One simple remedy for creative blocks
March 15, 2010Here’s a revolting development: I have run out of words.
No, that’s not true. I’ve run out of ways to string the words that regularly bounce between my ears into coherent thoughts. I’ve been trying to write for two solid days—reasoning, cajoling, threatening, and pleading ideas into solid form.
It’s not happening.
The curse of self-employment
This morning I thought about the last time I had a vacation. By “vacation,” I don’t mean taking time away from regular work to do other work, like siding a house, for example. I mean the kind where you do whatever you want. Spend the day in your pyjamas, eat popcorn for lunch, read comic books, sit and watch the wind blow.
When did I do that last? 1996.
The last time I took a real break was 14 years ago.
I am spent. Go figure.
So I’m taking a week off to do whatever the hell I want.
I could have scheduled posts to be published in my absence, but I wouldn’t be around to respond to comments, which is poor manners. And if I did show up to reply to the great people who take the time to share their thoughts, it wouldn’t be a real vacation.
One sure way to break a creative block
Sometimes the only thing you can do to get your creativity moving again, is to stop.
I will be back next Monday—World Water Day, if you’d like an event to mark it—with bells on. Or at least a few coherent thoughts. In the meantime, I leave you with a wonderful animation called “Procrastination” by John Kelly. If you’re reading this in your RSS feed and can’t see the video, you can find it here on YouTube. A big shout out to Eugen Oprea, who brought the video to my attention.
Enjoy your week, and many thanks to all of you who have come along for the ride so far. Talk to you soon.
