apply yourself

As of today, most of the USA is shut down for the next week plus to eat too much, exchange presents and visit with family and friends. But this is the perfect time to do one of those grant applications or residency applications that you've been putting off for the last year.

Why now? Because you have a week of no work calls, no rewrites due, no work emails that have to be dealt with in a timely manner. Don't think of the application as work - think of it as dreaming.

Dreaming of a future residency where you have a month to devote to a new play, a new series of paintings, a new collection, finishing up that novel. Dreaming of grant money that will allow you the financial freedom to quit that crappy safety job. Dreaming of a fellowship that will connect you with other artists in your field.

TODAY'S CREATIVITY CHALLENGE:

Identify one residency, fellowship, grant or opportunity that feels a little bit out of reach, feels like it would be a dream come true if you were chosen.

Research what needs to be done to apply for this program and give yourself one week to do it.

Promise yourself you will finish and send the application. Call a friend and ask them to check in with you during the week about it.

Take advantage of the "down time" of the holidays to do something wonderful for your future creativity!