The Creative Funk

I've been in somewhat of a creative funk recently. Don't get me wrong, i've definitely been doing some cool things. But nothing has been scratching that certain itch in my brain. It's like when you ask someone to scratch that one part of your back that you can't reach, and they're scratching everywhere around it, and it almost feels good, but still falls short. That's what has been going on with me and my mind. I'm proud of the things I've been collaborating on, but I'm still struggling to complete my own creative tasks and goals to the extent that I have envisioned for them.

Staying busy is my specialty. I know this is definitely where this funky feeling is probably stemming from. I've always been this way. I love to constantly be on go mode. I absolutely love all of the things I do, no matter how many lives I feel like I've lived because of it. I struggle to say no, but, it's lead me to beautiful things, kind-souled people and life-changing experiences. I fear the day I become a no person.

I love my life. I've found myself saying that more and more as of late. That doesn't mean I'm out of my funk. I think it means that maybe I'm just in a waiting period. A time that God is showing me inspiration, expanding my mind to more than just the constant noise and flow of thoughts. Maybe now is not meant for me to create the full vision, but instead getting out the really mid ideas for something great. Maybe it's right around the corner!

I feel like as a creative (or maybe just an overachiever) i'm constantly asking myself what I can do better or what can I be doing more of. "Am I doing enough" is a statement that always comes to mind. What I always forget is to remind myself the rest of the statement, which is "Am I doing enough of the right thing?" Four additional words change the entirety of the statement. I wrote earlier this year that I would try to step back and chill the eff out, but this school year brought so many amazing opportunities and friendships, thus loading my plate again.

I am just struggling to find said time to chill the eff out. I was feeling overwhelmed tonight. But taking a step back, asking myself... "am I doing the right thing for myself and my goals" has really helped re-navigate my life. I stepped back and looked at my life from a birds-eye view and began to examine what was filling my cup without me being the one pouring the pot.

This post started with the intention of giving advice on how to break out of these creative funks, but the truth is that you won't really realize until the post is writing itself. When you're back in the heat of the moment, doing that thing that was once bringing you dread.

You need to be the one to ignite this flame. Be the match and push yourself along the strip on the back of the matchbox. Join new clubs. Talk to new people. GO DIFFERENT PLACES! Expand your mind. See, feel, experience new things. Ask people questions. Grow. Ultimately, never stop learning.

For being a bit all over the place, I hoped this helped. Even if it didn't help break down that creativity funk, I hope it at least expanded your mind to some new ideas on what to try. This is one of the aforementioned "right" things for me. It might have even started to break me out of my creative funk. I missed this so much. I love doing this. I'll be back soon.

XO,

Ri