas! That’s an important step — taking the time to get started.
October 25, 2013 at 4:14 pm
Eileen Lee
Yes time to stop waiting for inspiration to strike again. This is going to be a good month.
October 25, 2013 at 4:22 pm
saputnam
Great post, Leeza! I love the the sentence, “Nurture your soul and ideas will flow abundantly.”
October 25, 2013 at 4:24 pm
csurrisi
Excellent post, Leeza. Thanks!
October 25, 2013 at 4:25 pm
SevenAcreSky
Wow Leeza. Invest. Dig Deep. Habituate. Affirm. Receive. A perfect mantra for PiBoIdMo. And beyond. All points touch weak spots in my writing effort so this post seems prescribed for me. Thanks
October 27, 2013 at 3:36 pm
SevenAcreSky
Forgot my name – Damon Dean
October 25, 2013 at 4:30 pm
Debra Shumaker
Perfect way to kick this off. Thanks!
October 25, 2013 at 4:36 pm
Suzanne Kaufman
great post..now lets do this!!
October 25, 2013 at 5:51 pm
julie rowan zoch
Kinda hoping Linda Sylvestri will be keeping me creative with another year of SkADaMo in November!
October 25, 2013 at 5:59 pm
Jen Carroll
Great start, thanks!
October 25, 2013 at 7:05 pm
Susan Cabael
Ten minutes–yes, please! What you wrote about affirmations has nudged me to finish decorating and hanging a bulletin board above my desk. I have a print by Kathy Ellen Davis that says: Write. Revise. Repeat. (That’s ‘all’ it takes, right?)
October 25, 2013 at 7:14 pm
Maggie Webb
Very inspiring!
October 25, 2013 at 7:19 pm
Rick Starkey
Like the one who gets ideas in the shower, the bathroom is a great place. Lock the world out, grab the notepad you stashed under that bottom towel and take your ten minutes.
October 25, 2013 at 7:21 pm
kelmcdonald
ive just been thinking its time for me to start making some me time each day!
October 25, 2013 at 7:45 pm
Esther Hershenhorn
“Do nothing! was actor/writer Tracy Letts’ First Tip in his last Sunday’s Chicago Idea Week program “Creative Process – A Method to the Madness.”
Thanks for making the idea so doable by assigning the 10-minute time-limit, Leeza.
And, I love your new book’s cover – and – your Success. 🙂
October 25, 2013 at 8:06 pm
Teena Raffa-Mulligan
Thanks, Leeza, for an insightful post that reminded me how important it is to nurture my creative spirit. I find time to write but not to paint or draw so I’ll be setting aside that ten minutes a day to see what happens when I give myself permission to play artistically.
October 25, 2013 at 8:28 pm
kirsticall
This is a great post. I’m sure I can find 10 minutes a day to devote to writing. That’s a great goal I think I will try!
October 25, 2013 at 8:39 pm
Lynn A. Davidson
Ten minutes a day could be just what is needed.
Thanks for a great first post to start us off.
October 25, 2013 at 9:13 pm
Jehanne
Thank you for an inspiring post. Yes, 10 minutes a day – I think I can manage that. Here is crossing my fingers for it becoming a habit.
October 25, 2013 at 9:56 pm
Emily Lim-Leh
I used to take 10 minutes to sit on my verandah & stare at scenery & space out after my husband returned from work & took over my toddler. I need to go back to doing that as it’s a time to breathe & calm down before I’m off to the next activity. I’m too much of a rusher (think Martha over Mary!)
October 25, 2013 at 10:13 pm
S.H. Sherlock
Thanks for the reminder to make time for 10-minutes a day to focus on a rewarding activity (or non-activity!)
October 25, 2013 at 10:21 pm
Laura L. Madsen
Disconnect and let my mind wonder for 10 minutes a day?
Sounds lovely.
Too bad there isn’t a beach nearby. 🙂
October 25, 2013 at 10:27 pm
Jessica Brannan
I can personally vouch for ten minutes a day. I love to look over my art books just before I go to bed and maybe read a very short chapter. Sometimes if I don’t feel like reading, i’ll jot down any last minute ideas before bed in that semi-dreamy state. It’s funny, but I think my best ideas come from that! 😀
October 25, 2013 at 10:37 pm
writersideup
Great stuff, Leeza! I love your list of affirmations, especially: “Creativity is a gift that I cherish ten minutes a day” Love the pic, too 🙂 And I was happy I saw the tweet about your book launch at Books of Wonder! If I had known, there’s a good chance I would’ve come. SO happy for you! I’m sure it was a blast 🙂
And I, too, love that “dreamy” state, only I use it before I get out of bed 🙂 On the days I only partially wake up, with that delicious mix of dreamy consciousness, I try to use it to create, especially with writing. It’s a blissfully “controlled dreaming” state and it enables your mind to flow more freely than when you’re awake or with your eyes open and the world gushes in to interrupt! God bless you that you can still be in that type of place and actually get up! lol What I WILL do is, once I get up, record as best I can what came to me during my consciously directing dreamlike state (hypnopompic). It’s excellent when you’re working on something and are stuck with how to fix something, or haven’t come up with a solution for whatever. You can bring your mind to that place and let it run free 🙂
Meanwhile, this is my one comment putting in my dibs for the book! 😀 Congrats!
October 25, 2013 at 10:51 pm
Deirdre Sheridan Englehart
Ten minutes can be the start of something!
October 25, 2013 at 10:55 pm
Dawn Young
Ten magical minutes…thanks!
October 25, 2013 at 11:21 pm
Jennifer Neher
Thank you for the encouragement! I’m ready to carve the time to create out of my busy days…
October 25, 2013 at 11:45 pm
tinamcho
I’m planning a little self time today; it’s the weekend!
October 26, 2013 at 12:40 am
Catherine Constance
I’m in…ten minutes of floating on a cloud with my art supplies…heaven.. 🙂
October 26, 2013 at 3:36 am
Laurie Young
Such great advice and completely doable.
October 30, 2013 at 5:13 pm
Laurie L. Young
Name changed to Laurie L. Young.
October 26, 2013 at 4:07 am
cat jones
Love the idea of speeding up the house work chores…
October 26, 2013 at 5:46 am
Tania Cole
Eliminating “but” from my vocabulary and allowing myself 10 guilt free minutes a day to reduce my other “butt” while ideas are free to roam my thoughts sounds wonderful! thanks for the inspiration.
October 26, 2013 at 7:07 am
Annie Silvestro
Thanks for the great advice Leeza!!
October 26, 2013 at 8:21 am
nicole snitselaar
I don’t know if I have understood all the rules but why not have a try ! 🙂
October 26, 2013 at 8:29 am
Ann Treacy
Love the idea of arriving early. I am going to try that. Looks like a beautiful book. I would love to win!
October 26, 2013 at 9:17 am
jenniferkirkeby
Wonderful advice, Leeza! It’s so important to give ourselves permission to have our creative time, and to celebrate it. Ten minutes isn’t daunting, and generally I find it turns into a lot longer which is great!
October 26, 2013 at 9:39 am
Lynn Katz
For the time-crunched: Most creative10 minutes of the day can be-In the shower, in the car on the way to/from work = 30 min. a day.
October 26, 2013 at 9:48 am
DaNeil Olson
Excellent advice!
October 26, 2013 at 10:20 am
Donna Black
10 manageable minutes. I love it.
October 26, 2013 at 10:40 am
Kimberly Vogel
As soon as I signed up for this challenge, I began doubting… then I read this article. I can do 10 mins! Thanks!
October 26, 2013 at 12:34 pm
Leeza Henandez
Hello everyone,
Oh my gosh, I just LOVED reading all your comments and feel so blessed (and honored) to be kicking off PiBoIdMo this year in such a positive way — thank you Tara, thank you, thank you all.
I loved all your suggestions, too, on how you find pockets of time throughout your day: from showers to nibbling chocolate to breathing, finding zen music, or walking to clean out the cobwebs. Beautiful!
Danielle — You’re right on the money about chores, etc. My philosophy is that there will always be laundry, so it can wait another ten minutes, not the end of the world, right?! (Learning to let go is very liberating).
Michelle, Lori — It’s so important to play, even if you think it has nothing to do with actual writing, it really does. It’s all connected because it all comes from within you and that special place of your creative Self.
MaryAnn D — After a lot of stress this year, a retreat helped me reconnect with my inner Self, something far deeper than my physical being. I’m learning to honor the precious currency of time, practice gratitude everyday and put as much love into my work and life as possible. It’s powerful stuff!
Kimberly — Leave no room for self doubt. You are a beautiful creative, so enjoy!
Laura M — The beach is right there… just close your eyes and breathe into that space! (BTW: That’s where I go, when I meditate :))
Thank you again, this was just what I needed today. And thank you too for all the well wishes on the new book. Another blessing I am truly grateful for.
Tara Lazar totally rocks, doesn’t she? Look how she has brought us all together. Hugs to you all!
Leeza
xox
October 26, 2013 at 12:36 pm
kathalsey
Leeza, thank you for the creativity post! I feel the advise here is good for all, writers or not. Connect to creativity, it is important to SCHEDULE it, if needed. Slow down & embrace the specialness that is you and your creative connection the world!!!!
October 26, 2013 at 1:34 pm
Stacy Couch
Hi, Leeza! Would love some creative play. Does clearing out my inbox count?
Congrats on your new book! Want. Need.
October 26, 2013 at 2:48 pm
Keri Collins Lewis
I don’t know why it’s so hard for us as women to take time for ourselves! Thanks for this inspirational post and admonition to commit to 10 minutes a day. We have to start somewhere!
October 26, 2013 at 4:26 pm
Laura M. Carpenter
I used to take 20-30 minutes every morning to connect with my Creator and right myself for the day ahead. I haven’t done that in a long time, and I miss it. Thanks for the reminder of what setting aside this kind of time can reveal.
October 26, 2013 at 6:29 pm
Tracie Laulusa
Love the affirmations. This is so me–not taking the time. Thanks for the inspiration.
October 26, 2013 at 9:13 pm
laurimeyers
And I have such a big BUT. But maybe I can shake my but a little by putting some rigor into my creativity! Great post Leeza.
October 26, 2013 at 10:54 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
This is a great post…I especially like all the suggested ideas for taking ten minutes to yourself! THANKS!
October 26, 2013 at 11:24 pm
Donna L Martin
My creativity actually works better late at night so I’m planning on filling up my notebook during the witching hour…;~)
Great post!
Donna L Martin
October 26, 2013 at 11:30 pm
sharonkdal
Thanks for the inspiring thoughts. I’ve pinned a big 10 on my notice board to remind me. Fingers crossed I make it to a habit.
October 27, 2013 at 12:15 am
Darshana
wonderful post! something i needed to hear.
October 27, 2013 at 3:09 am
Kayleen West - Children's Author/Illustrator
The business of life can often pull us away from what matters the most. Being authentic and utilising our gifts as a gift to others is worth investing in. Well worth forming habits around. Encouraging post Leeza.
October 27, 2013 at 6:30 am
The Ink Pond
I can do ‘no excuses’ for ten minutes a day. Sometimes, it may turn into even more!
Thanks for the post.
-Tia Svardahl
October 27, 2013 at 9:52 am
Debbie Mickelson
Thanks for the great tips. I need to remember that it’s the consistent baby steps that get me to the finish.
October 27, 2013 at 10:29 am
Margaret Greanias
Thank you for the great tips. I’m looking forward to putting them into practice!
October 27, 2013 at 11:40 am
Lisa
Yay Leeza! Thanks for an excellent kick-off to the month!
October 27, 2013 at 11:49 am
Carrie Brown
WOW! I can’t tell you how much I need to revamp my writing habits! At the start of 2012, I was a full-time writer! I went back the the classroom in August, and my life turned into a whirlwind! I crave writing habits! Now, if I can just get past the initial procrastination… (my brain knows what a huge job this will be for me!) Thanks for the tips!
October 27, 2013 at 1:33 pm
ammwrite
Thanks for the affirmation advice–need to do this! It was a pleasure meeting you at the Cherry Hill Library PiBoIdMo kickoff event earlier this month. And big congrats on your book with John Lithgow. You are awesome! Ann Magee
October 27, 2013 at 2:03 pm
Cindy
Love it. Thanks for the inspiration.
October 27, 2013 at 3:33 pm
Yvonne Mes
Great start for gearing up for PiBoIdMo, my ten minutes have been allocated!
October 27, 2013 at 6:33 pm
Kathy Cornell Berman
Thanks for this post Leeza. I agree, we all must make time for ourselves if we want our brain to be productive. Congrats on your new book!
October 27, 2013 at 7:24 pm
Evie Hjartarson
Thanks for the advice and inspiration.
October 27, 2013 at 7:42 pm
Amy Cohas
Yup, I think I can set aside 10 minutes a day. Thank you for the reminder!
October 27, 2013 at 8:08 pm
thiskidreviewsbooks
I just registered, and I want to win this! Great post Ms. Hernandez! I like the things you suggest! 😀 – Erik Weibel
October 27, 2013 at 8:57 pm
Patrick Waldron
Great stuff here. Imagine all of the ultimate-creative stories!
October 28, 2013 at 1:53 am
viviankirkfield
Thank you, Leeza! It’s especially hard for women to take that little bit of time for themselves – perhaps we are hard-wired to always be doing for others.:) But you are so right – when we nurture ourselves, we re-energize and have even more to give.:) Without taking that time, it is easy to get ‘burned out’ and resentful. And I love your affirmations – ‘When I write/illustrate, I bring my joy to the world’ really struck a chord with me.
Congratulations on the book…the cover looks amazing!
October 28, 2013 at 8:07 am
melaniebellsworth3
Thank you, Leeza, for the reminder that creativity comes from the heart with love – it’s a beautiful thing! Love the title of the book – can’t wait to read it.
October 28, 2013 at 8:59 am
erin
What a great kickoff to PiBoIdMo! Thanks, Leeza!
October 28, 2013 at 10:00 am
colleenrkosinski
Can’t wait to see what this month brings!
October 28, 2013 at 10:17 am
Rebecca Van Slyke
Love the 10-minute idea! As a mom/wife/full-time teacher AND writer/illustrator, time is a precious commodity. But I can find 10 minutes to feed the creativity. It’s a great R.O.I!
October 28, 2013 at 11:56 am
laura516
When you put it like that…. 10 minutes doesn’t sound so hard! And the affirmations will put me a positive state of mind. Thanks!
October 28, 2013 at 12:00 pm
Amanda Smith
This year I am learning to get rid of my “all or nothing” mentality when it comes to being creative. 10 minutes a day adds up to a whole lot of creativity!
October 28, 2013 at 5:06 pm
mbeaversillustration
Leeza is always a source of inspiration. Thanks so much for your words of wisdom!
October 28, 2013 at 8:19 pm
Cindy Schumerth
I think I can manage 10 min a day. Sure going to try!
October 29, 2013 at 11:15 am
Jacki Morris
very inspiring
October 29, 2013 at 12:45 pm
Trina
I love reading and writing children’s books and songs. This is a good spot to foster the imagination. If what we create doesn’t come from our hearts, then it’s probably not our best.
October 29, 2013 at 5:46 pm
Nidhi Kamra
I affirm: I can take out 10 minutes a day for myself!
October 29, 2013 at 9:51 pm
katemeixner
Smart suggestions! 🙂
October 30, 2013 at 10:44 am
Roberta Baird
First timer here! This is going to be great!
October 30, 2013 at 8:42 pm
Lynn Ann Carol
Great Inspiration. I have called Monday, Mom’sday for years now. Now I shall have to absorb myself in 10 minutes a day. You really struck a cord with me when you said, “. . . human conditioning suggests that taking time for creativity is when you have nothing else to do.” Sad. How often I have felt that.
Thanks,
Lynn
October 30, 2013 at 11:00 pm
Rachel Smoka-Richardson
In November I take my notebook to lunch with me – works really well!
October 31, 2013 at 6:37 am
Andrea
I love how making use of just a few minutes a day can make a daunting project seem doable! I’m going to get up a few minutes early every day for a date with my writing notebook.
October 31, 2013 at 3:11 pm
joel cook
Great post: very interesting!!
October 31, 2013 at 8:40 pm
writeknit
10 minutes is a small investment with a huge return. Great inspiration for little perspiration!
November 1, 2013 at 9:43 am
Heather Hatch
My favorite: ‘stay in the quiet of the car’. And how snips of those 10 could add up…
November 1, 2013 at 10:09 am
Irene
Thanks for your insights. It really is a matter of just doing it and allowing those 10 minutes for yourself.
November 1, 2013 at 11:14 am
danacarey1
I really love your ideas for making time to be creative every day, Leeza. You are so right! I’m going to bookmark this post. 🙂
November 1, 2013 at 6:05 pm
Melanie Vickers
I’ve set my alarm 30 minutes early to write. The first ten, I’m groggy, the second ten minutes I watch the dog so he doesn’t escape under the fence. The final ten are productive. Thanks for your ideas.
November 1, 2013 at 6:48 pm
girlvsweather
I love the idea of writing in a dreamy state. Thanks for that suggestion!
November 1, 2013 at 7:52 pm
ldrewes001
I love the idea of committing myself to creativity for 10 minutes a day. It will help me to stay focused on my creative projects instead of continuously letting them get pushed to the side.
November 1, 2013 at 7:53 pm
Jessica
My brain and body do not communicate well when I first wake up. After coffee is another story. I am challanging myself to get up earlier to have my quiet writing time.
November 1, 2013 at 8:37 pm
Janet Halfmann
Thanks for the inspiring words! I plan to follow your advice!
November 2, 2013 at 5:02 am
bucherwurm65
Brilliant post! Ten minutes a day…that is the very least I can do to nurture my creative self! This post is bookmarked. 😀 Carol Breedlove
November 2, 2013 at 2:09 pm
Rosie Taylor
Thank you for reminding me that allowing time for my creativity to flow feeds my soul! Rosie
November 2, 2013 at 3:31 pm
Marcy P.
It’s true…. we often lie to ourselves when we say, “I don’t have time.” Okay, maybe some days we REALLY don’t… but the reality is… it’s a priority issue. Yes, we can cut 10 minutes from SOMEWHERE. Thanks for the reminder!
November 3, 2013 at 7:06 am
Leslee Anne Hewson
Loved the affirmations 🙂 It’s all about time management isn’t it and setting that important ten minutes aside to be creative. Thanks for your insight and tips.
November 3, 2013 at 11:28 am
Lynn Moses
Leeza, thank you for such a great article. The take-aways for me are:
1. 10 minutes a day to nurture my creative self
2. Positive affirmations.
3. Writing when in a dreamy state (great idea). Thanks.
November 4, 2013 at 6:04 pm
Dani Duck
I can’t remember if I’ve posted on this one yet or not! Love all of the tips. I wish I could get up early, but when I do my toddler always follows. I usually chose to stay up late… which usually means 2am bedtimes! My toddler generally gets up between 6-7:30am so that’s a great big ugh. Still working to the best of my ability even if I never get any sleep again!
November 4, 2013 at 9:19 pm
Cathy C. Hall
GREAT advice–it took me a lot years to allow myself those ten minutes of fun/creativity. But you know, better late than never, right? 🙂
November 5, 2013 at 10:35 am
Michelle M
Thanks for a great post! I love the idea of “investing” in our creativity – especially if creativity is your livelihood.
November 5, 2013 at 10:16 pm
Julie Campbell
Love, love, love this post! Thanks for the wonderful reminder to nurture my creativity!
November 7, 2013 at 1:10 pm
NiñoCactus
It’s time to let the ideas wake up! Winter is over for them! I agree with every word.
November 8, 2013 at 7:33 am
Juliet Clare Bell
Thank you Leeza. Sound advice (and I love the look of the book!) Clare.
November 9, 2013 at 1:37 am
artsyandi
Great advice for someone who never seems to have time to create. Thanks for the tips. 🙂
November 11, 2013 at 8:36 pm
heather sisson
Your work is absolutely inspiring. Thanks so much for the advice! :]
November 17, 2013 at 10:14 pm
underthemapleleaves
Thank you for the affirmation that we can, and it starts with just 10 minutes.
December 2, 2013 at 12:09 pm
Juliana Lee
Hi Leeza. PiBoIdMo has been such a good experience for me. Although I didn’t get around to reading your post, until it was over, I’ve found what you say to be true! Until the holidays hit, I was doing just what you recommend and working happily away! It’s easier to build this habit when practiced everyday, and I’m glad all this pre-new-year’s-resolution activity will help me make it a permanent way of life!
December 2, 2013 at 11:06 pm
Laurie J. Edwards
10 minutes is a great idea!
December 4, 2013 at 1:42 pm
Sherry Walz
Leeza, using affirmations is a great idea. Thanks for sharing.
October 28, 2015 at 12:44 pm
Linda Whalen
Ten minutes a day is doable for everyone. So I guess I’d better be a doable artist instead of waiting for more time. Little by little every day 🙂