How To Re-Inspire Yourself

Raise your hand if you know what writer’s block feels like? How about being stuck in a creative rut when the last thing you really need in life is to be stuck…anywhere. Oh, I know – what about when you’re not only feeling uninspired, but you’re feeling negative levels of inspiration? Yep, I just raised both of my hands and my feet. When all I want to do is create, there is nothing more frustrating than feeling creatively depleted. The past month or so I was feeling totally defeated (keyword: was).

My creative emotions have consisted of, but are not limited to, feelings of:

• Second-guessing what the hell I should write about/do with my life.
• Comparing! Ugh – this is one of the worst habits to get stuck in. Don’t do it!
• Not thinking I have what it takes.
• Racking my brain for ways to increase conversation on Instagram.
• Feeling annoyed due to lack of creative vibes and inspiration.
• Did I mention second guessing???

This way of thinking totally had me feeling isolated and frustrated. And you want to know the most incredible part about it is? I did it to myself. I let my mindset go there. So, I did what any normal person would do – I gave up. LOL! I’m no quitter. Are you kidding? If giving up is on one end of the spectrum, I began to navigate myself and my mind to the opposite side of that spectrum. It took a little convincing and a lot of persuasion – but I have finally gotten myself out of my own self-induced creative rut. And guess what has happened since? More conversations are happening, opportunities are slowly coming about, and doors are beginning to open. Perhaps most importantly, I’m feeling more positive about me. I developed a little toolbox of inspiration for myself that I want to share with you. Whenever you’re feeling the same sh*tty vibes – here’s what I got for you:

Read something, anything. I got a quick read for Christmas called, Together is Better. It’s this little book by Simon Sinek about working together, being a good leader and taking risks in order to make your dreams come true. My, how this book is written catapulted me into the land of inspiration. Whether it’s this book, another book, the newspaper, a comic book, a blog – reading anything is going to get the wheels turning.

Listen to Podcasts. You guys, my addiction happening with podcasts is very real. All day, every day. Can’t stop, won’t stop. I’ve always been kind of into them, but I did a little research for podcasts to get me out of my creative funk and I am now hooked. For my fellow blogger/social media influencers – listen to Julie Solomon’s The Influencer Podcast and turn that sh*t on blast. Get ready to learn. For a really good listen filled with mystery and one of the most captivating characters I have ever come across, check out S Town. For news type stuff – The Daily is my go to. I’m going to keep a lid on my other favs – entire blog post coming next week. *Taking suggestions!

Create a vision board. Michelle has totally inspired me to tap into my inner grade schooler. I remember making these in the fifth grade – you too? These boards are such a fun and creative way to get your ass inspired and out of a funk. Literally, you can make a vision board for anything: what you want to make more of in the kitchen, goals for 2018, marriage and parenting aspirations, fitness vision board, sex vision board. See? Literally anything!

Meditate. Whether you’re in a creative rut or not – meditation is the sh*t. It takes some practice, but once you get the hang of it, you can wrap up a good meditation session feeling high as a kite. Here’s a guide to get you started.

Confide in someone you trust and love. Telling someone you’re not believing in yourself is a tough pill to swallow. But just like sitting on a couch with a therapist, getting crap off your chest frees you from feeling unworthy – especially if you pick the right person to talk to. Choose someone who is your cheerleader. Someone that knows you have what it takes and can help you pull your head out of your own ass. This guy helps me big time in that department.

Get educated. I recently did something that I have never done before. I found out about an incredible blogger conference taking place next week in Phoenix and just like that – I’m going to it! It was one of those opportunities that I couldn’t let myself pass up. I follow the gals who are putting it on, I listen to the podcasts of some of the speakers, and after I looked at the agenda – I knew I had to be there.  I’d feel like a giant ding dong if I just didn’t go. What are you looking to learn? No matter what it is – there is something or someone out there waiting to teach you.

Have a glass of wine with a friend. Share your ideas and brainstorm with a fellow creative thinker to get the wheels turning. Sometimes a fresh set of ears, along with a glass of vino, can generate some really freaking good ideas. Just remember to take notes…you don’t want to forget those wine infused genius ideas.

Get out in nature. Nature is like a Xanax mixed with coffee. It has this funny way of energizing you, but calming you at the same time. Whatever the elements are that you live in, getting outside makes you feel alive. Get outside, take a walk and get some clarity.

Sweat. Whether it’s yoga you’re into or sprinting on the treadmill – exercise helps gets those creative juices flowing. Taking time to walk away from all the BS and get your body moving, which also helps the brain – well, it’s a win-win!

Let other inspirational women/men inspire you. Anywhere you can find a person that inspires you, listen to their story. Whether it’s in a book, on a podcast, in the news, or a short clip you found on Facebook, let their story give you the bump you need. Open those eyes and ears – you’ll find what it is you’re looking for.

And when all else fails – smoke a joint. 

What do you do to get yourself inspired? Let’s hear it in the comments below. xo