WHY I CONTINUE TO BE CREATIVE EVEN IN DISCONNECT

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I have this theory. Creating can only flourish when you nourish it. Not unlike that favorite green plant that is sitting on your desk, the creative in us has to have water in order to bloom. For me, sometimes that looks very different, and right now, the creative in me is suffering something of disillusioned disconnect. It’s something I’m not proud of, but here we are, and as publishing the same thing I’ve already published this week didn’t seem the appropriate route, on this second day of December, I thought I’d try to write about this instead.

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In the many weeks I’ve been working through this, what I’ve realizes is, this feeling isn’t anything new. It’s been bubbling for a while and it’s just been something I haven’t fully recognized. Part of this is because of things beyond my control, and part of it may very well be related to a kind of “burnout” of my own making. I also recognize, that this feeling is nothing new for others. I’m sure creatives everywhere, from illustrators and painters to authors and videographers have these same reactions. Like with any task or thing in life, it’s sometimes a struggle to get to the “right” place.

Here’s some of the things I do for myself, even when, like now, I’m just not feeling it.

1: CREATE… ANYWAY!

I have always been someone who continues on even when I’m not inspired. Some would gasp and this and advise against it, but I do. It’s not in my nature to just “quit” something I love, and hope I become re-inspired later. Does this mean I inevitably create things I don’t care for? Absolutely! In fact, it has happened more often than not of late. I still keep on creating anyway, I move things around, I adjust colors or words, I change the composition or try new texture. There’s always something I can do that does hopefully help.

Part of my personality is that if I let myself “off the hook,” that one day turns into two, then three, and so on. I think my mentality is also that if I do simply “give up,” I have this concern that I won’t rediscover the project or just creativity in general. Being creative has been a huge part of my life ever since I can remember, and recognizing the creative pursuits I have let go, the idea of giving up others is disquieting.

WHY I CONTINUE TO BE CREATIVE EVEN IN DISCONNECT. Chatting about feeling creative disconnect and why I still push forward with creative things. Text © Rissi JC

2: LEAVE THE PROJECT

In contradiction to what I say in my first point, I will step away from my projects recently more than I ever have. It’s to talk, and to sit with my thoughts (which I’m not fond of) or to go on a walk (which I detest!), and while sometimes it feels good and therapeutic, it’s also NOT where I thrive or am at my best. I don’t like to be idle, in part because I honestly believe I get plenty of “lounge” time.

Plus, I also sit (meaning at a desk) enough in doing this work, so if I’m not, sometimes I like to be doing something that doesn’t require my face in front of a screen.

WHY I CONTINUE TO BE CREATIVE EVEN IN DISCONNECT. Chatting about feeling creative disconnect and why I still push forward with creative things. Text © Rissi JC

3: WANTING CHANGE

Part of my struggle is in wanting change. I’m not sure what that would exactly look like, but I do want a shift. I want new challenges, and work that might stretch my creativity not just in the creating of it, but in teaching me new things. I’m 100 kinds of grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, and new ones I unexpectedly had this year, but I also miss the concept of some I don’t have anymore.

I’m the type of person who, while liking specific aesthetics or “things” in creative outlets also wants challenge. I want to try new things within the types of creativity I feel like best suit me. Part of this is also being dampened by the way content is going and being consumed. I’m not interested, for my own personal work, to conform to what I’m being told I have to conform to in order to matter.

Perhaps, in the end, that is the overreaching feeling that dampers anyone’s creativity. And to anyone who has a small business or is trying to start something, this feeling of frustration is shared.

As always, to anyone who does visit and leaves a comment, or is a supporter of my Instagram or video channel, my sincere thank you. I also appreciate it anytime you interact with my curious and fangirl questions posed on Instagram. You’re part of what inspires the creative process. I’m grateful and appreciate all of this.

What about you? What’s your best creative disconnect advice? How do you work through the loss of it? Does it bother you or do you enjoy the lulls? Do you pursue other creative outlets in between? What’s your tried and true approach? Comment all the comments below!

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WHY I CONTINUE TO BE CREATIVE EVEN IN DISCONNECT. Chatting about feeling creative disconnect and why I still push forward with creative things. Text © Rissi JC

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About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

3 comments

  1. Good post, Rissi! I’m so sorry that you’ve been experiencing burnout. I’ve been there. When I’m blocked, I often give myself permission to step away from a project and work on something else, or indulge in a reading fest. That usually helps me get back on track. I like you’re optimism – to keep creating is great advice!

    1. Gwen, HELLO! So lovely to see your name here. :) I appreciate and trust your perspective (as being the wisest), and know that’s the most common advice (to step back). I have a feeling that’s the best and healthiest option. Because of how I’m wired and other aspects of creativity I stopped and now no longer have interest in, I have this unusual “fear” that if I give anything else up I won’t pick it up. Not sure if it’s valid or not, but it’s where I’m at. :)

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