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Brian Benham's avatar

Great post! It's funny how isolation like the pandemic can be so draining. I am an "extreme introvert" and enjoy being alone. I work for myself so it's the perfect job for an introvert. But without outside inputs, I seem to drain down even though I'm in my most comfortable place, alone in my shop. Yet, another example of how perpetual motion can't be a thing. Perpetual inspiration can't be a thing. We need inputs.

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Aaron Dietzen's avatar

Absolutely! I am fairly extroverted, and I ended up very drained without those external inputs, but I need my time alone to process and put it all to work! Much like this process of chasing down inspiration… I can give my thoughts for a while, but sooner or later I need to tap others to explore their inspiration… like… people I already know who are creatives…

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You are on my list, Brian.

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Jody Gates's avatar

Such a great post, Aaron, though I'm confused.

Science? Maths? What an unexpected path through your analysis, dare I say I was inspired?

I tend to filter things through my "what does this mean for ADHD" filter, which is big ol' "I don't make dopamine right" condition. It has me thinking about inspiration >> creative pursuit as it ties to getting stuff done as an ADHD brain.

Thanks for the post, Aaron, I like things that get my brain rolling in the morning. My only disappointment was the absense of a Venn diagram to go with your new formula.

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Aaron Dietzen's avatar

Woah!!! Diagrams? Don’t you think I pushed it enough with a splash of science and my pretend math??

I do hear you about turning new info until it fits where you are at. It is awesome to hear how you interpreted what I posted!

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Jody Gates's avatar

I mean, a good Venn Diagram is art, so... paint it or something.

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Pauline Fox's avatar

Love it. Inspiration is such an elusive thing sometimes, it's good to know how to lure it close. I know from songwriting that when the Muse whispers, you write it down then, because she won't come back in the morning. And the painting that start as one idea in your head and then morph into what they truly want to be on the other end of the brush/pencil...

I did read a book recently "My Creative Space: How to Design Your Home to Stimulate Ideas and Spark Innovatio" by Donald Rattner. That has some really good physical (mainly) habitats for Inspiration.

I'm looking forward to more of this discussion with the tribe and yourself. 💜

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Aaron Dietzen's avatar

Sounds like a great book! I will check it out!

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