I know I’ve mentioned before that there is a definitive mindset for the business of writing versus the actual creative act of writing. But the last couple of weeks have been such that I’m noticing a physical difference—like, I’m literally feeling it in my brain. And becoming aware of this difference so clearly, I think, has given me an even newer appreciation for the creative side.
See, creativity truly is freeing. I know people always say that, but picture this: for a whole entire week, maybe even two, you have been of one mindset. It may be your day job, it may be relationship issues, it may be that you’re on the final stretch of a big project and it suddenly feels like with every step you take forward, a roadblock suddenly pops into existence, once again stopping you short.
In other words, for almost the entire last half of April I felt like there was a heavy, solid brick resting smack dab in the middle of my mind. All my thoughts, all my worries, all my daily habits, were centered on that brick. For that whole period of time, that brick was just about my entire world.
Finally, I had a small slot of time away from my computer screen, and I found myself longing for the good old days in high school and early college when I could spend a consecutive hour or two just scribbling in my notebook. And, luckily enough, there was paper and a pen on hand.
And what came out of this small, peaceful slot of time? Well, this blog post, for one. But also, I let my thoughts go back to my YA fantasy sequel, which I have neglected for far too long. And while I was trying to remember just where the heck I left off last, I could literally feel that brick being worn away, as if I was slowly but surely chiseling at it. And when I opened a gap big enough for my thoughts to slip through, as soon as the pressure on my mind started to ease, even a little bit, it was like the entire world opened up before me.
Or, even better, my world opened up before me.
I was no longer in focus focus focus mode. I was free. I had options, instead of a cold, unbending process. “What is going to happen next?” I thought; “What does the sky look like outside?” “What is my MC thinking?” “What is she going to say to her friend?”
Creativity is an offering of endless possibilities. And, it seems, is the perfect remedy for dropping out of a deep “overworked and over-focused” funk.
This is why I like to advocate for creative living. It truly is freeing.
That is no exaggeration.
