Create Boldly Day 1: Create with Chaos
Find magic in the unexpected by embracing the wild, instinctual, messy, and free
Hey there!
Welcome to Day 1 of the Create Boldly Challenge! This challenge is all about exploring creativity, breaking the rules that box us in, and rediscovering joy in the process. And I’m doing the challenge with you so that I can free myself up a bit before 2025 rings in.
I created a handy workbook for all five days of the challenge. It’s flexible enough to fit any artistic medium, so I didn’t include space for written responses. Whether you create on canvas, through movement, or on the back of a receipt, it’s designed to work for you—and save paper if you decide to print it out.
The workbook is yours to explore as you will. And maybe revisit this challenge in six months and chart a different course. Creativity is absolutely an evolving entity.
Each day, you’ll receive an email with an introduction to that day’s prompt. There are five days (and maybe definitely a bonus day), and you can revisit all of them anytime through my Substack archive.
That’s enough logistics. Let’s dive into today’s theme: embracing the chaos.
Creativity thrives in the wild and unpredictable. It’s about engaging with the inspiration around us and diving in, instead of waiting for the perfect moment. Because we all know that’s never going to happen.
There will always be another mug of coffee (or wine) to pour, clothes to be folded, errands to run, whatever.
I struggled this year to let go of control over my writing process, to just write and see what comes out. But the moments I was able to overcome my boundaries? Some of the best writing I’ve ever done!
The whole point of Day 1 is to let creativity happen.
You don’t need a pristine workspace and the perfect conditions. Hell, you don’t even need a workspace. And perfect conditions are a myth.
Creativity thrives in freedom and messiness is absolutely a part of the process. When you follow your curiosity and let your instincts roam, you’ll find magic. Even in the midst of utter chaos.
And it all starts with where you are, right this moment.
Today’s activity asks you to spend 10-15 minutes observing your surroundings. Not just the visual stimuli, but the textures, smells, and sounds that are probably so familiar you don’t even notice them. Then you take one thing you noticed, and use it as a jumping off point to explore through your preferred medium.
Afterward, check out the reflection questions in the workbook to let the lesson soak in. This challenge isn’t just about igniting your creativity—it’s about understanding your unique process better.
As I get ready to dive into this activity myself, I’m noticing the whoosh of the dishwasher, the raised pattern on my comfy chair, and the surprisingly loud crunch of squirrels running through the leaves in the front yard. What do you notice?
Trust the mess and see where it takes you!
Tell me in the comments what came to the surface for you today. And if you’re enjoying this challenge, please share it with your friends!
I’ll see you back tomorrow to take a walk on the rebel side.
Take care!
LW
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