How to regain your creative energy with the 3 R’s. Refocus, Refresh, Restore.
I had full intention of writing this post days ago. But then “schtuff” happened. Schtuff, like… oh ya know, laundry, emails, errands, and yada yada yada. I found myself wanting to pack up and leave again to escape the norm. My creative energy had quickly faded by Monday afternoon. I had jumped back into the rat race of life. Yep, even coming off a weekend high at Lindsay’s Style and Branding Workshop.
But…
Oh those little dots ….. those dots are literally a PAUSE to THINK and STOP before proceeding.
But today …. I am ….. pausing…..stopping….reprioritizing in order TO REGAIN Creativity energy. That energy that follows freely as soon as we allow (or force) ourselves to stop. To focus on what’s right in front of us. To breath. To LIVE in the moment. To see beauty in the mess (of life).
(Photo curtsey of Lindsay PoY)
Yes, I’m ready to regain that kind of creative ENERGY!
Side note, and another pause…. That picture above is actually from this past week’s workshop. Lindsay stopped to take a picture of me focusing in on a shot of my cake. My messy, crazy, sloppy, disorganized, created with love layered cake. The funny thing is this cake and this moment is so perfect for this topic. This “messy” cake and moment is so much like life. Yes, all those layers take work and are appreciated despite their imperfection. Sorry, Corny Cotterness slipped in.
Okay, where was I? Oh yes, CREATIVE ENERGY! Pause button. Refocus.
I will tell you my three R’s of REGAINING CREATIVE ENERGY. I would have given you a top 5 ways but that felt too organized and ruined my creative flow, so let’s go with the R’s. Capeesh?
HOW TO REGAIN CREATIVE ENERGY WITH THESE 3 R’S
REFOCUS (and recapture).
I through in the words recapture too and I’ll explain that in a minute. You see, as mentioned above, I attended Lindsay’s PoY Style and Branding workshop last week. Ya’ll, I hadn’t left the house in month’s due to my surgery. I was antsy and in big need of an outing.
My husband came with me to Minneapolis, he was my body guard. Just kidding. He was there to help me carry things (still a few weeks left of healing), and to be honest, we just needed to get away. To take the focus off all the the work and instead REFOCUS on what was right in front us. … US!
I also saw this as a chance to refocus on WHY I started Cotter Crunch (the brand and the person behind it) and to be surrounded by AMAZING people. Um, yes, mission accomplished.
Lindsay’s workshop left me feeling more energized and refocused. It helped me to reTHINK what I want to portray to my readers, what I want represent as a entrepreneur, food blogger, nutritionist, friend, recipe developer, supporter, etc.
This past weekend also helped me RECAPTURE a little romance with my husband. Ooops, there I go again. Too much corniness. But really, don’t we all need that in our life? To be smitten with your significant other. To refocus on that relationship, the free spirited lovey dovey part. Yes, yes, yes! The time away with my husband (we stayed a few days after the workshop) was just plain fun and relaxing. Kinda like when were were dating, way back when. Haha!
Refocus and recapture those moments. It will give you so much energy and desire to live whole heartedly.
How to regain your creative energy – REFRESH.
Refresh. To regain creative energy we must refresh our minds, body, and soul.
For me that means taking time to not actually work, but instead REFRESH my creative joy.
For instance; I LOVE creating gluten free recipes, talking nerdy nutrition, food photography, and engaging with talented positive people. People who breathe life and positivity into us. Yes, that kind of refreshment. But I feel stuck and weighted down when it comes to trying to keep up with all the extras. Does that make sense?
I needed to take some time away from the “extra” work and refresh myself with the no pressure work. Lindsay’s workshop was just that. A true BREATH of fresh air. I learned, I practiced, and refreshed my creativity. All without having to measure the end “product” so to speak.
So I guess you could say, in order to regain creative energy, I refreshed my passion. And then dug right into it with a large spoon and true hunger.
Lastly, how to regain your creative energy with the 3 R’s. Refocus, Refresh, and ……
Restore
Restore what’s been depleted.
Restore by definition. To repair or renovate (a building, work of art, vehicle, etc.) so as to return it to its original condition
Is it your health, your relationships, your confidence? What is it that needs to be filled up and nourished back to WHOLE?
I’d say for me (us) it was almost all of the above. But you know what? That forced rest (post-op) not only restored my health, but it restored my relationship with my husband/family. A forced slow down will do that right? It helps us “refocus” on what is truly important. It allowed me to do less and be more. A season of self investment that paid off because of the love and support of others.
That was us 10 years ago. Like whoa…
So I’d like to conclude with this tip on how to regain your creative energy:
Those 3 R’s. Refocus, Refresh, Restore….
Will they really help you to regain your creative energy?
Yes!
Why?
Because over all, they make you more confident in yourself. If you are more confident in yourself and your God given abilities, then those creative road blocks are no longer road blocks. Nope, instead those road blocks are just opportunities to jump high up and over ….. WITH ENERGY!
Quotes to remember:
Busyness is a illness of the spirit – Eugene Peterson
But God is not about upward mobility so much as inward expansion – Alia
“If you’re having difficulty coming up with new ideas, then slow down. For me, slowing down has been a tremendous source of creativity. It has allowed me to open up — to know that there’s life under the earth and that I have to let it come through me in a new way. Creativity exists in the present moment. You can’t find it anywhere else.” -Natalie Goldberg –
Thanks to Kristin for that last quote from her slow blogging post.
Tell me, what ways do you regain your creative energy? This can be in all areas of life!
Cheers!
Corny Cotter
p.s
This post is replacing this month’s Gluten free meal plan. Why? Because sometimes we need to plan to not plan. Yep. That happened.
Hi, I’m Lindsay! Gluten Free Nutrition Specialist, food photographer and author of 
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Susie @ SuzLyfe says
September 28, 2016 at 6:33 AMI found all of my creative energy again, and then lost it when some things that I tried didn’t quite work out. That can be one of the most frustrating things. Pretty much whatever you touch is gold, though. Can I have some of that, Midas? ;D But seriously, I’m so glad that you had such a positive experience and reawakening of spirit!
Cotter Crunch says
October 3, 2016 at 7:08 AMit is so much trial and error. Trust me, some things I’ve touched have turned into ASH. LOL!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
September 28, 2016 at 6:54 AMI’m so happy you gained so much beyond the photography and food at the workshop. I want to go to a future one. The timing didn’t work out with my own surgery. And I completely understand what you mean about feeling cooped up. It’s only been 5 days post op and I’m already feeling crazy. Right now I’m just trying to enjoy the rest my body needs. P.S. Love you and your corniness!
Cotter Crunch says
October 3, 2016 at 7:08 AMI’m so glad you are feeling better though! And you must go to the workshop. You’d LOVE!
Lesq says
September 28, 2016 at 7:17 AMYour so awesome for sharing all your deep feelings. We can all relate and take a lot from what u say. You have it all together you just need to follow your own advice and fly with it. Your awesome!! You can do it. Here’s to a wonderful fall for u and your husband ❤️ We are off to Europe for a few weeks. My husband/BFF and I learned if you don’t take down time frequently to enjoy life, it passes u by at all stages.
Cotter Crunch says
October 3, 2016 at 7:07 AMThanks so much Les! And enjoy Europe. The perfect time to go is now. <3
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
September 28, 2016 at 9:27 AMI’m sorry. I zoned out after that layer cake. OMG. Tell me you have that recipe…
Seriously though, I’m glad you two got away and you had a good time. Next time a group trip to Italy? 😉
Cotter Crunch says
September 28, 2016 at 7:42 PMHaha boxed cake with canned frosting. Yep! Epic
Richa says
September 28, 2016 at 9:59 AMOkay first OMG you went to Lindsay’s workshop!! I will never be able to attend I think but I will vicariously through everyone who does. More importantly, thank you for writing this. I think I feel like this every few days where I suddenly don’t know what’s happening, and it’s nice to know that other people feel like this too – this need to refocus and re-energise. I hope you start feeling 100% okay soon!
Cotter Crunch says
September 28, 2016 at 12:39 PMI think you should make it happen! I’ll support you. <3 Maybe we can do a fun retreat for a few bloggers as well. 😉
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
September 28, 2016 at 10:26 AMLindsay, I so love this post! And it is so well timed for me – I have been juggling my little blog and a full-time job for the past 2 years or so and was at a crazy point this past summer – but God intervened and as of the end of this month, I will be leaving my full-time job to attempt to run my blog full-time and just thinking about everything had me a bit overwhelmed but then I stumbled on here today and your remind to refocus, refresh and restore! I so love those quotes “Busyness is a illness of the spirit – Eugene Peterson But God is not about upward mobility so much as inward expansion – Alia” Thanks so much!
BTW – I’ve been trying to justify if I should attend one of Lindsay’s conferences – I’ve heard all GREAT things, but it’s a huge investment – would love your thoughts?
Cotter Crunch says
September 28, 2016 at 12:38 PMOh friend, i am excited for you! Yes, take time to invest in YOU first. Whether that be through a workshop or some other deep desire.
I loved lindsay’s workshop. The branding and style. IT helped me clear my mind and refocus for sure!
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
September 28, 2016 at 1:40 PMFirst of all, SO jealous that you got to go to Lindsay’s workshop! I absolutely love her work and being able to go to one myself would be a dream. One day! And thank you for the reminder to slow down. I love blogging, but there are definitely times where the amount of things I -could- be doing for it just gets overwhelming, and it starts feeling more like work than anything else. I mean, I know it technically -is- work, but it doesn’t normally feel that way when I’m not trying to put too much on my plate. Maybe one day I’ll learn 😆
Cotter Crunch says
September 28, 2016 at 7:42 PMYou would have loved it! But you already have a great brand and style! Keep
Inspiring and being you! So much love friend
Blair says
September 28, 2016 at 1:54 PMLove your Corny Cotter posts! And that workshop sounds like it was wonderful (and so was the vacation afterwards). We all need these reminders to just STOP and refresh. Thanks for sharing!
Cotter Crunch says
September 29, 2016 at 9:39 PMYes! So wish you were there!
Heather McClees says
September 28, 2016 at 2:14 PMLove this post, couldn’t agree more! Also, glad you had a good time at the workshop-what an opportunity!!!
Cotter Crunch says
September 29, 2016 at 9:38 PMThank you friend! ❤️
Jody - Fit at 58 says
September 28, 2016 at 2:53 PMSuch a great post Lindsay! I get caught up in my own mind too much!!!!
HUGE HUGS!!!!!
Cotter Crunch says
September 28, 2016 at 7:41 PMBig hugs to you!
Cotter Crunch says
September 29, 2016 at 9:40 PMBig hugs!! Thank you for being so supportive
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
September 28, 2016 at 3:09 PMI am in love with your typewriter. So cool.
Cotter Crunch says
September 28, 2016 at 7:41 PMHaha thanks
Lisa says
September 28, 2016 at 3:57 PMWhat a great post! I just stumbled on your blog but your words and photos are so inspiring. Creative energy is a slippery little beast sometimes. I’ve found that getting my hands dirty whether cooking, gardening or lately with refinishing old furniture turns my brain off and my spirit on.
Cotter Crunch says
September 28, 2016 at 7:41 PMSo glad we found each other Lisa! And I love your advice! Yes, get outside and get your hands moving with the earth or some form of craft
Jess @hellotofit says
September 28, 2016 at 4:45 PMThis is so inspiring, lady 🙂 I totally agree that if we can find a way to refocus, among the other things we need to feel refreshed, we can come back with a new and invigorated force!
Cotter Crunch says
September 28, 2016 at 7:40 PMI’m so glad friend! Email me if you need to chat
Cotter Crunch says
September 29, 2016 at 9:38 PMAmen to that friend
Elizabeth Shaw says
September 28, 2016 at 5:29 PMYou have no idea how bad I needed this today too! Thank you for posting, I miss you girl! We need to have that chat one of these days.
Cotter Crunch says
September 28, 2016 at 7:39 PMOh I’m so glad! Miss you too! We must catch up
jill conyers says
September 29, 2016 at 3:46 AMLove this my friend! I have found creative energy in finding a purpose and taking chances. Feeling refocused, restored, and refreshed is like a breath of fresh air.
Cotter Crunch says
September 29, 2016 at 9:37 PMI always look to you for wisdom! Thank you friend!
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
September 29, 2016 at 3:59 AMCornbread, you are beyond amazing and one of the blogworld’s greatest assets. Thanks for this post 🙂
Cotter Crunch says
September 29, 2016 at 9:37 PMCan I get some butter with my cornbread now? Kidding. Haha. You’re the best and I am so grateful for you
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says
September 29, 2016 at 11:06 AMMost times my best work comes in the shower. Mainly because I’ve stepped away from the screen and am doing something for myself. Yes taking a shower is my self love these days.
You gotta recharge those batteries on the regular or there will be nothing left for creativity. I’m so glad you got the opportunity to do so. You’re fabulous.
Cotter Crunch says
September 29, 2016 at 9:34 PMAnd I bet you feel like a new woman after! Until baby A throws up again, haha right? Love you
Danae @ Recipe Runner says
September 29, 2016 at 11:44 AMBeautifully written Lindsay. I’ve been feeling a little burnt out myself lately and just reading this made me pause, breathe and realize that I need to take more time to myself and get back to why I’m passionate about what I do instead of just going through the motions of it everyday….I have no idea if that makes sense. I hope I have the opportunity to go to a POY workshop next year, I can definitely see how it would spark the creative juices. Thanks for sharing this post, you’re not corny at all. 😉
Cotter Crunch says
September 29, 2016 at 9:32 PMI’m so glad Danae! Email or message me whenever you need xxoo
traci | Vanilla And Bean says
September 29, 2016 at 12:04 PMI SO enjoyed reading this Linds… What a sweet pic of you two 10 years ago.. like WOAH! Where does the time gooo!? Hooray for your time together, then the workshop and reflecting on those three Rs. The first step is recognizing that things are spinning out…. then doing something about it. Yay YOU! Rob and I have taken several trips together over the past few months and it’s SO needed. We go so fast and the weekends are jam packed. We gotta slow down. So hard to do in our modern society.. but really, it’s up to us, right? I was in Kansas City this past weekend at @choppedcon . Being around other bloggers, learning, growing our craft, and having a good time is SO worthwhile. It not only fed my belly, but also my spirit. So happy you found that at your workshop. Beautiful work my dear, cake and all! xo
Cotter Crunch says
September 29, 2016 at 9:36 PMOh friend! I so wish I could have been in two places at once! I would have loved to have gone to chop to meet you! And thank you for your words of wisdom! So much truth
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
October 9, 2016 at 9:47 PMOh Lindsay, I needed to read this post. My energy – creative and otherwise – is drained and I’ve been struggling to find my way back to it. Hence being MIA and curling up into my own little cocoon. And what you said about the need to pause, stop and think is so true and that it’s OK to let the extras, the stuff I don’t want to do go. Thank you for speaking a part of my mind right now. PS How are you feeling? I miss you!
Cotter Crunch says
October 10, 2016 at 11:02 AMYou’ve been going going. I hear ya! Sometimes the best thing we can do is accept grace. Right? Pause and rejuvenate friend! Let’s catch up soon
Cassie Autumn Tran says
January 13, 2017 at 1:25 AMThank you so much for this post. Truthfully, I can easily lose my creative fire and energy in such a short amount of time simply by focusing on stress. College doesn’t really benefit it much, either, and it’s one of the main causes why I’m always anxious and nervous about something!! Whenever I just reset everything and focus on what I love, then it’s so easy for me to come up with ideas for my blog and writing!
Cotter Crunch says
January 13, 2017 at 7:35 AMtotally! College and blogging balance are tough. Keep that reset button handy. You got this!