Maggie Butler is a creative writing workshop & retreat leader and writer. She also coaches a small number of motivated and dynamic women who want to invite more creativity in their lives or move ahead on a creative project.
Don’t Leave a Part of Yourself Behind
Maggie Butler talks to us from Ireland
Judith: Thank you so much, Maggie, for stopping by today to tell my readers a bit about you and how you encourage women to embrace change.
Maggie: You’re very welcome, Judith. I’m honoured you invited me on your Blog Interview. I so admire how you are always looking for ways to support, encourage, inform and uplift your coaching clients and readers.
Judith: I know you are always up to great things, Maggie. What would you like to tell my readers about today?
Maggie: Great question! There are a couple of things I’d like to tell your readers, I think. The first is this: express yourself! Whether its writing, painting, knitting, laying out a garden, choosing a colour scheme for your home, making your own cards, decoupage, planning your career - whatever it is, express yourself freely and authentically. It’s part of who you are, another facet of you to shine.
I think of creativity as an energy, and when it’s blocked or unexpressed it can result in a sense of restlessness or listlessness, even depression. It’s often experienced as a sense of something missing in one’s life.
Judith: When you say it feels like something is missing or a restlessness, I am reminded of how many women mop the floor every week but cannot find time to express their own creative nature. What do you see as a possible reason for this?
Maggie: Firstly, I think it’s got to do with valuing one’s self. People often shy away from creative expression, or they minimize it: “Oh, I’m not very good at ________” - your readers can fill in that blank themselves, I’ll bet! Or, “It’s not really important.”
Expressing yourself creatively isn’t about getting published, having a gallery showing, getting accepted in a juried craft show - although all that can certainly be part of it. It’s about showing up authentically, acknowledging another part of yourself. I know its’ boring to hear by now, but it’s truly about the process and not necessarily the outcome. We create because it’s honouring of who we are. It’s also about making sense or meaning in our lives.
Judith: I find creativity is often associated with spirituality. If creativity cannot be expressed, for whatever reason, a part of the person is left behind. When a woman decides her own wants and desires are important, then creativity shows up for her in a new way. Do you find this to be true?
Maggie: Absolutely, Judith. I get chills when you say a part of the person is left behind, because that’s exactly what happens. We aren’t showing up as all of our beautiful, powerful selves, and that’s why many women experience sadness, restlessness or depression. Part of who we are is being denied - not given a voice, and that voice is the voice of our spirit!
So, I agree that for many women expressing their creativity is deeply connected to their spirituality. I’d like to share a powerful affirmation I learned in an advanced creativity coaching course I took with Eric Maisel, the “father” of creativity coaching in the US: My creativity matters. I expanded that to: I matter. My creativity matters. My coaching matters.
I wrote that almost every day for three months and it had a profound impact on how I valued my work - creatively or otherwise.
This also connects with one of my favourite quotes, which comes from Martha Graham, dancer and choreographer:
"There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and there is only one of you in all time. This expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, nor how it compares with other expression. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open."
Can you imagine? We have something valuable to offer and if we don’t put it out there, the world won’t have it!
Lastly, Judith, I want to tell your readers that expressing yourself creatively is actually another form of self-care.
Judith: I love when you say “creativity is a form of self-care”. I know when I take time for my own creativity it is as though I have had a very long and relaxing vacation. Self-care is not the same as selfish. So many women need to understand this. Once it is truly understood and acted on, their life will change in magical ways. You truly are a woman who inspires sustainable change and growth for women. How has self-care impacted your own life Maggie?
Maggie: Bottom line? Self-care is what makes my busy and full life possible; it’s necessary for me to show up and be present in all my relationships. I’ve learned through experience that I cannot genuinely give what I don’t have. I absolutely know that I need to replenish the well - physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually.
I have a daily spiritual practice and a daily creativity practice that are the foundations of the rest of my life. When I engage in these practices, things seem to flow; I am more sure of the next “right” step. I experience a sense of well-being which energizes and strengthens me, allowing me to show up in a very full, loving and real way in all the different relationships in my life. If I don’t take care of myself, I can’t be there for those people I deeply care about - family, friends or clients.
If I don’t practice self-care by expressing my creativity, I have learned - again through experience - then I’m not showing up authentically. Indeed, I’m leaving part of myself behind as you so beautifully stated. That makes me sad, to be honest. I write because it makes me feel alive and brings deep meaning to my life.
Judith: I so agree with you Maggie. I also have my own spiritual practice that helps me to stay centered. It allows me to fill my own cup, so that I have more to give. BUT I do need to find more creative time. You have inspired me to do that once again! How easy it to get busy and leave important parts of ourselves behind.
What are you currently offering women who want to explore their creativity?
Maggie: There’s a wonderful opportunity to “Inspire Creativity & Meet Your Muse” the weekend of April 17-19th. I’m leading a retreat on the beautiful and inspiring coast of Maine. There are several places left, if people act quickly. More details can be found on my website, www.thecelticmuse.com
If any of your readers would like to come, I am happy to offer them a discount of $50 on that retreat. They would need to email me and let me know they are followers of your blog. Also, I have a 6 week tele-class coming in May that will offer a supportive structure to explore and develop creativity. Watch my website for that one, or sign up for my newsletter (at the website) where it will be announced.
Judith: Thank you, Maggie, for your own wonderful, creative spirit that inspires so many!
Maggie: Blessings to you, dear Judith. The pleasure’s been mine.
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