Feeling lost creatively is a common experience among artists, writers, musicians, and creators of all kinds. It can be frustrating, disheartening, and even terrifying at times. The blank page, the silent guitar, the empty canvas - they all seem to mock us, reminding us of our inability to create anything worthwhile.
The thing (that I suspect you already know somwehere inside of you) is that Creativity is speaking to you through everything, all the time. The only thing keeping you from hearing it is your own limiting beliefs and fears.
It may sound like a bold claim, or maybe even like I am oversimplifying things, but the truth is that creativity is not something that only shows up when you're in the right mood, or when inspiration strikes. Creativity is a constant force in the universe, and it's always available to us - if we're willing (and know how to make ourselves available) to listen.
The problem is that we're often not. We get caught up in our own thoughts and beliefs, which are often designed to keep us small and safe. We tell ourselves that we're not good enough, that our ideas are stupid, that we'll never make it as artists. We compare ourselves to others, and we let our fears of failure and rejection hold us back.
But here's the thing: those thoughts and beliefs are not the truth. They're just stories we tell ourselves, and they have no power over us unless we let them. The first step in breaking free from feeling lost creatively is to become aware of those thoughts and beliefs, and to acknowledge them out loud.
Take a moment to notice what kinds of thoughts do this for you. When you sit down to create, what do you hear in your mind? Are there voices telling you that you're not good enough, that you'll never be as good as so-and-so, that your work will never be appreciated? Whatever those voices are saying, acknowledge them out loud. Say something like, "I hear you, but I choose not to believe you."
This may feel silly or awkward at first, but it's a powerful way to take back control of your mind and your creativity. By acknowledging those limiting beliefs, you're bringing them out into the open and giving yourself the space to see them for what they really are: just thoughts.
Once you've acknowledged those thoughts, you can start to challenge them. Ask yourself: is this really true? Is there any evidence to support this belief? Are there other ways of looking at this situation? By questioning your thoughts, you're taking away their power and opening yourself up to new possibilities.
Another way to break free from feeling lost creatively is to seek inspiration from unexpected sources. Creativity is not just about making something out of nothing - it's also about seeing the world in a new way. Take a walk in nature, visit a museum, read a book, listen to music that you wouldn't normally listen to. Let yourself be open to new experiences, and see where they take you.
And finally, remember that feeling lost creatively is not a sign of weakness or failure. It's a natural part of the creative process, and it happens to everyone at some point. Instead of beating yourself up about it, try to see it as an opportunity for growth and exploration. What can you learn from this experience? What new ideas or perspectives have emerged?
Feeling lost creatively is a common experience, but it's not something that has to hold you back forever. By becoming aware of your limiting beliefs and fears, seeking inspiration from unexpected sources, and embracing the creative process as a journey of growth and exploration, you can tap into the endless well of creativity that's always available to you. So the next time you're feeling lost creatively, remember that creativity is speaking to you through everything, all the time - you just have to be willing to listen.
I find journalling a very helpful tool for reconnecting with the truest part of myself so I can align with the creative flow more fully. Write and write and write and write until all the shit comes out onto the page where you can see it and realize how much power believing this stuff has had over you. Then... start to listen to what was under all that.
If you need some prompts you can join The Creative Genius Patreon, I am often sharing prompts and worksheets to support you inside your membership. You can also download some of them individually, here or if you just want to dip your toe in, you can sign up for my free ones here
No matter how you get into it, I would love to hear how you go.
xo
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