Unexpected Things to Be Grateful For That Spark Creativity Daily

Your unfinished projects are trying to tell you something.

So are your creative blocks, your messy studio, and yes — even that inner critic who won’t stop chattering!

When we think about things to be grateful for in our artistic journey, I get it. Creative blocks don’t usually make the list. Save the gratitude for the finished pieces, the successful shows, the moments of easy flow, right?

But what if I told you that every creative “obstacle” is actually a gift in disguise? A signpost pointing you toward your most authentic artistic expression?

Let’s talk about gratitude — and how we can find value from even the most annoying stressors in our creative careers. From gratitude list ideas and beyond, what if these frustrating parts of your journey were actually giving you something incredible?

Love mindset talk? Read this next: Failing Forward: How to Power Through Creative Block

How to Find Things to Be Grateful For in Unlikely Places

The universe has a peculiar way of planting seeds of inspiration in the most surprising soil.

These unexpected things to be grateful for often hide in plain sight, waiting for us to shift our perspective just enough to see their sparkle. Let’s break down some things that might be making you go CRAZY that we can turn into things to be grateful for.

The Messy Studio That Shows You’re Actually Creating

Take a moment to look at your creative space right now. Is it perfectly organized, everything in its place? Or does it tell the story of an artist in the midst of their practice?

I’m one of those people who cannot concentrate unless my space feels clean and organized! But sometimes, life just LIFES. And we need to notice the simple pleasures in life, like actually having a space dedicated to our art! Suddenly, we can find glitters of gratitude. AKA, the tiniest things to be grateful for in a world that feels chaotic.

In this of a messy studio (or home, apartment, space, etc.), here are some daily gratitude examples:

• I’m grateful for having a computer so I can learn more about my craft.
• I’m grateful for having pretty walls to hang inspiring pictures.
• I’m grateful for a phone to get creative inspo from.
• I’m grateful for having access to these supplies (even if they’re messy!)
• I’m grateful for knowing where to look for ways to organize my space

Your mess is a sign of life, of ideas in motion. 

A pristinely clean studio might look beautiful on Instagram, but it might also mean you’re spending more time organizing than creating! Your “messy” space is evidence that you’re showing up, that you’re in the thick of the creative process!

I do believe having an organized space is important for keeping your sanity, but there’s a difference between total chaos and just a physical manifestation of an active, engaging mind creating. And giving yourself grace when your life isn’t picture-perfect.

That One Song, Phrase, Memory You Can’t Get Out of Your Head — It’s Processing Something Important!

I’ve definitely been annoyed when I can’t get a song or thought out of my head. But I’ve recently felt more and more that it’s because it’s processing something in or about the song.

Like the creative part of your brain is working through something meaningful about the song, composition, singer, instrumentalists, or something of that nature.

Having a mindful gratitude practice helps us recognize that our subconscious is constantly collecting inspiration.

Then there’s the memory of something you did in the past — usually something that you “regret” or didn’t like.

Maybe your mind is revealing patterns that could inspire new directions or providing structure for future projects. Or working through something that’s resonating with you deeply… even if you don’t realize it yet.

The Physical, Mental, Environmental, or Career-Based Creative Blocks — They’re Making You Experiment

Creative blocks are reasons to be thankful because they force us to find new paths.

Think of each block as an actually an invitation to growth. When we can’t move forward in our usual way, we’re pushed to try different mediums, explore unexpected themes, or connect with other artists.

These obstacles guide us to question and refine our process in ways we might never have chosen voluntarily.

It’s also an invitation to ask yourself why you’re feeling blocked. I’ve thought and thought about creative blocks and found 3 main reasons why we typically get creatively blocked:

• A physical or mental block — your body doesn’t have the care it needs or you haven’t found a way to best care for your mental state.
• An environmental block — your home or the space you spend a lot of time in isn’t serving you energetically. Perhaps it’s dirty, messy, or simply uninspiring or un-cozy. And I fully believe the more cozy you can be, the more creative you can be!
• A career-based block — you feel stuck in your current career state. You wish you were somewhere different from where you are. You have the dreams and believe with the right tools you can get there, but you don’t know where those tools are or how to use them!

P.S. if you want to take some of the first steps towards unblocking your career blocks, I invite you to take my free 3-day Cozy Girl Job mini-course!

The Science Behind Gratitude and Creative Flow

Gratitude Rewires Your Creative Brain

Having a gratitude practice literally rewires our neural pathways. That means we can be more receptive to creative insights and opportunities.

The simple act of acknowledging things to be grateful for triggers dopamine and serotonin release, creating an upward spiral of positive thinking that enhances creativity. This chemical boost improves our problem-solving abilities, increases motivation, and enhances focus.

Most importantly, it boosts our creative confidence in ways that transform how we approach our art!

“Bad” Days Can Be Huuuge Lessons

Every creative setback contains valuable feedback… if we’re willing to see it.

Maybe that failed project taught you about your true artistic preferences. Or perhaps that harsh critique helped refine your vision. I’ve been feeling this super hard as I’ve taken some time off songwriting to really develop and understand what I really want to say and emit with my music.

Sure, I could complain that I’m in a “musical rut,” but I truly don’t believe that! I think taking a little break can help us see from a perspective we didn’t before.

These moments, though painful, shape our artistic identity in profound ways. If we trust them enough.

Gratitude Brings You Back to Your Creative Child

When you’re feeling disconnected from your art, gratitude is such a beautiful way to reignite that childlike wonder.

You actually have the capacity to have the pure that a kiddo has around pretty much anything. Having dessert. Christmastime. Playing outside with their friends. Those feelings are just waiting for you to access them.

Gratitude is 100% the key to unlocking this. It’s about knowing reasons to be thankful about even the smallest things so you get used to being thankful for the larger things that come your way (like your creative dreams finally happening!).

If you love inner child talk, you might love: 10 Inner Child Quotes to Reignite Your Creative Spark

Surprising Sources & Hidden Gifts of Creative Inspiration

Looking for things to appreciate in life? Sometimes inspiration comes from unexpected places.

The “Boring” Commutes

If you’re in a job that commutes, consider these simple transitions. It’s like when a scene is changing in a movie, and music comes on to set shift.

What can you reflect on and/or prepare for? How can you find little feelings of flutter in these like maybe turning on your fav show or eating a little snack that you can look forward to?

The Rejections

As Jack Canfield says, “no” is just “next.”

It’s a little recalibration leading you to a deeper understanding of your artistic vision. It’s giving you a stronger conviction in your unique voice — even if you feel like you’re not in control of it (newsflash: we can’t control everything, and that’s okay).

Plus, rejections are building your muscle memory. The more you get, the more used to them you’ll be, and the less you’ll fear them.

There are literally people out there who will purposefully fail so they get used to the feeling. Asking girls out they know they’ll say “no” to. Applying to jobs that are way out of their league. It’s the concept of getting comfy with the rejection — and honestly, it’s scary even just writing about for me!

The Draining 9-5 or Day Job

That exhausting day job might feel like it’s stealing your creative energy, but what if we reframed it as a stepping stone?

Instead of viewing it as a creativity-killer, let’s see how you can thrive with a Cozy Girl Job – a position that actually supports your artistic journey.

The right stable remote role could become your creative incubator, providing the financial foundation you need while preserving your energy for art.

You’re leveraging the skills you already have (and that come easy to you) to make money, and seeing how the other skills you learn from it can help you pursue your dreams.

For instance, my Cozy Girl Job is in digital marketing — which is a role I highly suggest for creatives! — and it’s helped me learn how to build my own creative brand via a website, social media, and create the blog you’re reading RN!

I apply what I do with my clients directly to my own work and process and it’s enhanced my path in the best way possible.

The Friends/Family Members Who Don’t “Get” Your Art

I know these relationships can feel really hard but they can actually help you learn to explain your work. Sometimes, people won’t immediately understand what or why you’re doing something.

And while it can seem soooo draining trying to explain it, it can help us learn to articulate our vision more clearly and stand firmly in our creative truth.

 It builds confidence in your choices and often leads you to find your true artistic community — those who resonate deeply with your work because you’ve learned to express it so well.

Starting Something & Ditching It

Each “abandoned” idea proves you’re taking action and learning what truly resonates with your artistic soul!

That half-finished painting or partially written song isn’t a mark against you!! It’s proof that you’re willing to explore and grow. Something many people are too afraid of doing

It’s evidence of your willingness to explore and grow, even if you literally never touch it again. You will not run out of ideas, I promise.

Knowing Your Creative Season Will Always Shift

Just like nature, creativity moves in cycles.

Being grateful for both the abundant and fallow periods helps us trust the process.

Your creative energy isn’t gone when it feels quiet, but just preparing for its next beautiful expression. Understanding these natural rhythms helps us stay patient and trusting during the quieter times.

Related: Why Your Creative Energy Fluctuates (And How to Work With It)

See Magic in Your Everyday with Violet Gaze

Sweet creative soul, every part of your artistic journey — even the challenging parts — is weaving itself into the tapestry of your creative life. As you count your blessings and recognize these unique things to be grateful for, you open yourself to endless sources of inspiration.

Want to dive deeper into creating an abundant, joyful creative life? Subscribe to my YouTube channel for inspiration and gentle reminders that you’re exactly where you need to be.