Every week, I wonder what I'm going to write about at about 2 p.m. on Wednesday. For reference, these articles are due at midnight on Wednesday. It's not the best habit and one that I seem to have picked up only a few months ago. I lost my creativity. I lost my love for writing.
It happens a lot to creative types. They get burnt out, and they don't know what to do with themselves. Then of course, self esteem plummets because you can't do the one thing that you're supposed to be good at. There are plenty of studies that show that creative people are more prone to depression for a variety of reasons, but I know that I feel it when I don't feel creative. I've been thinking a lot about how to combat this myself before I turn to professional help, because I want to feel like I've made an effort for myself before anything.
1. Make something, even if it's bad.
I have a whole folder on my computer of stories that are just plain awful. They'll never be read by anyone but me. However, maybe someday I'll get an idea or a character out of them. But regardless, I'm glad I wrote them. They made me feel better about myself if only for a few minutes because I knew that I was capable of writing, even if it was bad.
2. Try a new creative outlet.
For me, this was photography. I've picked it up only recently and although I'm not very good, I don't expect myself to be. I forgot how fun it could be just to learn something new. It's great to have something where I don't have any expectations. I feel free, I feel creative and most of all, I feel happy.
3. Stop expecting so much of yourself.
This is probably the most important advice I can give. I feel like a lot of the reason that creative types hurt so much is because they are constantly pushing themselves to be the best. There's endless room to compare yourself to everyone else and to feel like you aren't as good of an artist as the person next to you. When in fact, there's a pretty good chance that the person next to you feels the exact same way.
There's no such thing as being the best when it comes to creativity. Everyone is an artist in their own right and you have to accept your own growth and your own journey for what it is. Seek out professional help when you really need it and don't feel any shame about it. But also understand that while you are your own worst enemy, you are simultaneously the best friend you're ever going to have. Support yourself. Love yourself. And above all, find a way to see that you are always doing the very best that you can.
