Here on the coast, we’re finally getting a break from the rain—a little sunshine after a very soggy start to the year.
The other day, I took advantage of the weather and headed to the beach with my watercolor paints. I posted an Instagram reel about the outing featuring Ellie, my yellow lab and self-appointed Guardian of the Paint Water. The comments were so lovely—”Looks amazing,” “What a magical day,” and “What a special experience.”
And while it was magical, let me tell you the rest of the story…
The creek I had to cross was deeper than I thought, so my hiking shoes filled with water (wet socks, ugh). It was sunny, but so chilly. Ellie, in her enthusiasm for greeting other dogs, managed to knock over my paint water and scatter sand all over my watercolor palette and painting. To top it off, I somehow cut my thumb (still a mystery), and it bled the entire way back to the car—through that same too-deep creek.
Yet, even with all that, it was a special, magical time. That’s creativity for you—the good, the messy, the unexpected. It’s a reminder that what we see on social media is often just the polished parts of someone’s day. The real creative journey? It’s a little chaotic, a little messy—and so, so worth it.
One of the hardest truths about creativity is this: no one else will protect your creative space for you. Life is full of demands, distractions, and to-do lists that threaten to bury your creative dreams. If we don’t guard our space, our time, and our energy, creativity can slip away.
Here’s the truth:
- No one else will carve out your time to paint.
- No one else will set boundaries around your energy.
- No one else will quiet your inner critic or nurture your creative dreams.
Guarding your creative space is a radical act of self-love and empowerment.
