I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how important it is to fill your cup. You know the kind I mean…the proverbial cup we pour from in order to create stories.
Where is your mind at lately? Are you worn-out and depleted? Are you stressed or do you have that I’m-so-busy-all-the-time feeling? If you are, then I’m guessing you don’t have a lot of brain space to string together your best words. But the solution may be easier than you think. You may just need to talk, do, or move. Here are three ways to do that.
1. Meet with a writer friend. Nothing gets a writer more motivated to write than talking stories, goals, and dreams with another writer. Do you have plot problems? She probably has them too. Query rejection frustration? I bet she totally gets that. Wondering where she’s doing most of her writing? Maybe it’ll inspire you to change up your routine. Whatever you talk about, just being in the presence of another writer who understands the writer’s life—and what you’re working towards, will most definitely motivate you to crack open your laptop and write.
2. Do something creative besides writing for an extended period of time. I would venture to say that all writers are creative. It’s impossible to craft a solid writing piece without channeling your imagination in some way. So, it isn’t a big stretch to think that a creative person would enjoy diving into something creative that isn’t writing. What works for me may not work for you, but here are a few things to try: hand lettering (casual calligraphy), DIY home projects (paint a room, upcycle a vase), home décor—rearrange or redecorate a small space where you live or work, take pictures of something that you love to look at, draw, paint, color… whatever!
Last year, my go-to creative distraction was hand lettering. Drawing colorful shapes & letters on a clean blank page was a perfect escape when I needed a writing break. It was basically glorified doodling but with fancy markers. Lately, my new favorite hobby is making textured canvas art. Mixing modeling paste with acrylic paint and swirling it onto a canvas has been such a fun and easy way to get creative with no expectations or pressure. And that’s the idea. Doing something just for fun, when the pressure to write gets to be a lot, is life changing.
3. Explore your backyard. Seriously! Everyone knows that working out or taking a walk on a nice day helps to get your creative ideas swirling and makes you feel…better. But what about walking around your own back yard once or twice? It’s an easy thing to do and it doesn’t take much time at all. Don’t let the dreary weather deter you either. Give it a try in the winter or on a rainy day. Fresh air is free and the best way to recharge an exhausted, worn-out, or frustrated mind.
As much as we all love to write, it can be challenging at times too. So, I’m all about switching it up and taking a break. Because we can’t pour from a cup that’s empty. If none of these things work for you, brainstorm other activities that will help you to relax, make you laugh, or simply make you feel rejuvenated. Anything that will fill your writer’s cup back up to the top is worth trying.
And I guess if none of that works, there’s always coffee!
What do you think? Will you give any of these a try? I hope so because I know how much you want to reach your writing goals this month. I do too! And now that we’re a little more than halfway through the month, it’s a good time to check in with ourselves.
Like always, thank you so much for reading! I hope you have a positively spectacular week. See you next Wednesday!
Cheers!
swirl and spark 