Create Anyway

You're Invited to an OCD & Creativity Discussion!

Hi friends (and some new folks!)

Last month, I had the immense privilege of leading a discussion group on the topic of OCD and Creativity at the International OCD Foundation online conference. So many people shared about the heartbreaking ways OCD tries to thwart and sabotage their efforts to be creative. We talked about ways to push past resistance and take small steps toward a creative life. We could have kept talking for hours, and so many of us wanted to continue the conversation.

I am excited to offer a monthly check in discussion group specifically for people who suffer from OCD or anxiety and want to pursue creativity anyway.

Fostering creativity may feel impossible when anxiety swirls and OCD roars. Making art can feel so selfish–irresponsible even! 

But what if you could pursue your creative gifts alongside your recovery journey, for the enrichment of both experiences? 

Come connect with other artists over the unique and insidious ways OCD tries to block our creativity.  We'll share stories, insights, challenges, and triumphs. We’ll engage in simple creative practices together and you’ll leave with tools and encouragement to jumpstart or reclaim your creative journey. 

Don't see yourself as an artist? Flexing our creativity muscles can benefit anyone and awaken us to values and ideas that OCD has ravished. 

Maybe it feels scary, selfish, or overwhelming, but we’re going to create anyway¹!

This will be a space to share what you're working on creatively and brainstorm ideas to challenge OCD and push forward in creative expression. 

Our first meeting will take place this Sunday, November 12th from 1-2pm Pacific Time over Zoom.

Sign up here to get the Zoom link. I would love for you to join!

I expect to get back my regular writing/posts in the next couple weeks. (I’m still embracing my fallow period.)

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Meet me in the comments!

If you have OCD, has it affected your ability to be creative? How has your creativity evolved because of OCD? Are there any frustrations or successes you’d like to share?

1. I have borrowed the language and concept of create anyway from the incredible, Ashlee Gadd and book on motherhood and creativity: Create Anyway.