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]

As I start working recently, I stumbled across the #WhyIWrite hashtag that was trending on Twitter a few weeks ago. I love that it was trending because it really got me thinking about my own writing. I could give a handful of reasons for why I write, like…

• It’s my job

• I want to share my story

• I want to help others

• I’m trying to make sense of the world

But really, it’s simple: I write because it’s WHO I AM. Honestly, I don’t know who I’d be without it. It’s enriched my life — and at times, even saved my life. This writing thing, I think it’s going to stick around for awhile. I’m pretty certain I’ve discovered my passion.

In the last month, my world has been turned upside down, and I’ve learned the hard way that some people simply don’t understand why I write about the personal and vulnerable aspects of my life. My heart was broken by their cruel and insensitive words, as if I’m somehow being selfish for telling my story openly and honestly.

But here’s where they’re wrong: I’m not just writing for me. I have an email folder where I save emails I get from people. Any time I start to question myself, I read those emails — words from complete strangers who could identify with my writing or who were help, even in a small way, by my words. This is why I do what I do. This is why I overshare and why I’ve come to love writing and blogging so much. For people to know they’re not alone. How can writing for that reason ever be a bad thing??

I’m forever certain of one thing: My writing. It’s part of my soul. This isn’t just some fun hobby for me. This is my career. I won’t ever be silenced or told what I can and can’t write. As I always say, “You can’t silence my pen” and that is so true! #WriterLife

And, as always, here’s a radical notion: If you don’t like something, don’t read it. Simple as that. That little x at the top right of your browser window is a beautiful thing!

So I suppose this is my impassioned plea to the world: PLEASE SUPPORT THE WRITERS IN YOUR LIFE! Ask them what they’ve been working on. Give them a high-five for their latest byline. Let them know their work is being seen and isn’t just disappearing in a black hole!

It’s not that hard and I promise that it’ll make them feel smile. I know this from experience!

Why do you write, friends? What draws you to the page — err, I mean the keyboard? Do you feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulder once you get it all out? Seriously, if you want to be inspired, check out that Twitter hashtag! It’s totally giving me life and endless inspiration right now!! xoxo

P.S. More on life as a blogger!

[Photos via We Heart It]