confessions of a creative

exploring the messy, beautiful process of living artfully with notes on inspiration, doubt, and making things anyway

I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to embrace creativity in everyday life—the process of transforming the ordinary into art. When we approach creativity from that perspective, each moment becomes an opportunity to create something meaningful. And in that way, we are all artists, crafting our lives with intention and presence.

Living artfully isn’t just about making meaning out of the mundane; it’s about discovering our artistic instincts and giving ourselves permission to play—to explore different forms of expression, to be curious, and to let curiosity lead.

Making art out of our lives requires consistency—just showing up, practicing, and embracing progress over perfection is enough. It also means respecting the creative process itself: creating without expectation, without the need for conformity. Art has to be true to the artist. I’ve found that when we allow our daily experiences to become a source of inspiration, we grant ourselves greater freedom to create.

For me, writing has always been at the center of that process. Books, poetry, and words have shaped the way I move through the world—so why would I ever censor that expression?

Morning Pages

Morning pages have not just been a daily practice but a lifeline and survival guide. Nearly a decade ago, I had the privilege of sitting in workshops with Julia Cameron at The Open Center—one of my old stomping grounds in NYC.
I still remember the way she spoke about creativity as something sacred yet entirely accessible—like breath, like movement, like the act of waking up, and putting pen to paper before the world’s noise has a chance to settle in.

I’m not sure my words will ever come close to being friends with Julia’s, but that won’t stop me from showing up, and penning words to the page.

Because creativity is, at its core, the art of expression. And when we give ourselves permission to explore our own creativity, we start to see inspiration everywhere. We attune ourselves to it. It’s the metaphorical—and sometimes literal—act of looking up, paying attention, noticing the divine in the details, and seeing the magic in the mundane.

What does it mean to live artfully?

Living artfully is about seeing life itself as a creative process—one that invites curiosity, play, and intentionality. It’s about embracing the practice of making, not for perfection, but for discovery.

Here’s what I’ve found to be true about the creative process:

✎ Be Curious—Let Curiosity Lead
Follow what sparks your interest. Inspiration often comes when we least expect it, but only if we remain open to it.

✎ Experiment Without Judgment
Your art is yours. It doesn’t have to conform to anything but your own truth. Let go of the need for external approval.

✎ Consistency is Key
Creativity isn’t just about inspiration—it’s about practice. Show up, even when you don’t feel “ready.”

✎ Give Yourself Permission to Play
Inspiration is everywhere. When we loosen our grip on expectations, we make room for joy, experimentation, and unexpected breakthroughs.

✎ Infuse Your Art with Intention
What are you trying to say? How do you want people to feel? Approach your work with both spontaneity and purpose.

✎ Respect the Process
Create without expectation. Sometimes the best work comes when we surrender to the magic in the mystery.

What does living artfully mean to you? What creative practices have been your lifeline—the rituals that keep you anchored in expression, even when doubt creeps in?

Let’s make something meaningful of this life.

© Alana Foy 2025