Creating Space to Thrive: Get Unstuck, Reboot Your Creativity and Change Your Life

This kept being recommended by the algorithm, third time I called synchronicity and bought it. Sometimes a book gets a quick look over and and a spot in my ,to read pile . But I have been in such a funk , I poured some tea and read the whole thing . And now I'm going to book mark some of the actionable steps. Look it's a " self help book " but it's one you should read if you want a pep talk and and encouraging push. But it's not preachy or overly heady . Big ideas without pretense. I'm very pleased . I think it's a great book if you are feeling bored or shut in due to weather too . Oh the font is perfect it's not giant print but it's not miniscule.

As Courtney Kennedy writes in her new book, "Creating Space to Thrive: Get Unstuck, Reboot Your Creativity and Change Your Life" Creativity is the missing ingredient for many of us." Sometimes a reminder of its importance comes to us when we are most in need. As it did for my step-father Ted, a military man diagnosed with cancer and given only three weeks to live. How did he choose to spent his precious time? Surrounded by the wife and family he loved, and immersed in the world of water colour—a passion and talent we never knew existed.As Courtney Kennedy writes in her new book, "Creating Space to Thrive: Get Unstuck, Reboot Your Creativity and Change Your Life" Creativity is the missing ingredient for many of us." Sometimes a reminder of its importance comes to us when we are most in need. As it did for my step-father Ted, a military man, diagnosed with cancer and given only three weeks to live. How did he choose to spent his precious time? Surrounded by the wife and family he loved, and immersed in the world of water colour—a passion and talent we never knew existed.One of the most treasured memories I have of our last weeks together was the time we spent painting together, sharing what little I knew of this alchemical technique. Water colours, like life, flows where it wishes to flow, seeping into the crevices of the pages and adding colour to our lives.What drives us to create, and why when it is so good for us do we leave it so late?Kennedy suggests, we just haven't cleared some space— this may be physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually. Ted, like so many people had been waiting for the day when he had retired. He found comfort, peace and a sense of purpose in his creativity— and a legacy in the many memories (and the few paintings) he left, but as I watched him paint, a soft smile on his lips, light dancing in his eyes, I couldn't help but wonder—What if ...What if he had begun earlier? What if creativity could scare away cancer? What if he'd had more time?How many of us wait for "someday"' or for some encouragement? How many of us make the mistake we'll have more time. Whether you dream of being a writer, a sculptor, a photographer, a painter—or yearn to create in any shape, colour, why wait? Pick up your tool of choice and feel happier today.As Courtney shares in her book, "Research suggests creative people are happier than everyone else. Disregard the mental image of the starving, depressed artist toiling away in a studio. Anyone can be creative." And being creative will change your brain, enabling you to become more resilient to stress when being creative and making art.Ted found his happy place creating. I asked for nothing, only the painting he was working on before he passed.In this important book the author encourages you to walk the path of creativity, and clears a path for more fulfilment today—before it's too late.

This is a clearly written, motivating book. As a freelance writer, it's not so much that I was looking for advice on making room in my life for creativity (I have that covered), but more broadly, on how to reinvigorate myself. I really like Kenney's adherence to the idea that we can change (the "growth mindset"): that our brains, our talents and skills, are mutable. Practice and intention can change a LOT. Her practical recommendations to implementing change are helpful. As someone who is not a natively organized person, some of it is tough for me (e.g., mind maps), but there are plenty of suggestions without that component (e.g., cutting down social media, focusing on one goal at a time).Overall, this is a very good introduction to fundamental truths about getting your life on a new track, with practical advice and just enough insight into the "why" behind the advice. You may end up wanting to read a lot more on different topics, like decluttering or the growth mindset, like I did. But even if you just stick to this one volume you'll have a lot to intelligently fuel whatever life change you're making.

Creating Space to Thrive is filled with tips on making room and time for your creativity to blossom. However, if you've read any books on creativity or self help, chances are you've read this all before.Courtney Kenney has a smooth writing style that walks the reader through the various recommendations. Adopting a growth mindset and the importance of working on your creative endeavor first thing in the morning, are keys to moving forward.Personally, I found the last section of the book with the case studies to be the most helpful and fresh material. Reading about others making room for creativity in their lives, and how they make it work, gave me ideas for new things to implement. I wish the author would have concentrated on that aspect, interviewed more subjects, and written more about them and their process.

Creating Space To Thrive is a short book to read, but is full of interesting ideas. Most people as they mature forget what you is. They are to busy making a living, they forget how to live. Live is much more than dollars in the bank, your curiosity and wonder can open up new vistas for even the most staid among us. Embrace your curiosity and your creativity will gladly follow along. Once you begin living each day with this new way of seeing your world begins to be more colorful and much more alive.

As an entrepreneur, I found this book to be a great reflective resource for anyone unsatisfied with their career whether you have a 9-5 job or run your own business. It's a book that forces you to think about your situation...right now. And one, that will remind you about what was once important before life got in the way. I found the section on fixed versus growth mindset very interesting. The way you think can definitely have an impact on what you do and how you react which will impact your future. What I got most out of the book was the section on time management. Courtney's explanation about doing something everyday to get to your goals whether it be only for an hour or less instead of doing nothing is great advice. Great tips packed with useful information, inspiring stories and case studies. Buy this book today!

I have not seen the 1993 film Groundhog Day but Courtney's book struck a chord with me because I know it's so easy to fall in to a routine that doesn't work for us. Her search for a more meaningful life offers the way forward for all her readers. What is it they say? Watch the pennies, the pounds will take care of themselves. Courtney watches the minutes.Her emphasis on creativity and how to make time/space for it makes interesting reading. As she says: the solution is simple. Small actions leads to big changes. And it's never too late!I for one will be spending less time on Facebook and more time on what's important to me, my creativity, and my family. Thanks, Courtney, for the well timed nudge!

Great book lots of good practical advice