So I’m lying here
Just staring at the ceiling tiles
And I’m thinking about, oh what to think about
Just listening and re-listening
To Smiley Smile
And I’m wondering if this is some kind of creative drought
Lyrics from the song “Brian Wilson” by the Barenaked Ladies
Are you a creative type? Do you paint, draw, build contraptions or code software? Do you cook, snap photos, garden or play an instrument? Do you write? Do you sing? Have you ever experienced a creative drought? I am.
I am not sure if it’s the brain demands from work, the weather or just a general lack of mindfulness, but I have been stuck in an awful slump when it comes to writing. This creativity slump came on very suddenly and now just trying to write this post is very difficult. I just can’t seem to get in the head space to write, I can’t find the energy to think about what to write and I hate this feeling. In the past, my creative blocks were caused by bad moods that kept me from being present. Anxiety would often distract me. But for now, that is not the problem, I have never been so level with my moods. I am for the lack of better words: bored.
Over the past few weeks I have tried everything. Exercise (loads of it), food (better quality), more sleep, even different distractions like gaming; anything to try and snap me out of this drought, but I can’t seem to shake it. My energy towards my writing has hit an all-time low and it is deeply disturbing me. Every time I sit down to write, I feel as though I am climbing a hill of snow with resistance at every turn and it drains me with every word I put down. This resistance is killing me because I am scared that this may be the end; am I changing passions again? Or am I just missing something?
So tell me: how do you re-hydrate your passion when you are in the midst of a creative drought?
I’ve been like that myself lately for the first time since starting this blog. I’ve published some some stuff I’ve later realised was absolute rubbish and deleted! If I’m struggling to write i draw instead. Just get a pencil or pen and see what happens. Even just handwriting words seems to tap into a more creative part of the brain than typing them. I don’t know whether you can force yourself out of a drought…maybe you’re feeling pressure to produce something that people will read and like and comment on? If I get sick of chasing affirmation I just write for me and don’t publish. I hope you find some water soon 😊
You are 100%, you can’t force yourself out of a drought. We just have to wait it out and as you say, change it up by doing something else (like handwriting). Thank you for your insight!! 🙂
I just usually ride it out. Sorry, can’t be of much help with this one.
No need to be sorry. 🙂 Riding it out is tough, but it is the key. Thank you!