It’s easy to say “go on vacation!” Who doesn’t love a vacation? I’ve heard some personal development people recommend going on a weekend trip once a quarter or a big vacation twice a year. That must be nice! But who has the money for that? In this economy? Not me….not right now.

So how can I stay inspired? How can I get the brain-expanding benefits of travel with my budget? How can I stretch myself and grow without a nice vacation?

A local adventure! In the Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, she recommends going on an Artist’s Date once a month. This is a date with yourself to go do something by yourself that wakes up your creativity and helps you connect to inspiration and yourself. One thing that comes to mind for me is museums. I love museums and they are usually free. I am lucky to live in Kansas City, where the big wigs in the 1900’s invested significantly in art museums and culture in the city. There are tons of live music venues, especially for Jazz. They might have a $10 cover or you may have to buy 2 drinks. That is do-able right now for me.

Ideas for Creative/Art Experiences

1. Go on a sketch date. Take some paper, pencils, and/or colors and go draw somewhere.

2. Walk around the mall and get inspired by fashion and/or people watching

3. Go to the theatre, symphony or ballet

4. Go dance at a club

5. Take a dance class.

I have definitely wanted to sign up for a hip hop dance class, and then been too embarrassed. Why? You only live once! Don’t live without hip hop dancing!

6. Go to the park and journal about what you see

7. Go for a walk and take artistic pictures of what you like

8. Use the library! They have so many resources other than books

9. Write a letter longhand on paper to someone you cherish

10. Draw on the driveway with chalk

11. Watch the clouds and look for shapes

12. Set an alarm for every hour and draw a tiny sketch in one minute

13. Go to an estate sale or garage sale

Another local adventure that really fills up my spirit is volunteering with animals. Being around cute little animals who have very little control over the world and just want to snuggle in your arms…it’s impossible to be down when a dog is hyping up just cause you walked in the room.

I hope you will try some of these ideas. If you try one, and you don’t like it, move on, and try something different. How do these activities make you feel? Do you see anything in a different way after investing in the time?

Local Adventures a.k.a The Artist’s Date

Travel