About a month ago, someone asked me what I had been up to lately. As I thought about it, the list running through my head was so mundane: working, shuffling kids to soccer and tennis, household tasks. It sure feels like I’m busy, but I quickly realized, I’m busy doing nothing! Yeah, I’m a working mom with two kids but when I answered her with my standard “not much” quip, it was eye-opening to say the least.

As someone in the creative field whose job it is to develop new twists, ideas and experiences, getting stuck in the day-in day-out, same-old same-old is a killer. I needed stimulation. I wanted new thoughts running through my head. So I did something about it. I got a bike – and got a life.

I don’t have to tell you cycling is good for your heart, good for your muscles and good for your waistline. But for me, the biggest benefit is that its been good for my mind. No phone, no email, no kids, no deadlines. I can throw in my tunes and tune out the world. Will it make me more creative? Time will tell. But I can say it’s made me look at life through a different lens, with a new interest as my guide. I don’t personally believe in the articles and studies that show what makes a person more creative. It’s different for everyone. For some it’s music; others like art. But one thing is the same – they all stem from a nugget of curiosity. All you need is that spark and an open mind.

What do you do to pull yourself out of a rut? I’d love to hear your suggestions and ideas. If you don’t get a response from me right away, don’t fret — I’m probably on the trails.