Don't Eat Your Green Vegetables
by Molly-Ann Leikin

Getting creative and staying that way is a process we need to work on a little each day, every day. There is no instant, herbal solution for an alternative at this point. But here are a few quick ideas to get you started.

l. Make a list of everything you have to do every day - like it or not, you have to complete these things. Don't edit the list. Include everything from taking out the garbage to carpooling, to trying to think of something to prepare for supper that isn't the same old dinner number three, hold the two and a half.

2. Make another list of everything you love to do, but don't set aside time to do. Again, don't censor the list. And don't be shy. Nobody's going to see this but you.

3. From the first list of things you have to do, choose a day when you will eliminate one of your "shoulds" from the list, mark it in your appintment book and just plain don't do whatever it is you choose not to do. "Now hear this. Today, Molly-Ann Leikin will not eat her green vegetables. She will substitute animal crackers. Period. Try and stop me. 'Bye 'bye broccoli."

If this sounds like a rebellious two-year-old who has one word, no, in his vocabulary, you're right. Let that kid out to splash in the puddles, even in a three-piece suit and brand, new shoes. The kid is the freest part of you, where imagination and playfulness thrive. In that mindset, ideas can't help but start to grow.

4. From the list of things you love to do but don't get to do often enough, choose one item and do that instead of the thing you should do, and chose not to do. "I'd love to watch the Agassi/Sampras match instead of paying bills." Fine. It's Agassi/Sampras for you. And there wil be no negative consequences. Honest.

By making these lists, choosing something you AREN'T going to do, and treating yourself to somehing you ARE going to do, you've just given yourself two gifts. You've gotten the day off, away from the complete control of one item on your "should" list, and you probably feel great about getting a little break. You've also taken charge of your freedom by indulging in an activity you enjoy. So you win twice.

What has happened is you've taken a little control back from a life that is run by other people and responsibilities. I call it regaining Creative Control. And it feels delicious.

To get the best results, I suggest you give yourself ten minutes a day of being in your kid. You'll find the ten minutes from yesterday will give you momentum for today, and tomorrow and the day after. As long as you keep giving yourself these ten minute parties for one, you will start feeling more creative. This new control, however small it is at first, will continually grow, and soon you will surprise yourself. "Wow - look at my idea! I did it! That came from me!"

Okay - make the appointment with yourself. And keep it. Mark it down in your daily planner. Make it a priority. Whatever you do, don't cancel.

Are you ready? Get set, go - directly to the cookie jar. No spinach allowed. Then start making your lists. And let me know how you do, okay? I'm expecting a little miracle.

© 1999 Molly-Ann Leikin

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