Trading A Pen for A Paintbrush... Colour Outside the Lines

There is a certain joie de vivre that occurs when we tap into our creativity and explore our artistic side. I believe everyone has a creative spirit, after all, when we first attend school, art class is one of our favourite subjects. We bring home our unique treasures that usually hang somewhere in the kitchen, most often, prominently on the frig.

Do you remember seeing your artwork on display?

I’m not sure what happens as we grow and mature but at some point in time we put down the paints, brushes and canvas in pursuit of other interests and we leave behind our creative energy.

I did exactly that and after graduating decided to pursue a career in business marketing that would tap into my passion for the arts by channelling creativity into innovative campaigns for other business owners.?

I have found when we tap into our creativity, we explore the skills that fuel our passion for sharing great ideas.

Throughout the years, I would often find myself pulling out the crayons and sketchbook when I needed to relax and unwind.?A hobby that I nurtured as part of my personal formula for R&R.

What I’ve come to understand is that most often our hobbies provide the fuel to recharge our batteries. ?

As a business coach, I encouraged folks to explore their hobbies because they contribute not only to rest and relaxation but to self confidence, much like seeing our artwork on the frig.

As part of my corporate toolbox, I became certified to use a performance management tool called Emotional Intelligence.?An individual report which identifies the 15 soft skills we use and nurture throughout our careers contributing to our success.?This report was especially helpful when working with leadership teams who were committed to building communication skills and fostering creativity.

The skills that immediately come into play are:

1) Flexibility

2) Optimism

3) Emotional Expression

Two provide us with the resources we need to cope with stress management which contributes to our overall well-being. It is no wonder that tapping into our creative energy creates a sense of optimism that encourages a sense of accomplishment.

For those who consider themselves hobbyists, there is what I call a satisfaction factor that is both calming and energizing. Fuelling our creativity encourages outside the box thinking which often leads to creative problem solving.?A skill that is useful throughout life’s journey.

Hobbies, I believe, are a great way to express our creativity and build self confidence.

Flexibility starts a whole new conversation when we are looking for new and innovative ways to connect with our friends, family and customers. Our personal sense of style, logo’s and marketing plans are based not only on our creativity but the flexibility to accept and adapt to change, another important skill as an effective leader.

Our emotional expression shares a little of the human side to our personalities. Taking a leap of faith to share our creativity encourages meaningful connections and establishes unique partnerships that begins with a little vulnerability and builds on trust.

Optimism, sets the foundation for inspiring others to move outside their comfort zone and explore their own creativity within the context of both their work and individuality. Seeing the glass half full builds on risk taking that supports failure as a learning tool for current and future success.

These skills are nurtured in our youth and as we mature contribute to our ability to become successful leaders, taking risks to try something new. These foundational skills support business innovation, creating the building blocks for personal and professional development that supports great ideas.

Things really do come full circle. ?

I decided to take my own advice…

At this stage in my career, I found myself trading a pen for a paintbrush, returning to my love for the arts as a painter.

I had to get out of my own way, dig deep for a little self confidence and put myself out there by sharing a little splash of colour.

I’m taking my hobby to the forefront and instead of hanging it on the frig.?I’ve taken it outside!?

True to form, I have developed a process that takes original works of art outdoors. The canvases have been treated to protect them from the basic elements.?They are best described as abstract florals, many pieces have found their way into gardens, benches, patios, fences, porches and balconies so that you too may enjoy a splash of colour.

So, the next time you have a blast of creative energy, celebrate your talents and bring out the tools that support your hobby. ?

You never know where the paints, brushes and canvas may lead to in the future. Who knows, you may find that you too will begin to …

“Colour outside the lines”

Trish Tonaj,?Artist, Author, Speaker, Founder/Host ShareYourStories.online

Trish is trading a pen for a paintbrush, from Master Coach and award winning Marketing Consultant to artist, author and speaker on the topic of mentorship.??She has published 2 books:?Breaking Barriers 10 Entrepreneurial Women Share Their Stories?and?A Diary of Change 12 Personal Tools.?Colour Outside the Lines is a corporate workshop created for you and your team. She is the founder/host for the ShareYourStories series and invites you to participate with your feature.??

Visit Trish at?shareyourstories.online or trishtonaj.com