One of the things I have been working on and having my students focus on during their practice sessions in the art of creativity and self-expression. I know it is very easy to get into a rut and feel like we play the same old things when we sit down behind our instrument. In order to avoid that, I think it is very important to trust our own creativity, and come up with musical and/or rhythmic phrases that may seem a little strange, but are still our own creations. Here are some great articles that look at creativity and self-expression. Enjoy!
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/DyeHard/story?id=4386976&page=1#.UAv37PWEnVo
http://www.copyblogger.com/mental-blocks-creative-thinking/
http://calummac.articlealley.com/how-to-be-musically-creative-784659.html
http://www.awardsounds.co.uk/missing-out-detail-how-be-musically-creative