One thing that I always come back to when stuck is the notion that there really is no stuck.  This “stuck” or “creative block” is in a sense a figment of our imagination.  We feel stuck, think stuck, but is it really stuck? Feeling stuck is so common for creatives, and frustrating too.  It is easy to get caught up in the debilitating banter of not “enoughness” when we feel stuck.  That is why it is so important to explore exactly what this “stuck” actually is.

“Stuck” is a pause.  It is part of the creative process.  It’s all in the perspective.  “Stuck” is what happens when we focus  too far ahead.

Sometimes our ambition can drive us to get stuck in a future focus mentality, where we spend so much time wishing for what isn’t right now that we forget to acknowledge and savor what is.  Things don’t just happen, they start somewhere. Sometimes it is a seed we have planted but must wait for it to grow.  It is easy to forget that everything has its own process and its own pace, including the creative process.  Creativity cannot be forced.  We cannot make it happen, we can only provide the time and encouraging space for it to grow. Looked at this way we see that in fact creativity is already happening, it is already being within us.

Creativity can unfold or unfurl in many subtle ways, we just need to be open to the possibilities. This is one of the main focuses in all of my workshops and courses.  We may have an idea, then lose it. Later it is sparked by something else, when we let it be.  You know those times when you have a thought and then lose it and no matter how hard you try to get it back you can’t until later when you least expect it, it returns, sometimes with even more clarity. Sometimes we need to just play, and stay in the process in order for our creativity to shine through.

It is difficult to stay with the process, I know.  Easier said than done.  In this product focused society of checklists (which I love to do too) and achievements it is easy to lose sight of the now.  When we look at children we see how easy process comes to them.  They allow themselves to be absorbed in the process of play, with no particular outcome.  To most people it is “just play”, when in fact in actuality this process is very important for their development.  As it is for us too.  When we play and stay with the process it is not only an act of mindfulness but also a way of connecting with our individual needs.  When we are solely outcome focused, we lose this connection and it is easy to feel stuck and disappointed with the present.

Sometimes we need reminders of the importance of process.  We may need some encouragement along the way not to become discouraged.  Creating in community helps with this. It may help if you write some words of encouragement to yourself. Try writing a list of helpful messages. What do you most need to hear when you are feeling discouraged or stuck?  Maybe there are some inspiring quotes that keep you grounded. Writing these messages or quotes down on cards that are easily accessible can help remind you of the importance of process, no matter how difficult it may feel.  I have made a set of Visioning Cards that have some prompts and affirmations which I have found have helped me and others I have worked with.  There is also space for you to add your own.  Consider it my gift to you! Enjoy!

Get your FREE Vision Cards HERE.