the journal: creativity tip – collate inspiration

Hello there soul sister,

Feeling stuck in a creative rut? I hear you. We’ve all been there. That frustrating moment when ideas feel out of reach, and creativity seems to have taken an unannounced vacation. But here’s a little secret: inspiration isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you collect.

One of the best ways to keep your creativity flowing is by curating your own personal well of inspiration. A space where ideas, visuals, and emotions come together to spark something new.

your inspiration bank

Think of inspiration as a bank account—you have to make regular deposits so that when you need a creative boost, you have something to withdraw from. Start by creating a digital or physical inspiration board filled with:

✨ Images or videosthat move you, or spark joy. This can be photography, videography, artwork, or textures that you connect with.
✨ Words, poems, quotes or snippets of conversation that resonate with you.
✨ Colors, fabrics, and materials that evoke a feeling.
✨ Music or lyrics that transport you.
✨ Anything that makes you pause, feel, or wonder.

Consider creating a physical inspiration board in your home that you can interact with, or curate a digital collection through Pinterest, a dedicated album on your phone, or saved posts on Instagram.

connecting the dots

Creativity thrives in the unexpected connections. Sometimes, the most brilliant ideas emerge from seemingly unrelated things. Like a poem influencing a painting. When you gather inspiration from different sources, you create a rich tapestry of influences that fuel your imagination in ways you never expected.

This is exactly what we practice at Out of Office Creative Retreats. Exploring different creative mediums gives us the freedom to play, evoke emotion, and spark new ideas. When we come together - immersed in movement, conversation, and creation - those unexpected connections ignite inspiration in ways we never imagined.

a living canvas

Your inspiration board should not be static, it should evolve with you. Some images or ideas will lose their allure over time, and that’s okay! Replace them with new ones that reflect where you are now. Allow your board to be a reflection of your evolving creative journey.

Next time you feel creatively blocked, go to your board. Engage with it. Rearrange it. Add something new. Let it remind you of what excites you, what moves you, and brings you joy.

Creativity isn’t just about producing, it is also about exploring, collecting, and connecting. So, start building your inspiration bank and see where it leads you.

Blessings, light, and love,

Your friend Sally