One of the biggest things I’ve learned about creativity is that you really can’t force things if they aren’t ready. I have weekly writing goals and luckily have a wonderful writing coach that helps my needs in improvement and accountability. It helps me in my flow. My goals generally work really well for me. Like life, it can get a little off balance and at times need a bit of rearranging. Mostly they fit easily in my life.
With all that said, even with “goals” set forth, I find there are times and days that the tap isn’t flowing for me. When you write or create often, you can get out of balance. When this happens, I’ve found we can help move that stagnant energy by refilling ourselves. Refilling ourselves helps with inspiration and blocks. I’m very busy outside of my writing practice running my own businesses, taking care of my family, my pets, and my variety of daily activities. I’m always checking in with my balance scales to be more aware and perhaps a little better. Refilling my “tank” helps me to juggle the many things going on daily.
There are times that I have the opportunity and atmosphere set up and ready to write and not much is flowing. The more I try to force it, it truly eludes me even more. I’ve learned to not get so frustrated and take it as a sign for a little refueling. I have found many little tidbits to help me balance. At times I only briefly walk away and the flow comes right back. I may read some current topics, listen to an inspiring YouTube video or lecture, and I also love to catch up on TED talks (I’m going to suggest checking out TED talks if you’re not familiar with them already as I think these are great for hope and inspiration). Even a short break can get the juices flowing.
When I have days where I originally planned plenty of time for my writing and it doesn’t flow much that day, I see it as a blessed opportunity to break and focus my energy elsewhere. I have a list of books I look forward to reading and I may pick one up to take a break from my own head. I also recognize that when you have busyness in your life, a day or two of self care to refuel certainly helps responsibilities, work, and people in your life.
When you feel a little stuck, not flowing, or perhaps fatigued in some of your activities, consider redirecting your focus to gain some clarity, insight, or inspiration. It can be big or small. There will be times and opportunities for both. If and when you can swing the opportunity do some self care days, jump on it! It could be a massage, a trip to the salon, or some sort of service that makes your soul joyful and your mind relaxed. On days you do not have those bigger opportunities, you can implement small things. It could be a favorite book, a funny movie, a walk, a little yoga, a soulful chat with a friend, or anything you can do that uplifts you a bit.
When we try to force our flow or energy, we often don’t get far past our frustration. Trying to force things doesn’t feel inspired and we aren’t moving so much from the soul. Have you ever noticed when you are excited about a project, that it just flows? Now think about how it feels when you try to force or make something happen. I know my gut isn’t comfortable when I try to force action. The action ends up feeling empty or incomplete. Mainly it feels like I put a lot of work and energy in and didn’t make it very far..
When you can be mindful in how you feel while you are creating or doing a project, you can steer the energy to serve you better. If it feels like you are forcing it, take it as a sign for a beautiful break. Declare you are allowing some space for divine ideas and inspiration. Redirect your energy and simply go do something else. See if you find some relief. If we can get away from insisting things always flow our way, we can allow space for more powerful energy that can serve you much better. You may even tap into a more magnificent flow!