I’ll be honest with you, I’ve been in a creative slump over these past few weeks. I think it’s this ongoing quarantine situation that’s got me thrown off, homeschooling, and of course our very slow house hunting saga. I feel like we’re in this very weird “in-between” place right now and all of these things combined have just wiped out my creative energy lately. It’s like my brain can’t be creative anymore while also comprehending all that’s going on right now. You fellow creative peeps might know what I’m talking about. It’s challenging to feel inspired and share interesting content when there’s a lot of extra stuff happening in your life. I know many of you are probably in a weird, in-between funky place right now too. Obviously life isn’t normal for any of us and we’re all just doing our best to get through this rough season. We all have our own way of getting through tough times, but I thought it might be helpful to share a few things I do when I’m feeling stuck.
Here area a few things I do when I’m feeling in a creative slump- uninspired, frustrated, impatient or just generally stuck in that weird “in-between” place in life:
- First, I always try to dig deeper into my faith. I spend more time in prayer and do my best to remember all the times throughout my life that God has been with me through tough situations. Remembering those times He was faithful really gives me a lot of comfort that everything will work out like it should, in the right timing.
- I try to refocus my attention on what truly matters and what’s most important in my day-to-day life. If a few things have to take the back seat for a while that’s ok. If I miss a blog post here and there, that’s ok. Or If we get take-out dinner for the second (or third) time in a week, that’s ok. If my kids watch another cartoon so I can have a moment to myself, that’s ok. IT’S ALL GOING TO BE OK.
- I take more time to do things I enjoy–even if it’s something small like sitting on the back patio with a cup of coffee and my favorite magazine. And most importantly, I let myself enjoy it without feeling guilty or feeling like I’m being unproductive. Even taking a walk by myself can get the creative juices flowing and help me get a fresh perspective.
- Acknowledge that it’s a tough/weird time, and waiting can be hard, but remember that hard times make us stronger and more resilient. There’s always a lesson in the mess if we’re willing to look for it.
- I remind myself that GOOD things are on the horizon and this weird funk won’t last forever. We will overcome this.
Thanks for hanging in with me during this weird creative slump. Balancing life as a homeschool teacher, mama of three, wife, blogger and house hunter is definitely a lot to manage some days, but I’m grateful to have this kind community here every day. I also want to encourage any of you that are also in a weird place right now– I hope you’re giving yourself some grace. It’s all going to be ok! xoxo
PS: If there’s anything specific you’d like to see here on the blog please let me know. I’d love to hear your ideas!
I remember days like yours or almost. I was a full time working Mom and than came home to take care of the house and kids. It was hard at the time and I know it is in this day too. Hands out to all the Mothers who work too hard, but for the right reasons. I would give anything to do it again, of course without the scare of this virus. That is something I would never wish for.
Thank you for your encouraging words. I love your blog. I am feeling the same way everyone else is. God is so good. I feel like he is teaching us to cherish our family and not to take things for granted. God bless your family. You will find a house soon. Keep the faith.
I agree Anita! God has been teaching me so much in this experience. It’s been a huge blessing in a very difficult time.
Thank you for being so honest, a lot of us feel this way, and I hate when people don’t admit that a lot of us feel horrible right now and don’t like not being able to live our lives. We have the spirit of 1776 in US.
Thank you for such an honest post 💗 It truly is a struggle right now for many of us.
Why dont we always dig deeper into our faith? God pursues us daily. Why don’t we sit on that back porch with a cup of coffee and our fav magazine more often? Why do we obsess about cartoons, healthy snacks and what our kids are wearing? My kids are your age and one thing I regret is not letting my kids take a day off from school with ME. A really fun day with just ME!! Love your blog Enjoy that day with your littles! Dont blink….
Thanks for reminding us that it is okay to stop and smell the flowers and not feel guilty. I too have to stop and remember what I have to be thankful for and not focus on those things I don’t have. My faith is what gets me through these times. I really enjoy your honesty too.
What a great post, Sarah! ❤️
Girl, I feel the same way! I am taking more time to pray and study the Word, and I also am doing the “extra moment” on the front porch. I think it is good for the mind and heart. I am busy at my job, but starting to flow in it more creatively because I had the six weeks at home to reprioritize and really be repaired by our Lord. I was in such a “busy” mindset, there was no joy in anything and no real rest. That was never what God wanted.
Thank you for sharing your feelings. I really needed to hear what you had to say. Sometimes God uses other people to reach us and today He used you. Thank you for sharing. You are a blessing and very talented. I enjoy your blog very much. God bless
Ah that makes me happy to hear that. Thank you Sandy–hang in there!!xoxo
Hey Sarah. When I’m lacking creativity I turn to Pinterest. I let my “home feed” guide me and I choose a random pin that interests me. From there i let myself go down that rabbit hole of “More pins like this”. It may not happen overnight but after doing that here and there for a few days or even weeks, suddenly I find myself inspired again and it’s usually something that I had no idea I cared about. My latest thing? Rock gardening! I’ve never before been interested in rocks but seeing some of the cool things others have done in their yards has got me thinking about what I can in my own yard. I feel like once inspiration starts flowing, it’s contagious and you will start being creative in the aspects of your life where you need it most…in your case content. 🙂
good idea Melissa! I haven’t been on Pinterest as much lately and I need to!
Good morning☀️
I just read your new blog post & I have to tell you it was inspiring & uplifting! So, thank you for that. These times have been tough & strange but we will get through it. Just gotta keep the faith. I just took a drive this morning to go wash my car & grabbed coffee for me & donuts for the kids. I also prayed and had a little chat with God. Keep reminding myself, “he’s got this”. He’s got the whole world 🌎 in his hands.
Keep being you & thank you for sharing your life with us💛 Prayers
Oh I love my solo car rides where I can pray and chat with God. I also love going on what I call “God walks” where I pray, listen to my favorite worship music or a Charles Stanley sermon and just spend time with God. So good for the soul!
It is all going to be ok. God is good and will be with us good or bad days. Thanks for sharing your family with us. We do need to do some things for ourself and our children.
I enjoy coloring to take me away from the everyday.
Do take care and enjoy your children.
thank you Sally. You’re right, it’s all going to be OK!!
Don’t forget to be grateful too. You and your family are healthy in these scary days. My husband and I are in our 60’s and both got covid19. It last over 3 weeks and was awful, he almost had to go into the hospital!! My grown kids were so scared for us the whole time. So I always try to remind myself to be grateful!! This too shall pass 🌞
Oh I’m so sorry to hear that Mary! But I’m so glad to hear you made it through. Definitely grateful for our health and praying it stays that way!
This was encouraging to read so thank you for sharing! I loved your last bullet point that GOOD things are coming and this weird time won’t last forever. I’ve been reminded to not take things/time with people for granted and to trust that God is ALWAYS in control.
Yes!! Hold onto that hope Bethany. GOOD THINGS ARE COMING.
I’m a grandma of 4, one born March 17th of this year. I miss my littles SO MUCH! I am struggling with anxiety and panic attacks after 10 YEARS of being off all antianxiety meds and antidepressants. My husband works so I am alone all week and that isn’t great for my brain. I always check out Instagram for a diversion and you are my favorite account. I love your blog posts! I value your honesty, humor, common sense and love for God. Please don’t feel like you need to bust out super new, ultra cool, cutting edge wonderfulness with every post. For myself, I enjoy just having a little peek into your day and it is so refreshing to know that there is someone else that is a little flummoxed by this situation. This is such a crazy time that I think we need to be extra, extra kind, gentle, and forgiving with others AND ourselves. Thank heavens for social media and the technology that allows us to virtually visit our special people!
I’m so sorry to hear that Kim. I think this experience has triggered a lot more anxiety in all of us and I struggle with that too. If not for my faith I wouldn’t be able to get through. Hang in there and know this will get better!! xoxo
Love your blog and wish all the peace you need.But, I’ve been feeling the same way,new place and slot to do on the property.God Bless
hang in there sweet Anna! xoxo
I hope you know you are doing great! My kids are grown but my hat goes off to each and every mamma out there trying to be mom, teacher, coach and referee! God is using this time to change our focus and I believe he is moving our eyes from self to Him. I always thought it was cool reading history – now we are absolutely living in a moment when future textbooks will teach about COVID19. Maybe use this time to journal your thoughts and feelings too and have your kids do it too to pass down to future generations. Hope you have a great Mother’s Day weekend!!
I agree Candace, we are definitely living in history. I really need to journal more of this experience for my kids to read one day!
Such a good post. In this weird time, we’ve got to let the small things go and not worry so much. Enjoy the moments
thank you Ruth!
Dear Sarah,
Thank you for sharing your story. I appreciate you more than you know, especially during these funky days.
Your ideas and reminders bring hope and even strength to my spirit.
I am grateful to God for you desr lady.
It’s wonderful to see you and your children in the photo.
Blessings to you all,
Deborah
thank you so much Deborah! You have no idea how much I appreciate that. Sending hugs your way! xoxo
I feel the same way….I had just purchased materials for making soaps and wax melts…they are still taking up space on my counters…
Bdays are coming up….Im 76 and my children will not let me go to the store, so lucky me I have alllll the materials to make cards, but times like this, like you said, its hard to get those creative juices flowing….but I have to. Over the years Ive put up about 150 videos on utube sharing my crafty stuff.
Hope you get out of your yucky soon.
Take care.
oh that’s amazing Sharon, what is your YouTube channel??
Good morning sweet Sarah! I have been right where you are but it was a long time ago. God was so faithful to see me through each and every struggle. I am now 64 years old, married to the love of my life going on 11 years now. It took us 37 years to find one another again. Currently, we are in the 20th month of waiting for an organ transplant for my sweetheart. It has been a roller coaster ride since his diagnosis. Gods never failing grace, mercy, and faithfulness are evident everyday in our lives. Thanks, Sarah, for your blog. It’s a ray of sunshine! We got this, kiddo!
Dee, I am praying you find an organ donor for your sweetheart soon. I’m sure that must be a very difficult wait, but your faith is inspiring. Sending hugs your way!!
May God bless your dear heart. I love your honesty to say that these times are hard and it does zap you of your creativity. But I love it the most, that you put your faith in God as your first priority. As we all put God first, He will take care of everything else.
thank you so much Donna. Grateful to have God to see me through all the highs and low!
You mean I am not the only one? Had to really pray about the “funk” today. Totally hitting. Thanks for sharing. Keep the faith.
Hang in there Janelle. xoxo
Hi Sarah. I totally get your lack of creativeness lately. I go through this now and again and I have been blogging for eleven years. I’m also a lifestyle free lance writer and, it’s hard to come up with ideas when we are all sheltered at home. Anyway—I wanted to say I watched your stories the other day with your question and answer session. I have never seen anyone so candid, intelligent, and likable. You really are a popular influencer who we can identify with, so thank you for that! As far as your tow headed kiddos, if you have On Demand or what have you on television, there are some insane children shows that involve learning, and some physical activities, such as yoga and dance. You probs know that. Hang in there sweet girl!😘
Ah you are so kind, thank you for that Jane–I really appreciate it!!
Hi Sarah,
I remember one of the times we were moving into a house we built, and waiting while building had me chomping at the bit for a year, just waiting to decorate again. But it helped me to go through my stuff and pull out things I know I didn’t want in the new house. Things I still enjoyed but I was going in a new direction and if I couldn’t repaint it, or recycle it I started selling it. Hobby Lobby is always a place for creative new decor and you just know they are going to have TONS of stuff they expected to have sold by now (before COVID) and TONS more they need to get on the shelves….so selling off older decor makes money and space for new decor!! Now that I’m in the house we built, I have sold more….and lately like the sign on my wall EVERY HOUR I NEED THEE I think, ummm 🤔 maybe it’s time to purge again….😬
Sometimes a break from creating is good….rest in it….the hunger will return to create again. I think God has slowed us all down. Maybe you could go back to your early days of decorating and share pics of the old and what you learned from the early days.
God has a plan, and that is so comforting…He has allowed people to no longer take for granted that job they thought they hated, and find gratitude to have any groceries on the shelves, and many other perspectives on life that’s changed. Write letters to put away, to each of your kids….telling them the hard parts for a day they too might need encouragement in their life.
🙏🏻❤️🇺🇸❤️🙏🏻
Thank you for the kind and supportive words Faith! You are always such an encouragement to me. And you are so right–our perspective on life has totally changed through this experience. I know for myself, I’ve experience some pretty big moments with God. It’s been a blessing in many ways. Sending hugs your way! xo
Where do you get your blush bouquet?
I love your blog!!