As a writer, I know all about creativity. I know how essential it is. I know how fun it can be. I also know what it’s like to be at a loss for creativity. Even as a mom, creativity is important. Combine the needed creativity for being both a mom and a writer . . . well, it’s tough to come by.
When there are people and paperwork and piles to manage . . .
When I look around my house and see the walls that need to be painted and the cupboards that should be organized . . .
When my inbox is cluttered with notes I need to answer about work stuff and volunteer stuff . . .
When output is more than input . . .
. . . my creativity well often runs dry.
What can you do when you need an extra “spark” of inspiration? Here are a few things I do.
- Call a funny friend.
- Sit outside. Breathe in fresh air. Listen to birds sing. Watch busy ants.
- Open a book of poetry, or rent an audio book of poetry from the library. Absorb the symbolism and fresh word combinations.
- Open a cookbook to a random page, then go shopping for the needed ingredients. (And then cook it!)
- Go to YouTube.com and watch old dance numbers like this one.
- Visit Etsy and take their taste test. This is one of my favorites. I love the fresh colors, textures, and ideas.
- Play with Visuwords. Follow word trails and see where they lead you.
- Have a visual feast and iStock Photo. (It’s also a great place for gathering inspiration for novel settings and characters or blog ideas.)
- Pray and thank God for His creativity. Thank Him for your favorite places, people, tastes, and the beauty of nature.
- Read your favorite Bible verses in a translation or paragraph you normally don’t read. Here is my favorite Bible verse in The Message (Zephaniah 3:17): “Don’t be afraid. Dear Zion, don’t despair. Your God is present among you, a strong Warrior there to save you. Happy to have you back, he’ll calm you with his love and delight you with his songs.”
- Write a greeting card verse and e-mail it to a special person. Or better yet, browse creative sites (like MarthaStewart.com) for card ideas and make your own.
Sometimes what we need is simply a break in our day from the mundane tasks of life. These tips are perfect for breaking up a routine. Who knows? You might end up inspired to finish writing that blog or to tackle that inbox.
Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my email updates, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, or Instagram.
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Leave a Reply