People talk about having writer’s block or being in a creative rut. It is a very real situation. The truth is we all have our own versions of writer’s block. Often when you get into a routine, a rut happens. Sometimes you’ve been in it so long you begin to think that IS your routine. You need to break free from the norm of your day-to-day activities.
You can start with really simple things like taking a different road to work and noticing new places and things along the way. The next time you are in the grocery store, pause in the fruit and vegetables section and really take in all the colors and shapes surrounding you. Grab some purple potatoes instead of the same old plain ones. Did you know you can get white asparagus instead of green? The point is you are taking time to get a fresh perspective which can be a breath of fresh air for your spirit.
Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way, recommends going on an artist date once a week. What is an artist date? It’s time you take for yourself, to do something for yourself. It can reignite your creativity and wake up your inspiration. The key to a successful artist date is that you do not have to be an artist, you do not have to take a lot of time, and you do not have to spend any money. My favorite artist date is to steal a couple hours and walk around vintage stores. I love the scents and textures of the nostalgic items. My creativity kicks in when I envision how I could re-purpose those items today. I once found an old rustic door and made it into a desktop!
The return on the investment of taking yourself on a date is plentiful. Capturing those rare moments when you can reconnect with the real you can feel like meeting an old friend and catching up. Give it a try and see how quickly you can shake off your rut and get back to a fresher and livelier you.
