I'm filling my creative well this week
because my brain decided it's OOO
Hi Midwest Creative Community,
I had every intention of writing something insightful (and witty and brilliant and hilarious like all of my work obviously), but alas, here I am, typing a short note to you to let you know that there won’t be a *true* Midwest Creative this week.
I’ve had more intense anxiety the last three days than I have in years. I struggled pretty badly my first two years of college, but after the right anti-depressant and some major self-reflection I found myself in a place where these feelings are much more rare than they once were. I’m so thankful for that. It makes it so much easier to weather these days when I know I’ll come out the other side.
But the other side is not today. So I’m taking the night off and eating a nice dinner made by my wonderful husband (life hack: marry a man who enjoys cooking) and maybe vacuuming if I can muster up the energy (something about watching dirt disappear is SO soothing to me) and laying in bed with a good book (This American Ex-Wife by
, a fantastic writer from Iowa).My original plan for my column this week fell through, and as I tried to create something in its place I realized how stuck in the quicksand I felt. I journaled for quite some time last night trying to hang on to a narrative that felt just beyond my grasp. I thought I could pick the thread back up tonight and follow it somewhere worthwhile. But as the work day winded down, I felt nothing but dread as I thought about writing. And dread is a terrible way to show up to the page.
Here’s a sign to you, and a reminder to myself, to stop forcing the art when the creativity just simply isn’t there. Take a break. Fill your creative well. Remind yourself why you fell in love with your craft.
And pick it back up next week.
With love,
Macey
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Take care, Macey. Be kind to yourself and give yourself permission to take all of the time you need.
Stepping away is a constructive way to handle "it." Think of all the times when you were driving, or showering, or out in the garden and suddenly this terrific idea hits you. That's stepping away. Give yourself a break, it will come through.