I spent most of last summer writing. At least, that’s what I remember. Probably because it was one of the richest, most satisfying seasons of my life. Personally, creatively, and professionally I saw so much fruit from my goal to write 50 blog posts by September 1. 

I’d pick up one of my many Papermate Flair Pens, my white legal pad, and a steaming cup of decaf, and hit the ground running. Most mornings, if I hadn’t written a new blog post yet, I had ideas marinating. My list of essay ideas was never shorter than about ten bullet points, most of which truly excited me. 

If it wasn’t the early morning hours, I’d get essays and pep talks and prayers untangled from my mind like a strand of Christmas lights whenever they lit up. I honored the creativity and flow of ideas, knowing that new thoughts and sentences and snappy titles aren’t always billowing out. 

This was one of the most fluid, wild, free expressions of creativity I’ve experienced in all my days. A writer since the day I arrived on Earth, I’ve usually had some sort of writing practice going on in my personal life. When I don’t, I feel off. Stuck. Clunky. Like a car that needs an oil change—rusty. So the summer of ‘24 was an enlightening wake-up call, a season of feeling more alive than ever before.

As I worked and scribbled and herded 50 blog posts out of my head and onto the page, I noticed something. I noticed that every area of my life felt more vivid. More awake. More fulfilling. I was content in a whole new way—at work, in the kitchen, in my fitness practice. Where before I had felt some discontentment or simply boredom, I now felt a deep sense of joy and contentment. 

It all stemmed from doing what God gifted me to do. From showing up to express the creativity within, over and over again. From using my time to bolster my creative spirit and passions. 

So much of our health, well-being, and contentment comes from how we spend our time. What we’re focusing on and allowing our attention and efforts to go toward each day. Watching multiple episodes of TV each night is easy and can help us unwind at times, but throwing away 14+ hours a week to the screen in our living room? Of course we don’t feel fulfilled. We weren’t made to sit and neglect our gifts, passions, calling, and creativity that frequently. 

Over the course of last summer, I learned that having this passion project and goal I was constantly working toward—if even just jotting down an idea real quick at work—inspired every area of my life. I didn’t have to quit my job, find a perfect, magical career, or upend my whole life to be living my dream life or feel deep satisfaction and fulfillment. It turns out, I just had to use my time a little differently. 

No one made me pursue the goal of writing a boatload of essays. No one asked me to. No one gave me permission or a green light. I decided on my own accord that it would be a worthy, worthwhile use of my time and energy. And so I got after it. I didn’t have to quit my job or cancel plans with friends. I simply woke up earlier, watched less TV, and prioritized my free time differently. That’s really all it took. A shift in time allocation, priorities, and focus. The result? Beyond worth it. Life changing. Eye-opening. 

So now I ask you—are you content with your creativity? With your passions? Do you feel like you’re living a wholehearted, Wildly Well life? If not, it may be as simple as spending your time a little differently. Less scrolling and more painting, guitar playing, or recipe testing. Whatever it is that lights you up and fuels your creative spirit, here is your charge to go do it. To keep returning to it, day after day, if even only for seven minutes at a time. It won’t just change your creative pursuits—I believe it will impact your overall health and well-being. Stepping into creative contentment isn’t selfish, stupid, or a small side project. It’s one of the keys to living Wildly Well. May we never forget that God is the ultimate Creator, and as we exercise that part of our being, may we honor and connect with Him all the more.