Are You a Tired Writer?

“I wish I were more creative in my writing.” 

“Once I get XX out of the way, then I’ll have time to focus on my writing/creativity.” 

“I’m so exhausted at the end of the day. The last thing I have time for is my own writing.” 

Raise your hand if the above sentences describe you. (My own hand is going up.) I get it. After all the work gets done … after I clean the house … after my family is taken care of, or the kids are out of the house, of I get through this semester …  
The trouble? Life keeps happening. There will never be a “perfect time” to write or create. There will always be something that comes up. The trick is to figure out a way to work around life and make sure that we have time every day for something that feeds our creative souls. 

Before you feel overwhelmed (Ugh! Another thing to add to my over-full plate?), let me reassure you that creativity doesn’t have to happen in mammoth-sized chunks. It can become an easy, painless, and actually lovely small portion of your day. 

Let me back up even further, though. 

This month our focus is on nourishment, not creating. Before we can pour ourselves fully into our creative projects, we need to fill our wells. What does that look like? 
Nourishment for Creatives ·         Taking a long, hot bath

·         Writing in a journal for release (I call this “puking onto the page”—not very attractive but it feels great)

·         Scheduling time to meet a friend for a handcrafted beer or fancy coffee drink

·         Listening to inspiring podcasts that make you feel good about yourself

·         Going for a walk and absorbing nature along the way

·         Making a perfect cocoon of blankets and pillows and nestling in for your favorite TV show

Your challenge: in the next two weeks, please select one of the above nurturing practices or use one of your own ideas. You don’t have to do it every day, but do try to find time for it at least twice a week. Notice how you feel before and after your nurturing practice. 

Would love to get your feedback on this challenge and to hear some of your favorite ways of nurturing yourself.