I love when you leave comments or send in thoughtful questions—it reminds me how connected we all are in this creative journey. Today’s question came from Leslie A, and I think it’s one so many of us can relate to:

“So how can I get over this mental habit of ‘I’ll get into making art when I’ve finished (insert activity)…?’”

Leslie went on to share that she finally has the space, time, and materials to create—but something is still holding her back. Here’s what she wrote:

“I have the space in my house now—my own room even.
I have loads of art supplies, collected over many years.
I have a bookshelf full of art books and guides collected over decades.
I no longer have a grandchild in the house needing full-time caregiving.
I no longer have a regular job as I am retired.
I no longer have to do renovations on my house.
And I have a marvellous garden now only requiring occasional tending.”

First off—WOW. What a beautiful setup! Leslie has built the perfect creative environment, and yet… the habit of waiting “until everything else is done” is still in place. Sound familiar?

My #1 Tip: Start Small—Like 15 Minutes Small

When I was trying to build the habit of daily creativity, it felt a lot like trying to start an exercise routine. If I told myself I needed an hour, I’d talk myself out of it every time. But when I committed to just 15 minutes, it felt doable—and even fun!

That’s how my “Morning Meditation” practice was born. It’s a short, focused, and pressure-free way to get creative daily.

Here’s how to try it:

• Set a timer for 15–20 minutes
• Open a working journal

• Use just these five basic tools (my go-to favorites):

  1. Art journal – a place to play, experiment, and grow.  I recommend starting small)

  2. Watercolors – quick, vibrant, and easy to clean up

  3. Brushes – a few trusted ones that work with your paints

  4. Painter’s tape – great for clean edges and quick masking

  5. Permanent black pens – perfect for outlining and details

• Just start creating—no pressure, no rules

When the timer goes off, ask yourself:

• Do I want to keep going?
• Or is that 15 minutes all I needed today?

Both answers are perfectly OK. Some days I finish a whole page, other days I just get a background started. But the act of showing up builds a creative habit—and it feels amazing.

Why This Works (Especially for Leslie!)

Leslie already has:
✅ A dedicated creative room
✅ A lifetime supply of art materials
✅ Shelves of books full of ideas
✅ No more full-time caregiving
✅ No job schedule to juggle
✅ No home projects pulling her away
✅ A peaceful garden for inspiration

All she needs now? Permission to take 15 minutes for herself and begin. That’s it. That’s the secret. Don’t wait until the list is clear—let creating be the thing that clears your mind and fills your cup.  Also, my philosophy is to use what you have when it comes to supplies!  Many save the supplies for a rainy day…..that day is now.

This is something I do regularly with my Your Artful Journey members, and we now have 6 years of Morning Meditation recordings in the Member Portal. So if you want that extra spark or some guided inspiration, we’ve got it.

Final Thoughts

To Leslie—and everyone feeling this way—give yourself grace. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to begin.

I hope this helps you start your creative habit and enjoy every colorful moment of it. I can’t wait to see what Leslie (and YOU) create!

And please, keep those great questions coming. This is how we fill up Tracy’s Toolbox—together. 💛

Need further inspiration?  Join me every Wednesday LIVE on Facebook for free fun art journal demos and subscribe to my YouTube channel!