Trying to find balance among the many demands we place upon ourselves is hardly a fresh topic, but most people (including busy retirees) would agree that such a thing is desirable.

The Free Street LL Bean Factory Story display window has an ongoing backdrop of a rustic log cabin. The current scene includes a few colorful lawn chairs of the large wooden type with the wide, flat, broad arms - space enough for a refreshing drink and perhaps a book. It is suggestive of ease, and the contemplative life, something that seems so very remote to many of us as we dash about doing important things and leading frenzied lives.

A goal of all marketing of course is to suggest that there exists a gap between what is advertised and what the consumer's present experience is. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a desire to fulfill a perceived want. It is a curious juxtaposition when a store is seemingly trying to sell "the simple life," but the attainment of which, by their definition, often requires us to work harder at our jobs (giving up the possibility for using such precious time to develop ourselves in creative pursuits).

But it isn't only consumption that steals our creative energy; it's also that there are so many opportunities to engage in - be it sports, volunteerism, or social activities - and other time fillers such as "vegging" in front of the tube.

Or could it be that the definition of creativity has changed? Perhaps we have evolved to the point where contemplative time isn't necessary? Perhaps it is normal to fill most minutes of most hours with some sort of busyness? (We met a woman recently who, until she entered retirement, didn't realize that her cat has eyelashes!)

We are working with Diane Dunton of Potential Unleashed who is helping us with strategic thinking for our business development. The three of us took an on-line test, the goal of which was to identify our "motivators" - those qualities and the exercise thereof that drive us and give us the greatest sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. You might be interested to know (and perhaps not so surprised) that, as a group, CynDee, Susan, and Jill are highly rational, logical, analytical, efficient, organized, methodical, structured, consistent, and independent. In the category of creativity and imagination, however, our group scored very low. (We are too busy to be creative!) These measurements, however, are neither good or bad, only indicative (or confirming) of what is - where our strengths lie, and also those areas that are candidates for development. Ms. Dunton suggested we might benefit from reading An Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. Perhaps if you are feeling a bit less than satisfied with what your own head and hands produce, this book may warrant a look-see. And, with more daylight (more time?) and vacations on the calendar - a period when we most think about the possibilities summer escapes offer - you might consider glancing inward to rediscover your own creative gifts.