WRITER'S BLOCK...

For the fun of it I signed up for this webinar on writing and making money.  Of course I know it is more about the one who created the webinar making money but up until it costs, I don't mind usually investing a little time in it.

Well, what is it with this whole notion of writer's block? The very first thing you were supposed to do is tell how you procrastinate and have writer's block!  What the hell?!?!  I went to a writing workshop, same thing, lets all focus on how we NOT write! I walked out!  I don't need that sort of programming.  If you get what you focus on, why on earth would I want to focus on this?

There are a zillion books on the market dating back to the sixties on "deliberate creating".  Dear Seth speaks is a good example and later came along Ester and Abraham, Dyer, The Secret, E squared, etc.
They all basically say the Same thing: WHAT YOU FOCUS ON YOU GET!

I remember saying to a friend once, "I can't tell if I am depressed or just bore and tired."  Athletes will say the same thing when they are interviewed before the big event when asked how they feel...they all say they are pumped or excited...non of them say they are anxious!  Really, they are very similar feelings and how you cope with them will depend on how you label them!  That is how our human brains work.

So when someone says I am procrastinating, I say I am "composting", why they say I am avoiding, I say I am preparing, when they say I am not disciplined, I say I am following my natural rhythms!  Seeing where I am going with this? 

So I never use words like "block or blocked", I simply feel I am in the flow and working on finding my next inspiration!  

Have you ever knew something you were going to do was going to be difficult, that a lot could go wrong and that it would take a certain mental fortitude?  Well, isn't all creating like this?  I know from experience when I approach a painting, if I am ready to do it, it will flow out of me however if I am pushing myself it will just be one headache after another.  I have often wondered if we create our own problems to support our belief today isn't the day to be doing this, or if simply we just don't have enough mental energy to pull it off?

I know when I am in "the zone" and really on my mark, I do my best work.  It is one of the reasons I NEVER walk away from a painting or piece of writing without having resolved an issue. I want to make sure coming back to it is a pleasure and not a pain!  Only way to do that sometimes is to quit while your ahead. If I know the next step is going to require more energy than I have at the moment, I know it is a good time to walk away!

I think writing blocks are like that.  Every writer, like every painter has a "process", a time or period prior to work that they have to work through to get themselves where they need to be.  It isn't a block, or a problem, it is just part of the whole experience of writing.

When I go to a workshop or join a group and the first thing they address is "writer's block" I know it is not the place for me.  My ability to think and create is fine thank you and I don't need that sort of trip laid on me.  Who does?

So, if you write, and you are not feeling inspired, don't sit staring at a blank computer screen, go out and lower your stress level and enjoy life, that is the best inspiration you are going to find.  You would not be even thinking about having writer's block if you were not already motivated enough to make a start.  Perhaps it is just not the right time!  Do research, clean you keyboard, have a coffee with a friend, or whatever however don't go beating yourself up or labelling what is all part of the creative process!

And this can be applied to anything!  Lighten up, you don't need the cortisol!  Go play and create some endorphins!  Enjoy life!