Somedays I have no idea what to write about. I sit at my computer staring at the blank screen, praying that something brilliant will pour out of me. Sometimes it happens; sometimes it doesn’t.
I consider myself to be creative, but that doesn’t mean I can always create on demand. No matter how much I wish I could.
Creativity comes in spurts and fits. Sometimes when I least expect it—grocery shopping, paying my bills or filling up my car with gas. The worst part is I am often ill prepared to record the onslaught of ideas.
I have also discovered ways to stimulate creativity when I’m stuck or in need of inspiration, including:
- Taking a shower. I’m not alone in this. Recently at a retreat I attended, people readily admitted their best ideas came in the shower.
- Taking a nap. Technically it’s probably not a true nap; I don’t actually sleep. But I daydream about what if.
- Reading magazines or books. Somewhere I’ll find a sentence or a quote that resonates with me and spurs a new idea.
- Watching TV. Again, something in a commercial, show or movie will spark an idea that I can translate into something special.
I look for inspiration wherever I go now. It can rarely be forced but must happen organically. The magic is always there. I just have to look for it.