It has been a great run, I suppose. It was probably inevitable that my creative flow would turn eventually. I am grateful that for the last two years, creative ideas have flowed very generously and consistently to me.
And I knew that eventually I would find myself in a period of ebb. I just wasn’t expecting it this year.
Maybe it’s that I didn’t have a long-term project planned after my Oracles were painted. Maybe it’s that I am still a little burnt out from the last four years of life. Maybe I am too busy with family life to allow for creative ideas to flow in. Maybe it’s perimenopause.
All I know is that for the last two months, I haven’t painted, I haven’t planned any new collections, and I haven’t felt that spark of inspiration that turns into that creative magic. And I had hoped with the change of season that the ebb might start to change to flow.
But if I really thought about it, there have been signs of roadblocks and blockages showing up in my life for a while now.
Its shown up in my daily oracle cards (OMG the Tower card three days in a row!), a totally random detour sign on my morning walk (in the middle of nowhere – there one day, gone the next), Instagram quotes about crossroads or in-depth TikTok videos about being in a void and learning to lean in not react with fear.
And I have to admit the fear is me riding pretty hard right now – all the old stories (you know the ones I am talking about – the not good enough stories, you’ve no talent stories, that I have nothing that anyone wants to hear stories, etc) are popping by like uninvited rellies, turning up at the worst possible time.
In previous ebbs, I have succumbed to the fear and panicked. I would try and force it. I would bargain with the creative muses for inspiration. I would contemplate burning it all down.
Fortunately, I have some experience under my belt to know that ebbs happen and you eventually come out the other side. Sometimes it’s for a few days, sometimes weeks and at worst, months (I am looking at you, 2016!)
So this time, I am resisting the urge to burn it all down. This time I’m trying to do things differently:
- I’ve started journaling more, trying a technique where I ask my higher self what I need to do and free write for five to ten minutes.
- I am making little sketches in my art journal while I watch the final season of Yellowstone.
- I am continuing my daily morning rituals and the gradual decluttering of our home.
- I am taking classes, visiting galleries, going on nature walks, sitting outside at sunset, and trying to fill up my well of inspiration while also removing anything that is no longer needed.
- I am looking after myself – showing myself some compassion and grace, going to bed earlier, eating good foods, taking time to appreciate my body, my imagination and my health.
And I am trying to patiently wait for my next inspiring spark will turn itself into creative magic.
IF YOU WANT TO COME ALONG FOR THE JOURNEY AS I KICKSTART MY CREATIVITY,
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If you have ever felt like you’ve been in a slump or just felt MEH for more than a day or so, please share a tip on how you tried to shake it off! Leave a comment below!
From my whimsy world to yours.
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