I’m a fan of coloring.  When I was younger, one of my favorite things was my big-ass box of Crayons.  I still have it to this day.  My neighbor and I would start with a blank page and she would make a line, then I would make a line, then she’d add to what I did, and we’d go back and forth collaborating on this picture.

Then in high school, my best friend and I would totally color, too.  Yep, 17 years old and I broke out the ol’ coloring books.  I’m not ashamed.

I love actually making something with my hands – making a #30Lists book* (btw, there’s totally still time to get in on the action this month!), putting together a photo album, coloring, even reorganizing a bathroom feels good to me.

The other day, I saw an article about coloring being good for the soul.  It stimulates parts of the brain related to motor skills, senses, and creativity.

And it has serious de-stressing power.  I don’t know about you, but I find it incredibly relaxing.  The other night after a long day of work and finding out some news that immediately turned me into a ball of stress, I colored.  I found an old geometric coloring book that I think I stole from my mom and sat down with my big ass box of crayons and colored.

I was so relaxed, I fell asleep right where I was.

I am realizing the importance of taking time to do things that feel good and are good for me.  I think it’s our natural tendency to say, “Other people are asking me for my time and I feel obligated to give it,” and it’s hard to say no and take care of yourself, but if I don’t take care of myself, I’m not doing anyone else any favors.

As Britt Reints acknowledges, creative spirits need a little nurturing.  And she’s doing just that in her Creative Soul Connection Weeknight Retreat on March 26th.

The whole night is centered around nurturing our creative spirits – talking about how to overcome obstacles that get in the way of creating and the benefits of creating things on a regular basis (aside from having new Pinterest-inspired artwork).

I cannot tell you how much I’m looking forward to playing with other creatives.  I’m a huge believer that you need to change your surroundings if you’re feeling stuck and actually going somewhere and being given permission to get hands-on and messy..oh hello, I’mma be all over this.

A little recap of what the night will include:

– Emphasis on importance of Being Ernest making stuff regularly
-Hands-on art project with Little House Big Art
-Creative panel discussion – so far it includes a musician, seamstress, writer, graphic designer/art camp director
-Sponsored by Little House Big Art, Pittsburgh Glass Center, and I Made It! Market
-Heated mosaic tile floors at the Irma Freeman Center for Imagination

A while back, I sat down and had coffee with Britt and another writer who felt stuck like myself.  She told us about artist dates that she’s trying to do regularly with herself.  She gets out of her house and does something that feels good to her: go to a museum, paint by the river, etc.  So even if you aren’t in Pittsburgh and can’t come to the CSCWR, do something for a few hours that night that feed your creative soul.

Did I convince you to come?  I sure hope so!  You can grab tickets for the Creative Soul Connection for $25 and I’m thinking it’s probably going to be the best $25 you spend all week.

[disclaim]Britt asked me to spread the creative love and in exchange offered me a free ticket to this event.  You can bet your bottom dollar I already was going to buy a ticket and go anyway![/disclaim]

[disclaim]*The 30 Days of Lists link is an affiliate link.[/disclaim]