Inspiration!
Ooh, that scary word! There’s a whole lot of meaning wrapped in that one word, isn’t there? It’s such a charged word — one that can empower you and terrify you at the same time.
Inspiration.
How do you find it? How do you keep it? And maybe most importantly, how do you get that elusive inspiration back when it’s suddenly gone?
I’m feeling so…disconnected from writing lately. Imposter syndrome, maybe? Whatever it is, I can’t help but feel discouraged. I accomplished so much in 2017, and it’s like I haven’t found that same momentum in 2018 yet. What if I’ve peaked as a writer?
Sometimes, usually out of frustration, I’ll just blurt out, “That’s it. I have nothing original left to say!” (shout-out to whoever picked up on that Frasier reference!). And, honestly, that’s exactly how I feel. I’m not being extra, which, I know, does sound a bit extra in itself. Maybe I’m saying it out of fear? Being all out of ideas is a fate worse than death for us writers, and I’ve really been fearing that blank page (err, computer screen) lately!
Plus, there’s sort of a catch-22 to this whole thing: Taking a step back and recharging is always a good way to get that inspiration back, but everything moves so fast on the Internet. So, actually taking a break would cause me MORE stress in the long run, which would sap any inspiration I had accumulated, you know? It’s a very tricky and complicated situation, as you can see!
I did get back into my usual routine last week of going to the library to work…and then I got sidelined by this wonderful cold/flu hybrid. Ack!!! Thwarted again!!
Here’s a start, at least: Kermit the Frog always inspires me! How can that cute creature not make you smile and feel like everything is right with the world??
So, friends, how do you find inspiration when you need it most? Where do you find it? Are there certain sources that you keep going back to, like books or family…or pets? I’d love to put our heads together and come up with some great inspiration in the comments!! xoxo
P.S. More inspiration to get those creative juices flowing: Lemon wreath, bookshelves, chalkboard love and jar shelves!
[Top photo via We Heart It; GIF via Giphy]
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Emily says
I think everyone goes through slumps and deals with imposter syndrome at times. You’ll get through this dip in ideas and be back up on top before you know it!
shelly sitzer says
Melissa, I don’t go out “finding inspiration.” Inspiration has to find me. It comes to me at odd times like when I am lying in bed, right before I go to sleep or before completely awakening in the morning. There have been long lapses of time when inspiration was not coming to me, but I know that it will at the right moment. Perhaps it will come with the change of the seasons, perhaps a song will inspire it. I cannot go looking to find it, as it is an illusive friend. Perhaps someone will say something to me that will inspire creative thoughts. I enjoy writing poetry and short stories, but it must happen when the inspiration finds me. Just keep your sensitivities open to all that is going on around you, the change of seasons, the songs you hear, the words of a friend or family member and inspiration will find you…
shelly sitzer says
This is my second message to you today, Melissa. Did you hear about the girl who just won 560 million dollars in the lottery. All she has to do to collect is to make her name public and she refuses! What would you do??? l