Creative Labors

This one is for the writers and creators.

I understand. You have words to write, music to produce, drawings to sketch.

Life, however, has blown in on a gale, fierce winds pounding your office door.

Someone in your sphere is grumpy, bent out of shape–in a snit, and has spoken brusquely. While you cannot begin to imagine why, it is nonetheless disturbing not to mention distracting. Amid this conundrum, you recall that you have doctor’s appointments to schedule, library books to return, another meeting tonight, and guests coming for Sunday dinner. Meanwhile, assignments have begun to accumulate, and as happy as you are for the work, you are weary from scattered interruptions: a knock, a call, a text, just as your creative juices have begun to swirl.

Staring down the list of tasks, it suddenly feels like a steaming locomotive is brushing your heels. A silent whimper hovers in your throat as your canvas remains blank.

Finally, finally, you hush the distractions, but it is too late. The train of thought has left the station without you.

The seconds pass.

Tick, tick, tick.

Your fuzzy brain is tired, but your heart is thumping hard as you strive to regroup.

It’s no use. The ideas have fizzled and perished. Up and died.

The more effort you exert, the worse the situation becomes.

Tick, tick, tick.

I have been there and it is a sore place. May I encourage you with some ideas that have helped me return to the canvas of creativity?

Turn off the computer and go for a long walk. What seems counterproductive is life-giving. Ideas spark when we aren’t trying so hard. And the thing I love about walking is that nearly anyone can do it, with one pair of good sneakers. No need for expensive memberships or workout gear. Simply lace up and go.
Work physical labor. Clean your closet, pluck weeds from the flower beds, fold laundry, declutter your desk, shovel out the garage, or cook a meal to gift to another. Seeing the fruit of your hands through measured productivity will relax your brain.
Step into the sunshine and pray for your family, friends, and neighbors.
Ask God to bless your creative labors.
Fire up a sermon podcast and take notes.
Complete small tasks that do not require wild creativity. Piece together your monthly newsletter, answer and delete emails, write old-fashioned thank-you notes, and pay bills.
Grab your keys and go for a spin, cranking up the music while breathing deeply, relaxing your shoulders as you thank God for life.
Sit outside, inhale the fresh air, and revel in birdsong.
Count your blessings out loud.
Read a beautiful book.

That creative assignment coming due?

It will keep.

Rest your mind, tend to your soul, and busy your hands.

Walk away from your desk and breathe.

Before you know it, you will be ready to create once again.

May I also suggest carving out time to assess your current schedule? Are your working hours borderless? Perpetually bleeding into other commitments?

It is profitable to preserve structured hours, honoring this time as good work. Perhaps it is time for gentle conversations with yourself and others, clearly articulating your work schedule. Only you can initiate such things and yes, it is your responsibility.

Ask yourself: If I worked as a bank teller, would Joe and Suzy be calling me to chat in the middle of the work day? Or would they respect my work hours? And would I be casually answering phone calls and responding to texts during my bank hours?

Of course not.

With this in mind, watch the clock and go for it.

Create something good and true and beautiful for the glory of God.