99 Keys to a Creative Life by Melissa Harris

9780738742199

216 Pages
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
Release Date: May 8, 2015

Nonfiction (Adult), Self-Help

I am always on the lookout for books on creativity. I like to find ways to jump start being creative. This book was what I needed at this time.

The book is divided into three sections. The reader can pick the aspect that resonates with them to create.

Awareness Keys: Heads Up! Creative opportunities are all around us!
Intuitive or Heart-Based Keys: Allow your inner compass to guide you
Spiritual or Soul-Based Keys

There is something for everyone in this book. I like the way the author has divided the book. I found that the first section called to me more than the other two. The exercises are simple and do not take any time to do. The instructions are easy to follow. I like the idea of documenting, breathing, sound healing, and practicing mindful. If you are looking for ways to jumpstart your creativity, I highly recommend this book.

Any book on creativity will provide ideas to the reader. This book is no exception. While providing no real new ideas it does take the reader through the thought process to become more creative. Always helpful. For the right reader, could be the right book.

This particular book has been in and out of my Kindle, opened and closed, multiple times. I think part of the problem is that she immediately goes into talking about keeping a journal. It's like the New Year Resolution idea. For me, keeping a journal makes sense, in theory, and then I just fall apart and never do it.

This time, instead of keeping a journal, I mentally tried to pay attention to small details of my life. What makes me happy, what makes me upset. It is definitely a work in progress, and to be honest, I probably do need to keep a journal, but the idea of paying attention to my stress is what has worked out so far. Maybe soon I'll be able to take that process and then begin the process of putting it onto paper.

And that was just the beginning of the book!

What I loved is that she talks about the many ways that we all have to be creative. As someone that hates to go from point a to point b, at least in my artwork, I was able to resonate with a lot of what she said, but especially about intuition. Whether I'm trying to be creative or not, my intuition seems to help me make decisions that I may, or may not have made, had I not been paying attention. Also, there is so much in here about trusting yourself and your art. I am very hard on myself and as a result, I get stuck!

About halfway through the book, it got very spiritual, which I appreciated a great deal. It's not in your face talking about spirituality, but again, about trusting yourself and energy. I can imagine this portion may be a little strange for some to read, but I enjoyed it. She has a portion about magical tools and trusting, which again, was fascinating, but I would just warn others that this isn't a huge portion of the book, but something to skip over if you don't believe in it. OR give it a try and see!

The downside to the book is that I feel creatively, I am not quite prepared for the knowledge she is extending. I'm working on my creativity, but it has a ways to go. That's not even me being hard on myself, just acknowledging that I haven't put in the time or effort to gradually get better. All in all, I think I'm going to have to get that journal and read this again, but more slowly. I think so many people would enjoy reading this, and their art would grow just by opening up to experiences inside and outside of themselves.

In short: This is a fascinating book, with a look inside instead of the outside world. I'm going to have to read this one again to understand and apply it all!