STUCK IN A CREATIVE RUT? THIS SHIFT OF PERSPECTIVE MIGHT BE WHAT YOU NEED

 

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Photo by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA: https://www.pexels.com

I’ve been wrestling with this story I had in mind for three days now. Three long, frustrating days of staring at my screen, fingers hovering over the keyboard, typing, deleting, rewriting; only to end up with something that feels hollow. No matter how many changes I make, the words don’t quite capture what I want to say. It’s like trying to catch smoke with my bare hands.

Desperate for a fresh perspective, I escaped to my favorite neighborhood meatball restaurant. The cozy garden, dappled in warm sunlight, the aroma of broth and spices curling around me. It should have been the perfect setting to unlock my creativity. But even as I sat there, twirling my spoon absentmindedly, my mind remained tangled. I did pour the idea into my laptop, though… But later that night, when I reread my work, the disappointment hit like a punch to the gut. Still not right.

The next morning, I couldn’t bring myself to touch my computer. The frustration sat heavy on my chest. But I had no time to dwell on it. I had promised to visit my mom  in the morning to help cook for her birthday. In that situation, a part of me resisted. If I could just finish this piece first, maybe I could truly enjoy the celebration. But a promise is a promise, so I dragged myself there and my creative burden trailing behind me like a shadow.

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As I walked in, the house buzzed with warm laughter, clinking dishes, the scent of something delicious simmering on the stove. Amidst it all, I noticed my four-year-old niece slumped at the table, her brows knit in frustration, her fingers angrily jabbing at her phone screen. She didn’t look happy playing her favorite game on her phone. Just right at that time, her mother passed by, took one look at her, and said something that stopped me in my tracks.

“The purpose of playing is to have fun, to relax, to unwind. If it’s making you this frustrated, maybe it’s time to step away and breathe. Go play outside and get some fresh air.”

I froze for a few seconds to hear what she said. It was as if someone had turned a light on in my mind. In that very moment, I realized how writing is my form of play to have fun. I enjoy writing, I can delve and lose track of time when writing exactly like how my niece does when playing games on her phone. 

I took that moment to sit and reflect back. I started this blog because writing helps me untangle my thoughts and express my feelings. It’s therapeutic for me. And sharing it here, in public, is my way to take courage for myself while hoping that my story can be a friend to whoever needs it. It’s like I want to tell them that they are not alone. And if that’s the case, why had I let it become a source of stress? I smiled at myself, feeling so silly. 

Also read: How to Stop Replaying the Past and Move Forward

However, at some point, part of me understands that situation. I mean… every writer knows the agony of an idea that refuses to take shape. It’s like a stubborn knot, pulling harder only tightens it. But maybe that’s the problem. Maybe creativity isn’t about force, it’s about flow. 

So, I decided to give a sense of compassion for my struggle. After all, this isn’t just my battle. It's something almost every writer experiences at some point. Hitting a roadblock, feeling stuck, doubting ourselves, it’s all part of the process. In the end, recognizing this made me feel less alone, as if I was part of a larger creative journey shared by many. 

Knowing that, I chose to let go. To stop wrestling with words and let them breathe. I guess some ideas need time to marinate, to grow into something richer before they’re ready to be shared.

Later, I’ll write that story again when the moment feels right. But for now, I’m choosing to trust the process, to savor the journey instead of battling the destination. Because creativity isn’t about relentless struggle. It’s about finding joy in the dance of ideas. And sometimes, the best thing we can do is step away, take a deep breath, and let inspiration come when it’s ready.

And oh… I believe this isn’t just about writing. It’s about everything we do in life. Whether it’s work, hobbies, relationships, or personal goals, we should never lose sight of the joy that brought us to them in the first place. When we get too caught up in perfection or pressure, we forget to enjoy the ride. 

So, whatever it is you’re passionate about: painting, cooking, building, learning, always remember to have fun with it. Life is too short to turn what we love into a source of stress. Let’s remind ourselves to embrace the process and find happiness in the things that once made us smile.

Also, if you have ever had that moment when an idea teases you at the edge of your mind, but refuses to take form, what did you do? I’d love to hear your experiences, how do you navigate those creative roadblocks? Let’s share and learn from each other.