Most of the people on my newsletter mailing list know me as Jacki Kelly, the writer. I’ve been writing seriously since 2010, but my passion for writing dates to elementary school. But that’s not the only thing I do. Like most creative people, I have other creative outlets. Some writers sing, some knit, some crochet, some play musical instruments, some paint, and some plan. I’m one of those writers/painters/planners.

Often when I’m trying to work out a plot detail or wake my muse awake to play, I’ll sit behind a separate desk in a different part of the house and paint. I’ve used several medians–oils, acrylics, watercolor, alcohol inks, pastels, to name a few. I will admit I think my writing is much better than my artwork, but I’m only painting to please myself. And when I finished, most of it goes into a drawer. But, like words, colors, especially bright ones, bring me joy.

I’m also a planner. No, I don’t mean like in planning parties. I plan my days, my weeks. I make lists—lots of lists. I organize. Maybe planning gives me an excuse for buying tons of paper, pens, stickers, and stationery, but hey, it’s what I do. For the last several years, I’ve been Bullet Journaling. I know that may be new to some of you, but it’s been around for years. Bullet Journaling is another way for me to express myself with color, design, and creativity. Every week, I design a new layout. I carry my Bujo with me everywhere I go. I keep a list of movies I want to watch, gift ideas, and my word count, and my appointment.

I guess no one is any one thing. We are a lot of things. That’s what makes us all so interesting. We have more than one way of expressing ourselves and fitting into this world. What’s yours?