Why Mess and Magic Go Hand in Hand
Some say creativity strikes like lightning—a sudden, poetic burst of inspiration descending from the heavens. But to me, creativity is less Zeus and more like trying to flirt with the cutest person at a party: awkward at first, but magical once you find your rhythm. My own process? It's neither glamorous nor easy, but it’s certainly full of quirks, and today, I'm letting you in on the odd mix of habits that fuel my messy, magical mind. Spoiler alert: it involves a lot of sticky notes, awkward dance moves, and snacks (because, of course, snacks).

Mornings Are For Coffee and Chaos

First, let’s get one thing straight—there’s no universe where I start my day in serene meditation, drinking matcha on a yoga mat while journaling my deepest thoughts. I’m not Gwyneth Paltrow in a wellness commercial; I’m a multi-tasking tornado. My mornings often involve frantic coffee brewing and yelling at my cat (lovingly, of course) to get off my laptop.

But here’s the thing: mornings—chaotic as they are—kick-start my creative engine. A key ingredient? My "word dump ritual." Think of it as freestyle journaling with no rules, punctuation, or expectations. I grab a notebook, set a ten-minute timer, and start writing whatever pops into my brain. It could be a dream I had, a vague idea for an article, or why rom-com characters are always holding baguettes during a “fresh start” montage.

Messy? 100%. Necessary? Even more so.

Why it works for you:
- Permission to Be Imperfect: This habit lets your mind roam free without the pressure to “get it right.”
- Start Small: Even if you’re not a writer, try scribbling your thoughts or doodling. Let the creative doors creak open without judgment.

Midday Dance Breaks: The Unexpected Secret Sauce

If you’ve ever seen Bridget Jones’ Diary, you’ll remember the scene where she’s dancing in her PJs with a wine bottle. Now, imagine that, minus the wine and with me in sneakers, solo jamming in my living room to a playlist ranging from Beyoncé to Bad Bunny. (Your girl needs range!)

Dance breaks are my secret weapon, especially when I’m stuck in a creative rut. Moving my body shakes up my mindset in ways sitting at my desk physically can’t. Some of my best ideas—the stuff that makes me yell, “Ohhh, this is genius!”—have come mid-shimmy. Once, I figured out the perfect analogy for a piece on flirting while blasting ABBA’s “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” Coincidence? I think not.

Ideas for your own shake-it-off ritual:
- Put on a song you love but would never admit during karaoke (to me, that’s anything Spice Girls).
- Ignore fancy choreography. Just move. Bad dancing isn’t part of the creative barrier.
- Repeat as necessary until inspiration punches you in the brain...or until you get tired.

Sticky Notes: My Love Language

If my workspace doesn’t look like I’m plotting a heist or the world’s most chaotic rom-com, am I even working? Brightly colored sticky notes plaster my walls full of fragmented ideas, random words, deadlines, quotes, and sarcastic reminders like, “STOP SCROLLING ON INSTAGRAM.” These little paper bursts of chaos are crucial for translating my creative whirlwind into something concrete.

Fun fact: I swear by “brainstorm clustering.” Let’s say I’m writing about compromise in relationships. I’ll write “compromise” on one sticky note, then branch off with connected ideas: “green vs. red flags,” “whose Netflix queue wins,” and “leaving the bathroom door open is NOT love.” Seeing those separate thoughts grouped in one visual “cluster” lets me connect the dots in ways that feel natural instead of forced.

This method isn’t just for writers. Planning anything—a work project, weekend activities, or even wedding vows? Sticky notes are where it’s at.

Reasons stick-on scraps are magic:
- It’s Like Tinder for Ideas: Swipe (or rather shuffle) them into better patterns without commitment.
- Color-Coding Keeps It Fun: Use different colors to categorize themes or topics. You’ll feel absurdly organized and powerful.

When Snacks Save The Day

Listen, I don’t know anyone who’s ever had a revolutionary idea while hungry. Creativity and hanger simply don’t mix. My go-to? A snack ritual. The trick is to channel your inner “Netflix chef” and treat your snacks with ceremony. For me, that looks like slicing strawberries and pairing them with dark chocolate—and convincing myself I’m living in a Bridgerton-esque dream. (Is it extra? Always. But we’re creative people. Extra is part of the brand.)

Something transformative happens when you pause the hustle and indulge in life’s small pleasures. These moments feel indulgent but are quietly productive. They reset my focus. Sometimes creativity comes from treating yourself like you already have all the answers—because maybe you do.

Recommended snacks with “main character energy”:
- A platter of cheese and crackers. (Yes, even if it’s just for you.)
- Fresh fruit paired with a latte or tea in that mug you love but rarely use.
- Literally anything involving baked goods, bonus points for pretend British accents while nibbling.

Nature Walks or “Meetings With Trees”

Ah, fresh air: nature’s way of saying, “Hey, maybe you should stop doom-scrolling Twitter for 15 minutes.” For me, creativity flows best when I’m outside, even if it’s just pacing around my tiny garden fiddling with the plants. There’s something grounding (pun absolutely intended) about stepping away from screens to breathe.

Growing up, I spent summers with my grandparents on the Navajo Nation, where the stark beauty of red sandstone cliffs and open skies always recharged my spirit. Now, wherever I am, I incorporate that connection to nature into a weekly ritual: “meetings with trees.” I’ll walk to the nearest park with a notebook—jotting down everything from vague ideas to stupid puns. Bonus points to the tree if its shade sparks an existential breakthrough.

If you’re not vibing with full-on nature hikes, start small:
- Take a five-minute break to step onto your balcony or stoop and watch the sky.
- Bring a cup of coffee to the park and let your mind wander. No agenda required.
- Meditate with plants or flowers nearby—give them names if you're feeling spicy.

The Permission Slip to Not Be “Perfect”

Here’s the tea: creative rituals aren’t sacred acts of divine brilliance (well, maybe for Beyoncé). For the rest of us, it’s just smudged notebooks, accidental genius, and the willingness to dance like a goofball when the words won’t come. A big part of creativity is simply giving yourself permission. Permission to try, fail, snack, rest, move, and then try again.

The space where flirtation and familiarity bloom—whether in art, relationships, or even self-discovery—is always messy. But that’s the point. The magic is in the imperfection.

So go ahead. Write on sticky notes, jam to ‘90s throwbacks, eat another croissant. Your creative process is uniquely yours—and trust me, that’s more than enough.