Let it go: 4 ways to unleash the creative queen you really are

As music moms, we often feel pressure to place our creative endeavors on the back burner of our priorities.

Society tells us that our music, our art, and our poetry – all the things we cherish as important expressions of our creativity – are supposed to come after we focus on our families, our careers, and the other realities of life.

I recently realized that the creative things we do are more than mere distractions. They are more than mere hobbies. Instead, the outer expressions of our inner creativity are a huge part of what makes us human.

In essence, the songs we sing, the stories we write, the portraits we paint – all these things partially define who and what we are. Our desire to connect with our creative side comes from our desire to connect with ourselves.

With this in mind, I have become increasingly focused on keeping my creative juices flowing. Here are 4 steps I’ve taken to enhance and unleash the creative queen inside me, even when all the world says moms like us should do otherwise. I hope these tips help you satisfy your natural urge to create.

Remind yourself that your art is a necessity, not a luxury.

All too often we treat art like it’s a luxury, something expendable that we don’t necessarily need. I wholeheartedly disagree with this view.

I consider the creative process – and its sometimes inspiring results – a necessity. When you think of something as being vital to your health and existence, you tend to cherish it and make time for it.

Treat your creative expression as something crucial to your health, because it is. By doing so, you are ensuring the best possible you. And we all know that you reaching your full potential is the best thing for you and your loved ones.

Discover your creative tribe.

I’m sure you’ve already discovered the value in belonging to a community of mothers. Thank God for the bonds we have created with those who share in this crazy thing called motherhood. Who knows how we’d survive without their comfort and words of wisdom.

Likewise, uniting with fellow creative souls can do wonders for your journey through motherhood. If you’re fortunate enough to add the right members to your team, you’ll receive all the camaraderie, inspiration, and emotional support you could ever want.

These creative mamas are out there, and they’re very likely looking for gals like you. Hunt them down, and then watch with joy as you propel each other to creative heights previously unknown.

Choose yourself over everyone else (at least once in a while).

This might be the toughest one of them all. We are programmed by society to always put our kids above our wishes and desires.

Every mother struggles with this, and for good reason: taking time away from your child is hard. Sometimes, though, it’s absolutely necessary.

While we all agree that becoming a mother is the best thing that has ever happened to you, remember that it’s not the only thing that has ever happened to you.

You are a complex, multi-faceted woman, so it is absolutely essential that you fully discover all aspects of your being. This most definitely includes your creative side.

Ignore the haters who try to guilt you into ditching your creativity.

There’s a good chance you’ve already experienced this, but there will always be naysayers and doubters who tell you to give up on your creativity, dreams, and goals.

These Negative Nancys will join with the Debbie Downers of the world for the sole purpose of persuading you that childbirth ought to mean the end of your creative endeavors.

They’ll pour on the guilt for spending an afternoon in the studio when you could have been watching your kids at home. They’ll shame you for spending a night playing the live music you’ve poured your heart and soul into, simply because your spouse had to watch the kids. Boo!

My advice? Don’t give them one single minute of your precious time. You don’t need their permission or blessing to be the creative soul you’re meant to be. Wish them well, and then move on.

And then, with your family and friends as inspiration, keep doing exactly what you’re made to do: create.