Walking and Writing Your Way Out of a Rut

Lately, I have had the most severe writer’s block. I lost motivation and desire to write in my notebook, which I attempted to do almost daily for years. Every time I sat down to write, I became distracted. There were so many things vying for my time and attention that I just couldn’t focus on a complete thought. Most days I was mentally, physically and emotionally exhausted after teaching all day; then having to come home and deal with family life. And if I’m honest, sometimes it was just easier to avoid things rather than lean into them and try to figure out why. It was easier for me to simply succumb to not writing (to not doing much of anything).

I was, however, willing to at least acknowledge that one of the things distracting me was my desire to take more walks - take my dog Prince for more walks. There was a time when I would walk at least 30 minutes every day no matter the time of day or the condition of the weather. I was committed!!!! Unfortunately, much like writing, walking had fallen by the wayside, I don’t even know when or how it happened. By now, you may be thinking, “What does wanting to walk more have to do with getting your writing mojo back?” Ironically, it was a walk outside, near my neighborhood, that actually turned things around for me and reignited my desire to write. 

While Prince (my dog) and I walked, it came to mind that I used to walk and take pictures of nature…trees, birds, flowers, etc. One time I took pictures of everything I saw that was round. I decided to take pictures along our walk today also. This time there was no specific theme to the objects I chose to photograph. If it caught my attention or seemed interesting to me I captured it. 

Step by step, object after object, wondering after wondering - the excitement grew as I thought about writing about this walk, these objects, and this experience in my notebook. Then, I thought…Ooh this might make a good blog post. And, so here it is.

If I were to share only one thing I learned it would be this – inspiration can come from anywhere. We have to be open to recognizing, receiving, and rolling it  (i.e. staying present in the moment). Of course I would never leave you with just one nugget. I was reminded of how impactful nature and getting out in it can be to our overall being. Finally taking a walk/walking Prince did my body good. But more than that, it did my mind and spirit good. The walk is what released me from whatever was holding me hostage.

Have you been experiencing a lull in your writing, journaling, notebooking–in your creativity in general? Have you had a longing, a desire in your spirit to do something or change something in your life that is not directly related to writing? Maybe, just maybe, addressing the desired change will unlock the door to writing ideas you didn’t know you had. It did for me.