When I was younger, I used to dream about having a job that allowed me to travel and experience new things. I’ve never been a big fan of sitting still, or staying in one place for too long - because for me, the more I experienced, the more I grew and ultimately, the more I learned.
Flash forward to today: I’m a graphic designer. I’m in an industry that requires me to sit behind my desk from 9-5 (more like, 10-7, but who’s counting?) Monday through Friday. While I love what I do, this routine ultimately diminishes the amount of time I have to do my own things - such as get out and explore new places. Doing the same thing for too long can begin take a toll on a persons creativity and overall wellbeing, and this was something I noticed happening to myself.
I stopped going places. I stopped writing. I stopped taking photographs. Instead all my energy, creativity, and time was being funneled into my agency life and my clients. And whatever energy I had leftover was used to make myself dinner when I got home at night. It felt like the best parts of me were gathering dust in the corner of my apartment, waiting for me to make a move.
I’ve only recently come to understand that it doesn’t have to be this way. You can work a real job, and still find time throughout the day for yourself - however that may be. Myself and a couple of co-workers have been doing just that, with coffee time. Every afternoon, we’ll escape the hum drum of the office to sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee at a nearby shop. Sometimes we’ll have conversations, sometimes we don’t. But it’s a great way for us to recharge and take some time for ourselves.
So, the next time you’re feeling like you’re in a creative slump at work, I challenge you to take some time for yourself. Instead of running out at lunch to pick up a sandwich that you’ll just bring back to the office, choose to take that sandwich to a nearby park and sit outside for 20 minutes. Instead of grabbing a quick coffee on your way to work, take an extra 15 minutes to sit down and take in the aromas that surround you. Maybe even lock eyes with the cute stranger in a nearby booth. Whatever you choose to do, do it for you.
If you’re interested, follow me along on my 100 day project as I capture my life and the moments/thoughts that surround it! Also, please tell me if you’re participating in the project too so that I can follow along! This is meant to be done together :)
jacobvanloon
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