The phoenix rises from the ashes

Have you hit a creative slump?

Don’t fret! As things go, it happens to all of us. Sooner or later. Could be due to an ever-full program or the challenges faced every day. My advice is to try and let go of the urge to force yourself to be creative, as it might not work due to your frame of mind, or not being in the right mood.

How to get out of that rut? What can you do? How can you overcome it?

I like to take a day or two, even a week if needed, and just breathe. Look for inspiration everywhere. Follow sites like Pinterest and Instagram and follow hashtags in which you are interested. Yes, there are many hashtags, and inspiration runs freely. Sit relax with a cuppa and just scroll. See something you like, try it, but it needs to speak to you.

Another way is to look at my stash. Maybe flip through stamp sets or look at your paper stash, something will jump out at you. And if not, give it time. Maybe you have to fill your creative cup again by just focusing on yourself, for a bit. Do some relaxation or breathing exercises or go for long walks if you can. Read a book. Do yoga. Anything. In short, change the routine. Try that recipe you wanted to make your family or bake a new treat. Try writing down your thoughts to work through things.

Creative slump happens to all of us, sooner or later. Sometimes nothing wants to work out as you envisioned it, and it turns into rubbish. Do not be too hard on yourself. Walk away from that piece, look at it again a couple of hours later and it might look different when you give it a fresh eye.

I also tried doing a totally new hobby at times, like something you never tried before and always wanted or just came across for the first time and think might be fun. Or something you had an idea about and always wanted to give a try but never got around to.

Other times I reorganize my supplies or sort out my workspace again, pack away all supplies used previously and just tidy up in general. Finding new treasures sometimes sparks an idea too.

Never a truer word than the old saying of inspiration exist, but it needs to find you working. Play with paint, make that mess, try making something, anything. If it works it works, if not well, start again or try something different altogether. Page through magazines f you have that available, and cut out some pictures that spark your interest or look like an interesting idea.

I guess I want to say, different things work for different folks. And what works for me, might not work for you. The only thing you need to remember is not to be too hard on yourself and ponder too much. It is what it is. It might take a day, or two or more to get out of that slump. And eventually, we all do, like the proverbial Phoenix we rise from the ashes. Just never be too hard on yourself.

Wishing you the best always. Have a wonderfully creative week, And remember to look for inspiration, whether it is a catchy color combination, a striking pattern, an awesome new technique, reminiscing about days gone by and projects done, or s scrap of paper that speaks to you.