Permission to Play
The secret to finding your creative voice is messing around more often
So here's the deal: creativity doesn't thrive under pressure—it thrives when you have permission to play. And honestly? You deserve way more of that in your life. Not only because it’s fun and awesome, but because it’s going to make you a better artist and a better human.
That's exactly why I created my Daily Pages creative journaling practice more than five years ago. Every day, I open up a small notebook and let myself experiment freely—no rules, no judgment, just creative playtime. It totally changed how I approach scrapbooking and storytelling, and it can do the same for you.
Here's how you get started:
Why giving yourself permission to create freely is essential
How prioritizing play can transform your creative routine
Using Daily Pages as your personal creative playground
Let's make it happen.
Permission to Create (Without Judgement!)
Creativity gets intimidating when you feel like every page needs to be "worthy" or "Instagram-ready." But the real magic happens when you let yourself off the hook.
Creative journaling is perfect for this. Each day, you just open your notebook and create—no expectations. It doesn't have to be part of your "official" scrapbook or shared with anyone. It's your private space to practice and explore freely. By taking perfection off the table, you actually get to enjoy your creativity (wild concept, right?).
Play Is Powerful
Okay, real talk: when was the last time you truly played with your supplies without worrying about the outcome? If you're thinking, "Uhh, I have no idea," you're definitely not alone. There’s this huge stigma around play—especially in our late-stage capitalist hellscape. One of the best ways to resist is through joy.
We're all busy, juggling responsibilities, family, work, and—right now—this ridiculous heat. (Not gonna lie, my headaches aren't loving this weather. I'm planning on staying inside, in the AC, chopping veggies and maybe experimenting with some fresh summer recipes this weekend.) But play shouldn't be an afterthought—it should be central to your creative life.
Think of your creative journal as your crafty playground. Use your favorite supplies (like stamps, patterned paper, washi tape—whatever makes you happy) and just see what happens. You'll build confidence, figure out what you actually like, and get better at telling your story your way. Plus, it's genuinely fun. Remember fun?
Play = Practice (Yes, Really!)
Here’s the thing nobody says enough: every time you play with your creative supplies, you're actually practicing essential skills. Each page is like a tiny experiment—maybe today you're testing out a new stamping technique, tomorrow you're mixing unexpected colors, and next week you're layering textures.
These playful moments add up, helping you discover what you love and letting go of what you don't. Over time, this playful practice helps you create a style that's uniquely yours.
Your Turn
Here's a little prompt for you:
What's one creative technique or supply you've been curious about but hesitant to try?
Grab a notebook, or whatever creative journal you have around, and spend just 5 minutes playing with that idea. Seriously—set a timer, no judgment allowed. When you're done, hit reply and let me know how it felt to create without any pressure.
Remember, your story matters. Make it work for your life, your way. Happy playing!
Weekly Resource List:
Podcast: Permission to Play (Ep. 212)
If you liked this week’s theme, this episode is for you. I’m talking about why play matters, how Daily Pages gave me creative freedom, and what it means to give yourself full permission to make a mess.The Daily Pages Challenge
New here? Curious about Daily Pages? This free challenge will walk you through everything you need to know to get started with your own creative habit—your way, no pressure.Your Routine, Your Rules
Let’s build something that actually works for your life. This post is all about making your creative routine sustainable and personalized.Feeling Stressed? Try 5 Minutes of Creativity
Don’t have a lot of time? I got you. Here’s a quick strategy to use creativity as a reset button—because five minutes of play is better than none.
Check out: Find Your Voice Summer Camp
If this post resonates with you, I’d love to invite you to Find Your Voice Summer Camp—a cozy, six-week creative journaling course I’m hosting this July and August.
You can participate for free, or upgrade for a deeper experience and more interaction. It’s designed to help you tell your story, even if you’re busy, stuck, or brand new to creative journaling.
This version is special. It’s the first time I’ve built the course (and I’ve been teaching this one since 2012) specifically around creative journaling—with audio lessons, hands-on projects, and flexible vibes that work even if you’ve only got 10 minutes a week.
More info here: ⛺ Summer Camp Signup
Here’s what we covered today:
Why giving yourself permission is the first step to creative freedom.
How embracing play transforms your creativity.
Using creative journaling as your no-pressure playground.
Action step: Set aside 10 minutes to experiment with that new creative technique or supply you've been curious about.
Hit reply and let me know even more about you and your (future?) creative habit!
Talk to you next week!
xoxo,
Kristin
P.S. If you’re enjoying these newsletters, please consider sharing this edition with a friend who might need a little creative boost today.
It’s hot af over here, too. Very happy to be in Milwaukee this AM, right on the lake. My kid’s in a rugby tourney, and I think I’m gonna try and take some pics and just see what happens.