For almost seventy weekdays in a row now, I’ve hit publish on a short personal essay or article. In July, I embarked on a 100 (week)day writing challenge inspired by Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff.
I started with a list of topics I wanted to explore. As I've gone along, I've thrown out many of my initial prompts and burned through the rest fairly quickly. On days I didn’t know what I wanted to write about, I would sit with my thoughts for a few minutes and wait until something sprang up from within, trying to tune into what was occupying my mind or what I was feeling in my gut.
This approach has worked pretty well for me.
Until today.
Day sixty-nine (I know). As I reached for something within me to write about this evening, I came up empty.
I picked up my phone and scrolled a bit as I brainstormed. I tried to unearth what I’m feeling or what’s sitting in my subconscious. There’s been plenty swirling around my head as of late. Work stuff and spiritual stuff. I heard a thought-provoking presentation about wandering today at a luncheon. But nothing I feel quite ready to write about yet.
I’m not sure if this is what writers call writer’s block. Or maybe I’m just tired. I haven’t been able to feed my brain as much lately. I’ve had less time than I’d like to read, and I haven’t gone down as many interesting rabbit holes as I normally do. All I know is that I don’t feel like I have enough inspiration in reserve to write thoughtfully about anything.
Ironically, this is me writing what I feel. I suppose I can write about whatever I want. This is my own journal-ish endeavor, after all. And what I’m processing today is that I haven’t done the work up front to make sure I’m not trying to pour from an empty cup.
I’ve been circling this theme in 2026. I need to cultivate what kindles my curiosity and stirs my heart. I must invest in what fulfills me and gives me energy, so I can show up more fully, not just in my writing, but in my everyday world.