All too often too often we try to push, pull, outline and control our ideas instead of letting them grow organically. The creative process is a process of surrender, not control.Mystery is at the heart of creativity. That, and surprise.

Artists are visionaries. We routinely practice a form of faith, seeing clearly and moving toward a creative goal that shimmers in the distance - often visible to us, but invisible to those around us.

Do not call procrastination laziness. Call it fear.

No matter how sophisticated our lives may be we need to think of ourselves as creative children.

A sketch book freezes time. It is an instantaneous form of meditation focusing us on the worth of every passing moment.

Next to Morning Pages and Artist Dates, the most potent tool for contacting inner guidance and creativity is walking.

If we lean into what we love instead of soldiering toward what we 'should,' our pace quickens, our energy rises, optimism sets in. What we love is nutritious for us.