This is day 74 of a 100 Day Writing Challenge.
And I’ve wanted to give up this week.
I’ve been grasping at straws for personal essay ideas. I’m tired, and I’ve felt like I was trying to pour out of an empty creative cup. It felt like I had nothing left after 70 days of writing in just a few short months.
But yesterday I gave myself some creative space (and a little bit of grace).
I spent some time in deeper conversation with a couple of friends.
I played with my boys a little longer than typical.
I took a morning walk through downtown.
I finished a book and started a new one.
I began to let my wonder wander a bit.
When I sat down to write yesterday, a rush of creativity struck me. My daily essay wasn’t especially novel. But it came from a deep conviction and years of learning (and relearning) the concept. For whatever reason, the idea crystallized quickly.
I decided to start writing down some other ideas that had begun swirling around in my head. I jotted down a few big ideas, gave my future self a little context, and prepared drafts to get me started when I sit down to write in the upcoming days.
It took me less than 10 minutes to create 14 ideas I can’t wait to unravel through writing. And you know what? As I explore those ideas, they will spawn others. Each one is a little creative detour. You never know what’s there until you start exploring.
I’m still tired. I may have bitten off more than I could realistically chew trying to write an essay for 100 weekdays straight. But here’s what I’ve learned:
For me, nothing helps me gain clarity of thought quite like writing.
Creativity can feel finite, but it really is infinite. The trouble is that you can only get out what you put in.
I can go much further than I can imagine with a little determination and a whole bunch of discipline.
There are all sorts of things to ponder about this mysterious life we live.
I’m reminded of the Biblical story of Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath, whose jar of flour and oil never ran empty while following the Lord’s leading.
When you give of yourself creatively and feed your soul adequately, the creative juices tend not to run dry.