Saturday, April 14, 2012

A to Z Challenge: M


Theme: Creativity Toolbox

M = Margin

Definitions of Margin: 1. An edge or border.

2. The blank space that surrounds the written area on a page.

3. An extra amount allowed beyond what is needed.


Creative thinkers, creative writers, creative artists need margin. Why?


"Marginless is fatigue; margin is energy.
Marginless is hurry; margin is calm.
Marginless is culture; margin is counterculture.
Marginless is the disease of the new millennium; margin is its cure."
- from Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives by Richard A. Sweson, M.D.

We all know what it's like to feel like we just don't have enough time. We need to create margin in our lives to have time to be creative, time to daydream and time to relax enough to be creative.

Our writing needs the blank space around it, so readers have space for their imagination.

Our art, and music need the margin of an edge so that those who view and listen have a space or a moment to fill in that border with their own art and music.

We all need the extra amount allowed beyond what is needed - that's the beauty of grace.

Do you have margin in your life?

Creativity Toolbox Exercise: Create some margin in your life, writing, and creative endeavors. Allow yourself an extra amount of time beyond what you thought you needed to fulfill a project. Give yourself time to relax. Give yourself grace.


Nearly five years ago, I had the priveledge of hearing Richard A. Swenson speak at my church, and I was impressed by his knowledge of health, science, and Biblical truths. Check out his website here: Richard Swenson

18 comments:

Joy said...

Great post. I've never thought about margin in that way before.

Tyrean Martinson said...

Joy - Thanks!

Precy Larkins said...

Love this! At the moment, I really need to have my own "margin". :)

Christine Rains said...

What an interesting post. I never thought about the margin that way. Thanks for stopping by my blog! :) Good luck with the Challenge.

Tyrean Martinson said...

Cherie - I know how you feel. Go get some!

Christine - Thanks for stopping by!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I took some margin time earlier today. Felt good!

Kela McClelland said...

Great post. I've never thought of margin like that.

Old Kitty said...

I always find myself daydreaming whatever I'm doing so yay for creative margins! take care
x

Tyrean Martinson said...

Alex - Way to Go!

Kela - Thanks!

Old Kitty - Daydreaming is great!

Brinda said...

I think this entire weekend has been a margin for me that I really needed!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Brinda - glad to hear you had some margin time!

Anonymous said...

Love the analogy. I def need margin in my life!

Tyrean Martinson said...

overcoming - Thanks! Hope you make some margin soon!

Charmaine Clancy said...

Thanks, I needed this advice right now :)
Wagging Tales

Tyrean Martinson said...

Charmaine - you're welcome! Have a great weekend!

Jarm Del Boccio said...

Thanks, Tyrean, for this reminder! I usually leave myself plenty of time, but didn't realize how important that was. I love the verses you have posted on the sides...keep up the good work. Hope you enjoy the remainder of the challenge...


MakingTheWriteConnections

Golden Eagle said...

I like the idea of having a margin in life--never really thought about it that way, but it does help to have some space. :)

Tyrean Martinson said...

Jarm - You're welcome. The need for Margin is something that I forget too. Thanks for stopping by!

Golden Eagle - It definitely helps to have some space! :-)