Welcome all cowgirls and guys…this is the creativity exercise we did on the Trail Mix episode of Mixin’ It Up with Rebecca on March 21st. It is an interesting process I use in my retreats that most people find eye-opening and cathartic.  I call whittling…whittling down our gifts and talents from hundreds to five. We are out to discover the top 5 most meaningful gifts you have to offer the world. Pretty heavy stuff…nope, it’s just what every smart cowgirl and cowboy needs to do…discover your own personal Yippee ki-YAY Creativity Rocks!!!

I have a PDF for you to download and use for this exercise.  Creativity Rocks PDF It is a list of a hundred or so gifts, talents and values you can browse through to decide which ones make you who you are.

Remember, to be honest and authentic. This is just for you…you never have to share this list with anyone.

Simply print out this list Creativity Rocks PDF. Mark the ones which most resonate with you as you read thru the first time. Just read quickly through and tick off any that speak to you. I mean REALLY speak to you!!!  As you scan the list, you may find that most have little or no significance to you and some may even seem negative to you. However, those  that just jump right off the page and call to your heart and say, “Yes, this is part of me.”…those are the ones we are after. Now be careful not to pick the ones you WANT to have…Remember, this is where you must be honest and authentic.

Once you have done this, go through the list again and find the ten that you feel are most part of your true gifts and talents. Write these on a piece of paper and put the list aside.

Then when you have identified ten, imagine that everyone is only permitted to have five gifts. Which five would you give up? Cross them off your list. It may take you a while to do this or it may be very easy for you. The important thing is to have fun discovering about yourself.

This is where we stop today, but you could continue and whittle this list down to your top gift indeed!!

my rocks with their own little saddle bag

Now the fun Part. Make Your Creativity Rocks

You Need:

Five small (under 2″square} smooth rocks. We will be writing on them, so they should be smooth enough for that.

Your 5 words from exercise above

Permanent marker(s) in color of choice. I chose gold!

Gesso

Small artist or foam brush

Directions:

1. Wash your rocks to remove any dirt. Let dry.
2. Look for the best side to write on.
3. Stir the Gesso until mixed and brush a layer on the writing side. Let dry.
4. You may need to brush a second layer over the first if it did not cover it well. Let dry.
5. With your marker write one of your special gifts on each rock. This is the best part: Think about the words as you write them. Celebrate the gift that it is and how it makes you unique and special. Be creative and write the words with flair.
6. Find or create a beautiful bag, box or container for your Creativity Rocks. Store them in a special place where you will see them often. I actually have a hanging bag on my bedroom door handle with my rocks. Every time I pass them I smile and try to remember my special gifts.

The Purpose

Stand in your own magnificence!

When you feel down or have doubts about your creativity or specialness, take the rocks out and look at them and hold them. Feel the energy in them. Remember these things that make you special and are your gifts to the world. They should be shared because your special energy or vibe has an important place in the universe.

Try to go to that place that transcends judgement and self-doubt and allows your creativity to flow through you without conscious effort. A place where you can freely explore and connect with your unique visual voice and discover the art you were born to create. Yippee ki-Yay!!!

You can see my top five gifts (as I see them) hopefully in everything I do – Communication, Creativity, Wonder/Curiosity, Empathy and Service. But I just had to add a sixth since I found this cute heart-shaped rock. LOVE!!!