***This giveaway is now closed. Thank you to everyone who entered, and congrats to the winners!***
I’m excited to introduce you to Taslim Jaffer – a friend of mine who is on a mission to help you tap into your creativity and embrace a passionate life!
Taslim and I have gotten to know each other over the last few months, and she shines so brightly and sweetly. She is a writer, a creator, a speaker, an inspirer, a wife, a mom – an all around beautiful soul!
Taslim just released two wonderful products: Tuesday Tasks – 52 Activities Designed for an Entire Year of Creativity and Make-A-Wave cards!
They are both absolutely perfect to begin the new year with! Tuesday Tasks will help you unlock your creativity (we all have it inside of us!) and let it flow. Each week, Taslim guides you through a fun task to help you tap into your creative side again! The Make-A-Wave cards each contain an inspirational quote on one side and a message to share the card on the other. They are great to keep for yourself or pay it forward and give them away. (Taslim talks more about some great ideas for these cards below.)
I asked her about her about her new goodies, her own creativity, tapping into her soul, and much more! Be sure to read her interview below and then keep scrolling to find out how you can win her book and her cards! Plus, she has a special offer that you don’t want to miss! So let’s get started! 🙂
How did Tuesday Tasks come about?
In July 2011, I started my blog, Let ME Out!! Releasing Your Creative Self, knowing I wanted to help others remember their passions and incorporate fun into their lives. I decided to run a weekly series in which I encouraged readers to try different tasks: some geared toward spiritual awakening, some focusing on letting go of perfection and having fun while others supported issues like time management and childcare. Simultaneously, I planted the seed with the Universe that I would like to create a workbook that would open up people’s creative channels and give them permission to be who they truly are. Eventually, these two ideas married each other and by May 2012 I created Tuesday Tasks: 52 Activities Designed for an Entire Year of Creativity. Some of the tasks from my blog series are included; however, many of them are exclusive to the book. Initially it was an e-book only but I wanted to offer readers a space where they could record their responses – writing is such a revealing exercise! Now they are available in a portable, print edition!
What inspired you to create the Make-a-Wave cards? Can you share some of the ways we can use them?
Ah, the Make-A-Wave cards…I call them the little cards with BIG dreams! As part of my own creative release, I decided to play with things that are fun for me and see what would happen. You see, part of the reason I started blogging about creativity was because I knew it would guide me toward my own! And it did! I got messy with paints and mod podge, and added quotes which have always been something that bring me joy.
And then…most exciting for me, I embraced my love for humanity by turning them into inspirational, pay-it-forward cards. Hence, the wave. It starts with one person and travels around the world!
The idea is that you hold on to the card for as long as you want – keeping it somewhere you can see for a boost of inspiration throughout your day. Then you pass the card on, either to someone you know OR you leave it somewhere for a stranger to find! Maybe on a restaurant table? In a gym locker? In the pages of a library book? Or you could even hand it to someone directly – perhaps the bus driver or bank teller. Whoever is meant to find or receive the quote, will. And then by following the instructions on the back of the card, they will pass it on as well.
So far, people have told me they have sent the card to different parts of Canada, the U.S., Europe and Mexico. It’s thrilling that each card has the potential to affect countless people the globe over!
Your blog centers around creativity. What does creativity mean to you?
Creativity is the ability to say, “Hmmmm…what if I tried this?” or “What if I did it this way?” and come up with a unique and useful product. That “product” could be an idea or something concrete. It could be a painting, sculpture, drawing, or literary piece, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be fine art. I think there is a misconception out there – that creativity is about being able to paint like Picasso.
Not true. If you can come up with a way to raise funds for an orphanage in Guatemala, that falls in the same category as any masterpiece.
Why do you think it’s important to allow creativity to flow through us?
Think of creativity as an endless, limitless potential to better your life and the lives around you. By opening up your creative channels, by accessing this limitless pool, you have the ability to increase the joy in your life. You have the power to make a global impact as well. Think about everything in your world that exists because someone thought outside the box and created something: the painting on your wall that just lights up your room. The anti-bullying campaign in your child’s school that made even one child feel more safe. The card that makes someone smile and feel well again. The computer on which you are reading this article.
The world stands to gain a lot from your creativity!
How do you show up creatively and soulfully for yourself each day?
I have become conscious of only doing work that is my passion and that feeds my soul. Recently, I made that huge, scary, heart-stopping leap into my dream career and haven’t looked back! Every day, I do the things that make my soul buzzzzzzz with happiness: I write, I fundraise, and I promote ideas and products that contribute to the greater good. That has been my biggest gift to myself – and it’s a gift that keeps on giving, to me and those around me.
I start my day with hope and prayers for continued health and happiness, and I end my day with gratitude.
What are some tips you can offer to someone who is feeling blocked creatively to help them get it flowing again?
Because creativity is energy, unblocking it can happen on several levels. Sometimes when our physical environment is cramped, it hinders the flow of energy, including creativity. I recommend de-cluttering on a regular basis by donating unnecessary items to charity. Not only are you opening up your physical space to perhaps make room for a “thinking” space or something else of value, you are also opening up your heart which thrives on you doing good deeds like giving.
You can also de-clutter your schedule. We are always so busy!! It’s our greatest complaint and perhaps the vice with the tightest grip. Look at the things you are saying ‘yes’ to and ask yourself if it is necessary to invest your time in all of them. Are you always agreeing to social activities that really don’t feed your soul? Do you attend events to please others? Even if you enjoy having a bustling social calendar, I encourage you to take some time out and spend an evening without plans. Some of the greatest ideas have come to people who are just sitting! It’s a lot easier to hear Inspiration when you’re in a quiet environment. Take time to tune in to your Self. It’s a good idea to start with 10 minutes a day of silence (I prefer in the dark) and just breathe.
Those tips are just scratching the surface – time and space are just two of our blocks. There’s also our perfectionism, our fears, our doubts…and I have tackled many different scenarios in the Tuesday Tasks book. I really am very excited to provide an entire year’s worth of exploratory activities!
How will tapping into our creativity connect us to our soul?
For me, creativity and spirituality are synonymous. That great Creative Source is also that Universal Source which provides for us and guides us; it’s from where we have come and to where we will return. In essence, it is that piece of us that we call our Soul, our Spirit, our Self.
When we tap into one, we tap into the other. When we express our creativity, we express our Soul. Be it a novel, a sculpture, a poem, an idea for an irrigation system in a developing country – it’s the way our Soul has its say.
The more time you invest in accessing your creativity, the closer you journey to your Soul, to that which you are.
What does your soul want you to know?
My Soul wants me to know that it is OK to be authentic. More than OK. It wants me to know that when I live in fear of judgement or abandonment, I am depriving the world of the unique expression of my ideas or products that could bring a smile to someone’s face.
Would you like to share anything else?
I would like to reiterate that we are all creativity, at our core that is simply what we are. If you are feeling like you are blocked, that is all that it is. A block. And blocks can be removed just as they can be put up. Releasing your creativity, allowing that flow of energy will bring so much joy to you that will spill over into every other part of your life – your relationships, your career, your health, your perception of the world and how you feel about your place in it.
Leave your mark on the world with your passion, your smile, your words. They are your legacy!
Taslim is graciously giving away one copy of her book, Tuesday Tasks: 52 Activities Designed for an Entire Year of Creativity and one set of Make-A-Wave cards!
Entering is super easy!
- Follow Let ME Out!! and Soul Speak on Facebook.
- Leave a comment below sharing one way you’re going to get creative in 2013! (If you’re reading this via email or a reader, please click here to be taken to the post.)
Two lucky winners will be chosen randomly on 12/20.
Good luck!
For every Tuesday Tasks book that you buy, Taslim will include 3 Make-A-Wave cards for FREE! How cool is that? 🙂
(Offer expires on 12/31.)
Please help spread the world about this wonderful giveaway by sharing this post on Facebook and Twitter!
Thank you Jodi fire this lovely giveaway. In 2013 I am going to be painting intuitively more and abandoning art has been in my mind since long and am part of the fb group so next year its going to be crate create crate and abandon and spread joy.
I def. do know what I will be doing on the creative side in 2013!! 🙂 Just today I went to a class for Polymer Clay stuff and I made my first ever “thing” with it, a glass with stars on it for a teacandle plus an Angel… LOVE it!! will def. get me some stuff tomorrow to work a bit on my own now and build up with it so I can get into new and more difficult things in 2013…
I am going to sew and paint and stamp and just let my creativity flow…
I am going to sew a quilt for the first time for my first grandchild due in April. I am SO excited!
This looks beautiful! What a lovely idea.
Wow something my 19 year old granddaughter can relate too. Louise Hays stuff is too “old” for her. Love those cards! Congrats and I wish you the best!
I’m going to get out my coloring books again! In my late 50’s and still find this a great creative outlet that is so much FUN!!!!!
This looks like it can be a lot of help. I would welcome it!
WOW I MUSt have these! I am working on my own sets of cards as well ~ you guys are so inspiring and even if I do not win dang it, I am coming back to get my own !!!!! 🙂
I’m going to be creative in the new year by designing and decorating my hubby’s “man cave” my son’s room and my bedroom. I LOVE LOVE LOVE these Make A Wave cards and would love to send them to everyone I know!
I’m going to be creative with my body and start taking (or re-taking) those dance classes that I’ve been wanting too for the last year – salsa, hip hop or tango anyone?
I’m going to fill my studio space with more musical instruments to play with and incorporate into my practice 🙂
2013 will find me more creative because I’ll be creating 30 pages for my upcoming book. I will also make time to do more Tangles and maybe even buy watercolors. 😀
after reading this, i would have liked you ladies on facebook without the giveaway. sounds marvelous! please enter me. i’d like to be able to blog more in 2013. i find myself so overwhelmed with work on the brain, that i’ve become stunted when it comes to creatively writing. no matter what the subject, when written creatively, the post becomes unique and i’ve been struggling with that lately. so yes, please enter me.
Thank you so much for this opportunity! On my creative to do list for 2013: learn to make music (piano, didgeridoo maybe), make photoetry (photo + poetry) and practice my photographic drawing skills. 🙂
I am working on being a more creative mother to come up with ideas to entertain my son and I on rainy days!! Does that count?
I love your ideas about creativity, Taslim, and your pay it forward cards are such a wonderful idea! Each card is like a traveling ambassador of kindness!
I’ve decided that 2013 is going to be the year I write my heart out. I’ve been slowly building momentum and breaking through a few old blocks, and I want the next twelve months to be all about creating and playing with the written word.
cheers!
In the new year I would be more confident about myself and not let anyone put me down as they have in the past . Plus realizing that I am me and be very happy with myself.
The interview was amazing! I’m going to take more cake decorating classes and I also want to start dance classes; hip-hop and maybe Bollywood!
It is so wonderful to explore our creative side. I know so many painters, but I like to quilt and be creative with plants. The cards and books sound great to give you new ideas on ways to express yourself.
The book looks so playful. I imagine the inside is dancing with inspiration.
In 2013, I plan on being more creative by setting aside one afternoon a week to ‘create’. Even if I have no plan for medium in mind, I will ‘show up’ in my creation sanctuary and play. I am excited to devote my time to the sacred expression that always longs to be heard, seen and known.
I’m making more time to encourage and support other indie authors and creative minds in 2013. From fun fiction classes for little kids to promoting talented indie writers, giving myself a sense of place in the creative world and feeling useful is important for nurturing my own creative side.
Thank you so much for the opportunity and help that you provide us all.
It seems that when thoughts are running through my head to write down , I am not able to do so. Then comes the evening and I shut down. This year I am rearranging my schedule to get up earlier and have dedicated time to think and get all my thoughts and revelations out. I have also designed my own daily calander which allows me to jot down thoughts during the day w/o destracting anyone during a meeting. I would love the opportunity to learn more and quit spinning my wheels on some of the same subjects. Thank you for introducing me to Taslim and her website. A very gracious offer from her through your wonderful website. Peace and wisdom to all.
For 2013 I’m being creative by writing about my experiences with Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis, RA and all the other branches of syndromes and diseases that are a direct or indirect result of these diseases. This is a story of the ups and downs of finding a way to cope with each of these. It’s also a story of the emotional costs and of relationships lost because of the misunderstanding of how these diseases effect you. No one knows what you’re experiencing until you tell them and even then, sometimes, they just can’t grasp the impact it has on your life as well as their’s.
I want to spare anyone else from going through what I’ve gone through and I’m still going through.
I am making big changes in my life in 2013, like moving to another state and starting all over from scratch and ending a 14 year relationship.
Loved reading this…..and what a great offering….those cards look really cool!
In 2013 I’m going to get creative by taking more time to paint and doodle – this always brings more inspiration into my life and biz……and create some new dance moves to some of my favorite songs too! 🙂
I am going to schedule my creativity first in 2013.
I really loved the de-clutter advice! I find this to be very true! Space is so crucial when creating!
This is such a lovely giveaway! I sure hope I win this time! Thanks 🙂
Btw- de-cluttering and making more space is how I’m gonna be more creatively free in 2013!
2013 is my year to retire from the full time work a day world and get refamiliarized with my camera and photoshop. I want to build more community drums and begin to paint the drums I have made, write monthly spiritual exercises to connect folks with their world thru awareness of all that is available to support their personal journeys and and and…yippee…make way for the creative me!
What a wonderful interview with lots of inspirational ideas on releasing the creative energy inside each of us.
Thank you for sharing this amazing lady with everyone.
I like both pages on FB. This coming year, I’m going to try out some new crafts so I don’t get burnt out on sewing.
Este nuevo año voy a utilizar las meditaciones guiadas para prepararme mejor y poder abrir mi corazón y mi pensamiento a una mejor calidad de vida
I am going to be creative first by not only reading but applying the lessons in Julia Cameron book “The Artist Way”. I have done morning pages but feel that I should “do” the whole process.
Then also being clearer about my life’s directions and creatively being led to right actions.
I went and LIKED over FB. And next year–I am going to start painting again.
I will be designing new methods to display my candles to get more sales.
I’m always getting creative with things, but in 2013 I’m getting creative with ways to market my business branches. I’m also going to continue exploring color in my paintings.
Being creative and twisting my talent is my life. I help people be creative, believe in their creativity and I have fun doing it. Inspiration on how to keep this inner fire kindled is always important to me and I look everywhere to find different ways to inspire others. I hope I will be the lucky one who will have the possibility to spread the word from one inspirational energy to another.
Thank you so much to Taslim for this generous giveaway! And congratulations to Charmaine and Brigitte for winning! It’s so great to read how all of you are going to bring more creativity into your lives in 2013! 🙂