How Nature Rekindles Creative Inspiration

I hope you’ve been feeling inspired lately… but if not, don’t worry. I’ve got something for you.

I’ve been spending as much time outside as possible lately, soaking up in magic of autumn. You know how I feel about this season- it’s my absolute favorite! Give me crunchy leaves, golden light, cozy scarves, and pumpkin-flavored everything, and I’m in heaven.

And you know what I’ve noticed (again and again)?
The more I slow down and really pay attention, the more inspired I feel.

I’m talking about those quiet little moments; the smell of damp leaves, the shimmer of raindrops on a maple leaf, the way a bumblebee wobbles through the garden like she owns the place. You don’t need a big dramatic scene to feel lit up inside. Sometimes all it takes is a single color, a curious texture, or a change in light to shift everything.

Close-up of a single burnt-orange autumn leaf resting on weathered concreet, with glistening raindrops scattered across its surface. Captured in nature’s quiet moments by Misty, this image reflects the heart of Creatively Misty—inviting women to slow down, notice beauty in the small details, and reconnect with their creative spark through everyday wonder.

Inspiration is always around us—if we’re willing to look

I used to think inspiration was this fleeting thing- something I had to chase down or wait around for. But now I know the truth:

Inspiration isn’t a moment. It’s a mindset. A practice. A way of seeing.

You can find it in the petals of a fading flower, the softness of your cat’s fur, or the way the steam from your tea swirls in the morning light. You don’t even have to go outside. Stand near a houseplant. Touch the soil. Notice the veins in its leaves.

The magic? It's everywhere.

But we’re often too busy, too rushed, too in-our-heads to notice it.

Quaint white barn framed by golden autumn trees and a carpet of fallen leaves, captured in a peaceful countryside setting. This cozy scene from Creatively Misty invites you to slow down, breathe in the crisp air, and rediscover inspiration in the quiet rhythms of the season. A visual reminder that beauty, like creativity, often blooms when we pause long enough to notice.

Try this next time you feel creatively stuck

Pause.
Take a deep breath.
Look closer.

Put your phone down. Step outside, or just into a sunlit corner of your home. What do you see? What colors stand out? What does the texture of bark feel like under your fingertips? What sounds do you hear in the distance?

It’s not just about sight—it’s about touching, smelling, feeling your way back to presence. And from presence? Creativity flows.

To help you with that, I created this little something you can keep by your journal or art table:

Slow Down + Look Closer: A Nature-Inspired Prompt Page

Use this anytime you’re feeling stuck, disconnected, or just want a fresh spark of creativity.

Nature Noticing Prompts:

• Go outside or sit near a window. Look for one tiny detail in nature you’ve never noticed before. Describe it.

• Pick up a leaf or a flower and study it like a work of art. What colors, patterns, or textures stand out?

• Touch something natural—a tree trunk, a stone, the soil. What does it feel like beneath your fingers?

• Close your eyes and listen for sounds: wind through the leaves, birdsong, or even silence. What do you hear?

• Smell something earthy, floral, or herbal. What memories or emotions does that scent bring up?

• Slice open a fruit or vegetable and observe it closely. What surprising beauty do you see inside?

• Watch an insect or small animal go about its day. What can you learn from its movements or focus?

• Reflect or create something inspired by what you just observed. Let it be simple, loose, and full of wonder.

Vibrant orange autumn leaf nestled in a bed of lush green clover, captured in a dreamy, low-angle close-up. This nature-inspired moment from Creatively Misty celebrates the quiet magic found in everyday surroundings inviting you to slow down, look closer, and find bold beauty in unexpected places. A perfect symbol of seasonal shift, creative courage, and noticing what others might miss.

Inspiration in unexpected places

Want to really stretch this practice? Try looking for beauty in the ordinary.

• The texture of your wall.

• The lines in your palm.

• The swirl of cream in your coffee.

• The patterns in your clothing.

• A tomato slice (seriously—have you seen how gorgeous those seeds are?).

Make this kind of noticing part of your daily rhythm. The more you train your brain to see, the more ideas will quietly start to bloom. You don’t have to turn every moment into a masterpiece, just let it fill you up.

Because when you show up to your canvas or journal again, that inspiration will be there waiting—like an old friend who never left.

Woman’s hands gently holding a bundle of freshly gathered autumn leaves in rich reds, oranges, and soft browns. This up-close seasonal moment captures the quiet beauty of fall and reflects the heart of Creatively Misty’s message-slowing down, tuning in, and finding everyday inspiration in nature’s bold and beautiful details. Perfect for sparking curiosity and encouraging a deeper connection to your creative world.

Want to explore this kind of creative practice with me?

My online workshops are filled with playful techniques, nature-inspired prompts, and brave permission to create without perfection. You don’t need to be “good at art.” You just need curiosity and a willingness to show up.

Click here to join any online workshop — let’s get messy, inspired, and wildly creative together.

Vibrant autumn-inspired art journal spread by Misty of Creatively Misty, featuring hand-painted bold florals in red, orange, and golden hues layered over vintage book pages, stencils, and mixed media textures. The phrase “Presence Over Perfection” is lettered across the page, capturing Misty’s message of mindful, fearless creativity and artistic self-expression.

Hi, I’m Misty

Mixed media artist, creative guide, and passionate believer in the power of fearless self-expression. After years of playing small and settling for a life that didn’t feel like mine, I chose to rewrite my story through art — and I’ve never looked back.

Now, I help women just like you break free from perfectionism and self-doubt so you can reconnect with your creative voice and boldly explore what lights you up. Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time or returning to art after years away, my mission is to help you step bravely into your own magic — one joyful, messy layer at a time.

Let’s create a life (and art) you absolutely adore. 💙