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I’ve been trying to write a blog post for days about the creative letdown that comes after a really big accomplishment, like writing a book. Or at least it comes for me.
Even though I finished my part of the book months ago, having it in my hands, knowing its a real thing out in the world, kind of makes me feel like I just did all that work all over again.
It’s exhausting.
Even though I’m getting plenty of sleep, I feel tired all the time. I don’t want to write. I’ve been doing just the simplest things this week to get by.
And I don’t want to create. I’m just completely uninspired.
Little Steps
Well, that’s not completely true. I have lately been knitting a bunch of really simple projects.
A giant, bulky slouch hat. A washcloth. A striped scarf.
Totally mindless stuff.
But I don’t want to sew — even though I have a project almost done, and the Bit needs more shorts — or paint or play with paper. I don’t really have any ideas, and even less motivation.
It’s kind of painful. And scary. I’ve gotten used to being so full of ideas I had to make lists and prioritize. Now, nothing.
Deep breath.
I know it will pass.
I know I’ll feel creative again soon.
I just need a break.
A book is a massive undertaking, and since there might be another one looming on the horizon soon, I need to cherish this time when I don’t have to be busy.
I guess I just needed a summer break.
In the meantime, I’m trying to be gentle with myself.
I’m doing the knitting I feel like, and letting the rest slide.
It’s entirely possible both the daily and the craft part of the name of this blog will be merely aspirational for a while.
An Art Experiment for Me
I’m starting to try to push myself, just a little, in a playful way.
I went into the playroom and used some of the Bit’s supplies (because they’re somehow less precious than mine, I guess) and a paintbrush that had dried paint on it.
I used one dollop of each color of paint, and put them on the page at random.
The streaks are from the shape of the dried bristles of the brush.
I kind of like it. And it’s a great justification for not cleaning your brushes like you should (though I’ll have a tip for that next week, probably).
It’s a little step, that took just a few minutes, but it felt good. Progress.
What do you do when you don’t feel creative? I’d love to hear your thoughts. And I’ll be sharing more of mine next week, too.
