A lifelong affair
The one relationship where I don't have boundaries
I have moments when I can't put down my pen.
When pausing to eat or sleep feels like a waste of time.
When I can write for hours, draw for hours, no matter the pain in my neck or the tiredness in my eyes.
When I'm so overflowing with ideas that I get breathless trying to keep up with them,
to get them down on paper,
before they've flown
out of my reach.
Those moments are seductive, dreamy.
They keep me coming back for more,
Over and over again.
Then, I have moments when I might not draw or write anything for days on end.
Or I try — but only drips and drops of rubbish dribble out.
It has left the building, whatever it is.
Dangling just out-of-sight,
Neglecting me,
Like an elusive lover.
I’ll wait impatiently,
And welcome it back with open arms —
No healthy boundaries in place.
I'm here for the long-haul, for this lifelong relationship with writing, drawing, dancing, or whatever creative pursuit next shows up.
I’m here for the spring and the for drought. It's all part of the process.
You can't get the highs without the lows, you can't create 'good' without also creating 'bad'.
Just remember, as uncomfortable as the process can be, the overall journey is worth it.
Keep going x
This was inspired by a conversation with a client struggling with writers’ block and comparison. I so deeply understand the frustration when we desperately want or need to be working, but stress or any number of things make us feel as though we’re lacking inspiration.
We’re not. You’re not, it will come back. Sometimes, discipline helps, so try that. Other times, total breaks and the opposite of discipline helps, so try that instead! Try not to worry, take a deep breath, and call your creative energy home.
Your lover will return.
If you told me that the creative process is an ebb and flow, I'd say– well, yes, of course, we all know that. And yet, I am always resisting the ebb like it's some kind of mistake or error. 😬
This post was such a beautiful reminder. I especially love this suggestion to approach with curious experimentation, because it's so true: not every lull/block/ebb needs the same medicine.
A beautiful analogy, and good to be reminded.