
Grow Flow by Appreciating Stormy Days
Today is a stormy day in Central Florida. My heart goes out to the snowbirds, the spring breakers, and anyone who flew down for a reprieve from icy weather. And, if to add insult to injury, the high today will not go above 63 degrees. So, chilly, wet, and unappealing.
Washing Away Doubts
Creatives have periods of time such as this weather. Nothing seems to inspire new work. It feels like a supreme effort to sit at an open screen or a blank canvas. Yet, preparing for such days can help move a trying day ahead. How? First, commit to working without excuses. Even 15 minute chunks are manageable. Next, make sure that the daily round gets objectives met, such as a blog post or a section of a chapter or report. While writing in a journal is a great way to warm up, creating a dedicated product is rewarding. Finally, build in some fun especially on a day when staying in bed sounds appealing.
Perhaps playing with a magnetic word bank would help shake out cobwebs. The Writing Across Borders: Traveling Stanzas Magnet Kit from Kent State University is a good example. It was a promotional gift given out last year at the Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) Convention in Tampa, Florida. Interested in learning more about the Wick Poetry Center at Kent State? See more here: https://travelingstanzas.com/
Your Turn
Stop waiting for the perfect conditions to work. Take out your journal. Spend 15 minutes listing all the ways you allow yourself to procrastinate during bad weather. And, bad weather in this case for creatives is anytime we feel too gloomy, too moody, or too uncommitted to work creatively. Write quickly to bypass any resistance. Then, immediately reward yourself with 15 minutes of creative play. Need ideas for things to do? Look at a creative play post from a few weeks ago, here:
https://wewriteitright.com/playtime-helps-adults-enter-flow/
Here’s to growing your flow,
Marisa