Embracing the Boring Part of Creating

I feel happiest when I’m immersed in a creative project. When I spring out of bed with new energy, new ideas, and I’m putting all my free time into thinking about and perfecting my project.

I’m not a person who can create small things sequentially. I need to sink in, head first and immerse my whole self in something. It’s hard for me to work on two things at once. But these big audacious ideas don’t come every day. Sure, I have documentary ideas, podcast ideas, small business ideas, the list goes on. But it takes a special something for it to come to the other side.

Lately I’ve been struggling with what’s next. I’m feeling ready to take on another film project, but I’m torn about which idea to pursue. I have a couple good subjects in mind but are they the one?

This past week I’ve been messaging my friend Heather about how I was doing and she suggested I try to “free journal”- just come to the page, ask the question, and see what comes out. I’ve heard of this technique before but I don’t think I’ve ever tried it.

So this morning I went to a blank page in my (mostly) abandoned journal and before I could even finish the question I was rushing to the next line to answer it. Apparently my subconscious was ready.

Here is a snippet of what I wrote:

You are percolating like a hot kettle on the stove. When you have the idea your whole body will know it. It won’t just be a spark it will be a fire that lights you from the inside. Trust that it is coming but it’s not here yet. Let it linger this quiet time. Get sorted and get ready. Set your table. Organize your thoughts. Be open and curious.

After I journaled I read it out loud and my whole body relaxed. You know that feeling when you hear something that is true and it brings you great comfort? That’s what I felt. An exhale. And a plan.

So often I feel like waiting is the nothing part. The empty part. The boring part of creating. But journalling gave me a new perspective. I love getting ready for a party. The cleaning, the decorating, the makeup, lighting the candles. This waiting was a chance for me to “set the table”. To prepare myself for the next big idea.

As we transition into the fall and all the rush of the winter season I hope you can take some of the pressure off yourself to have all the answers too. There is magic in the moments in between. In the transition. In the formation of the plan. Allow yourself the joy of setting the table. Of focusing on the small and beautiful details, and opening yourself up to the creative possibilities coming your way.

Thanks for being here,

Erin

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