Some thoughts on clutter & creativity.

On the surface, I am not the neatest person. Clutter seems to follow in my wake. Scenario –come in with the mail, set a magazine on the coffee table, meaning to look at it later. Bills go on the stairs to make their way to my office next time I go upstairs. I have every good intention of tossing the remaining circulars and junk mail in the recycle bin on the back porch – but then I get interrupted between here & there & the pile ends up on the dining room table. Sound familiar?

My office, kitchen, etc. (pics will NOT be provided!) can accumulate piles that grow like I’m fertilizing them! I’m sure you can imagine a messy house. Heck! You might have one yourself! Thank God I’m not a candidate for Hoarders!

You might be wondering what the heck my “messy” confession has to do with creativity. A lot, I believe. A whole lot!

Everyone has their quirks when it comes to creating. Some people need music, some don’t – some need icons or touchstones before their creative period – some like the bustle of a coffeehouse for writing – some need complete quiet – and all of these are subject to change at any time.

But, one given for me is. . .a cluttered space leaves me with a cluttered mind.

I cannot write if I can’t think straight, or if my brain is full of to-do lists (like taking care of all that clutter!)

A successful creative session (for me) consists of working in a clean, clear space where my imagination can take over. Ideas can spill onto desktops, swirl around in the sunlight, dance unimpeded on the floor boards, and eventually find their way into my work-in-progress. Without “clearity” – there is no “clarity” for me.

What about you? Can you create in a cluttered space? Or do you need the beauty of clean desks, floors, counters, and table tops? I’d love to know!