Creative Constipation--a top-of-mind musing

 This year, I wanted to improve my writing rhythms so I decided to restart my blog. I did well for the first few months of the year, but then things got busy, especially in my writing life, and as with all intentioned New Year's resolutions, the posts began to wane. So now I am just checking in to say I haven't forgotten you blog. I am here to write.

Sometimes writing is wonderful, but sometimes writing is hard. Some folks call it writer's block; I call it creative constipation. I can tell it is in there, but I can't seem to get it out. It takes a lot to produce it, and when it appears it is a bit clunky, not smooth. Lately I am creatively constipated. There is no Metamucil for my creative efforts, but continuing to sit down to do the work seems to move things along. 

In the recent past, the whole writing process seemed to come easier for me and insight seemed more accessible, but lately, putting my thoughts to paper and forming a cohesive essay takes much more concentration. Because I am a worrier, I tell myself that this is how things will always be: I think I must be losing my mind because writing has lost all its joy. But in reality, here's what I know to be true. God wants me to write for him. And if I write, I am being obedient. Sometimes this writing is easy and sometimes it takes more effort. But I will do it because it is what he has placed before me right now. If he wants me to do it, he will give me the power to achieve it. My worrying only makes me tense. When I am tense, nothing comes out.

I don't always enjoy writing, but I am always glad to have written--even when it feels like I have waded through Molasses to complete my task. As a writer, I can't always wait until I feel like writing or until inspiration hits. To be a good writer, I have to sit down and do the work whether the words flow out of my fingers or not. Obedience in my writing life looks like getting to work when I have no idea what to say. Discipline in my writing life means I continue to write one true sentence over and over again, trusting that God is truly in control and will give me what I need. And joy in my writing life looks like relaxing my creative sphincters and trusting that I truly have what it takes to drop words on the page. 

God is pleased with my effort--even in my straining--so I will keep working and waiting till my writing becomes more regular again. 💩