May Abundance

On making space for creativity

Well…if I wasn't before, I am completely invested in Omen Days¹ now.

My prediction for May was abundance, and it hath delivered.

And I don't even mean the undeniable beginning of spring, and the way the world has seemingly exploded into life around me over the last few weeks, although that's certainly part of it, and worth mentioning.

What I mean is the burst of creative energy I've had since the first of the month, and the level of enchantment I feel about it all.

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An early morning, close-up view of a dandelion gone to seed in my backyard, with blurred patches of more dandelions, some forget-me-nots, and my dog, River Song behind it.

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I'm quite certain that the longer sunlight hours, the greening of the trees, the sprouting of the flowers, the increase in birdsong, and my return to my morning ritual, etc. have all had a profound effect on my spirits.

But I also don't think I would feel it all so deeply if it weren't for the poetry communities I'm a part of² reminding me constantly to pay attention to it all.

Taking the time each day to sit still and write, especially with the help of a prompt to get me started, has reminded me again and again that I don't need to wait for the inspiration to come to me, it is always here.

Coupled with reading

Sarah Shotts

' Discover Your Creative Ecosystem, I am just feeling so alive, and so full of ideas.

I have some really exciting, expansive projects in process right now, and I'm feeling so grateful for my fellow creatives who keep showing up so generously and genuinely to remind me that it is worth making space for myself and for my creative work.

Some of you may recall that this is my year of autonomy, and I'm realizing that making ample time and space for creativity, and for the slowing down and the noticing, is a substantial and necessary aspect of that.

I am hopeful that this truth will stick, and that I will find ways to continue to incorporate these lessons in all the months to come, but I think sometimes we all need a reminder.

So if you're needing one right now, here is yours:

     It is worth it

to pause and notice,

to name and honor the magic 

in the mundanity of every day, 

to make space for yourself 

and for all that is held in the world.

     It is worth it

to sit in solitude long enough 

to remember you are not alone. 

(I hadn't planned a poem, but I seem to be finding them everywhere now.)

Have you seemingly come alive with the world this month? Do you feel like you still need time to hibernate? I'd love for you to share, wherever you may be, in the comments. And as always, feel free to share if this resonated with you!

1. I mentioned an earlier prediction here, which also seemed to fit. Of course, it could be coincidence, but then, I think there's magic in that, too.

2.

Kaitlin Curtice

has an annual Poem a Day in May poetry community and

Lisa Jensen

began 100 Poems community this year. The combination of both at once has my heart (and brain) feeling so full.