Would it work the same way?
If we exercised creativity like a muscle?
I haven’t been all that prolific lately. The absence of posts all week is a clear sign.
In fact, writers block struck approximately 7 days ago. Since then, all I’ve been able to string together is sentences in my mind, scattered and random at best. Not at all stimulating, neither for me nor you, I’m certain. The problem with the inability to write is that it can very quickly spiral into a chronic condition. Truly. The longer you allow it to fester, the tougher an obstacle it becomes to overcome.
A MOLEHILL TURNS INTO A MOUNTAIN
(note to self: be thankful you live in Houston wherein it stays warm for much longer so you can get away with an OTS top in October, disclosure: these photos were taken in July)
Chambray Top (similar) | Rainbow Snakeskin Heels (option, option) | White Denim Jeans (Forever21) | Clutch (option) Sunnies & Jewellery (thrifted)
When it comes to writing, the most challenging aspect for me is staying creative.
As in, staying inspired amidst the distractions of full time employment and life in general. Considerations which never once surfaced when I began this blog. Then, my mind was brimming with ideas. So many ideas. Things were fresh and exciting. I was a child let loose in a carnival with pockets full of tokens.
Over time, I’ve come to realise that, as though it were a muscle, creativity needs to be exercised (regularly) for it to be developed, and that continuous work was needed to maintain that “muscle tone“.
And also that for the workout to be effective, consistency and variety were key. I couldn’t expect results to merely gush forth without effort. No, there would inevitably be times when conscious efforts had to be made in order for things to happen. Like anything else worth attaining.
When I started to view writing as being similar to, well, exercising, that’s when it all began to make sense. And how the dry spell I experienced was a direct parallel to how my knee was when I was still recovering from surgery. Slow and arduous, but yielding results, albeit (agonisingly) slowly. Never painless but certainly very much worth every movement, and each bead of sweat.
Leave it to me to draw parallels between my two biggest loves – writing and working out.
Once that conclusion was drawn, it was as though a fog had lifted. I knew what I needed to do to get back into the game and the first move I made was to write this piece to share with you.
Some of my peers turn to the glossies and industry news. Some surround themselves with like-minded souls and exchange thoughts. I know of yet others who engage in social escapades with friends who aren’t in the same field, for a “breath of fresh air“. But being the introvert that I am, I find solace in a good read. Music is another uplifter as certain songs make me feel as though I could scale the highest mountain (which is essentially how I feel when I’m completely uninspired but need to or have to or want to, write).
Another excellent trigger for me is to browse through Pinterest. The level of talent so evident in some of those boards is stupendous. Often, an image or quote can trigger a blog post, and for many of us stuck in a rut, that’s all the nudge we need. When all else fails, I wash my hair (it works, really), or head to the gym to exercise other parts of me.
What about you? How do you climb out of a creative rut?
And don’t forget to link up.
Love, Sheela
Finally made the transition to AV and am now on YouTube as well as Snapchat (sheela.goh), would adore your support through subscribing to my channel/adding my snaps.
Pretty please?
p/s my photos are by Sofia Touassa
I link up here.
Sheela Writes 
I guess we all go through that -writer’s blog, lack of ideas- at some point, I know I have. And sometimes life just gets in the way: you get busy at work, or you just have too much on your plate at the moment. Or maybe you just need some rest. And that’s OK. Yes, creativity needs regular exercise, but you can’t force it. Just like you need to take it easy in the gym after an injury in order to heal first.
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Great question…how do I crawl out of a creative rut?
Let me look at it this way—I’m not really creative —at least not like you or many of the other women out there. I tend to be what I consider a good copier! Hopefully an ethical copier, but a copier none the less.
So maybe the advantage of this personality trait is the fact that I don’t get into a rut that way? Either that or it’s the norm, so I don’t see it as a bad thing…ha ha!
The other aspect to consider, is I’m a fluff writer—I just discuss the clothing item at hand and how it could (or couldn’t) work for others. So no worry about having to be creative about that!
So the answer to the original question is I don’t think I’ve ever had a creative rut. You could consider that almost sad….but there’s a silver lining to everything….so there’s mine!!
As for the clothing (because we do get into clothing ruts—ALL the time), I think (I bet you know what I’m going to say) that a fabulous pair of shoes can change everything up!!
And the pair you have on in this post, have got to be the cat’s meow!! Or in other words, “purrfect”
XOXO
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
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Your of shoulder looks better on you then mine on me! Gorgeous shoes!
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I love how you turned your creative rut into a post topic! 🙂 I think looking at creativity as a muscle that has to be exercised makes a lot of sense. I read somewhere the other day (don’t remember where) that posting is easiest when the blogger posts every day. When I first started my blog, I posted daily for a while, and I always had something to write (not sure I would call it particularly creative however…)…
Those heels are beyond fabulous!
Thanks for the link up & have a wonderful weekend!
Andrea
Andrea’s Wellness Notes
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This look is gorgeous!!! LOVE the top and the shoes!
Terry
http://styleofterry.wordpress.com
http://terrystwocentsblog.wordpress.com
http://createdbyterry.wordpress.com
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I so enjoy reading your posts every week! It’s 3AM and my brain is mush so my words aren’t coming out right lol… I’m also an introvert and when I get in a creative rut I need to quiet my mind and shift my actions. You look stunning and you nailed this post! Okay, bedtime XO. Stop by and join the linkup @ http://www.beauty101bylisa.com/2016/10/linkupwithlisa-70-hunter-green-and.html
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I have never suffered from writers block. I have so much to say, but it’s how to write creatively like yourself that I have the problem with x
http://www.vanityandmestyle.com
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Sometimes I peruse other blogs and get inspiration! Those shoes are killer!
Coffee Beans and Bobby Pins
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Your chambray OTS top looks so fab with your white pants and gorgeous heels! Serious shoe envy going on here.
I am not a creative writer like you, so I’m not sure I get in the same kind of rut. However, I certainly find myself feeling uninspired when it comes to the blog at times and when I do I recognize I need to take a little break. Stepping completely away usually helps me and when I do come back everything just seems fresher and the ideas start coming again.
Have a wonderful weekend, lovely lady.
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Ahhh…writer’s block. Who knows how or why it happens, but it is tough to get around and few things are more frustrating. I agree that if you don’t use your creativity it weakens; exactly like no lunges, no high firm butt. It’s definitely more of an issue for bloggers like you and I who include a juicy narrative along with the outfits. I keep a notebook where I jot down random ideas that pop into my head from time to time, then when I’m stuck I refer back to it. I also use Pinterest, particularly quotes because a good quote will often get me thinking. Occasionally if I just start writing then an idea will come to me.
The outfit is so fresh and pretty. I love chambray paired with white jeans. And although I say this pretty much every single time…the shoes…absolutely fierce.
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
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I think we all go through this. Your writing is incredible! And I’m loving this outfit! Especially adore those amazing shoes!
Lizzie
http://Www.lizzieinlace.com
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I’m a fluffy writer and scratch the surface about fashion trends with occasional discussion of blogger rants, therefore I don’t believe I’ve gotten into a creative writing rut for the blog yet. That said, you write amazingly well Sheela, and even though you may have to flex that writing brain power extra hard from time to time, we all love to read what you have to say. I tend to draw inspirations from books, old movies, and satire when I feel like my brain is stuck in a vegetated state.
~ xo Sheree
Posh Classy Mom
Instagram
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It is so refreshing to hear about your dry spell Sheela, I have been feeling very uninspired lately. Everyday life can take a lot of energy and some weeks there isn’t a lot of energy left over. When I feel uninspired I have learned to just allow the lull and try to force it. I really think for me it serves as a recharging time so that I can come back refreshed and renewed and with all kinds of ideas. It is sort of like and ongoing rollercoaster! Glad your back!!
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
STYLE NUDGE
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Oh, and I wasn’t able to link up with your link up for some reason. Any ideas?
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
STYLE NUDGE
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Love your outfit, the shoes are amazing! 🙂
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This off the shoulder top suits you very well. Of course the shoes are out of this world again. Love the glasses too. As for the gym… I hate every minute of it. Doesn’t have my love. But I work out two times a week for an hour each time. That will seem little to you, but it is a lot for me.
As for looking at others (Pinterest boards and such) and seeing so much talent, just cripples me and leaves me doubting myself and my abilities. My solution: I don’t look at them. I am a good ostriche haha.
Greetje
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