I used to think writer’s block meant running out of ideas. It has taken time, but now I know better.

Sometimes writer’s block looks like exhaustion. Sometimes it looks like grief. Sometimes it’s simply carrying too much.

The ideas are still there somewhere in the back of my mind… lingering silently waiting until I’m emotionally ready to hear them.

They’re just buried underneath grocery lists, appointments, deadlines, rehearsals, emails, and all the little responsibilities that make up adulthood.

I’ve have tried to stop forcing creativity, because honestly it doesn’t work. You can’t force it… creativity doesn’t listen to orders it makes the rules.

Instead, I have been trying to make room for creativity when I feel the inspiration.

Sometimes that’s fifteen quiet minutes with a cup of coffee.

Sometimes it’s taking a walk and breathing deeply.

Sometimes it’s reading a chapter of someone else’s book.

Sometimes it’s coloring… sketching… or doodling.

Sometimes it’s turning on the music and just dancing it out.

Eventually, creativity sparks and the stories find their way back to me.

They were probably never gone. It’s more likely that they were just waiting for me to be quiet enough to hear them.

~Nina Soden #TheRedheadedAuthor

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