Writer’s Block

Writer’s Blog Block

When I decided to start writing a monthly blog prior to my book launch, I was very excited, and right away many ideas came to mind.  But soon after the launch, things changed dramatically. Little did I expect I would hit the dreaded writer’s block and become unable to find anything meaningful to say. It’s not that I didn’t try. Pen in hand or hands on the keyboard, ready to jot down words that usually flow easily, it was very frustrating for nothing came to my mind. This bleak unexpected phase lasted about four months. 

But why? I should have been thrilled to have accomplished my goal. My book was out and doing well. Yet, I felt so sluggish that I could barely move and rapidly sank into depression. It wasn’t only the writer’s block I had to deal with but also insomnia, general fatigue, headaches, difficulty breathing, and cough. It resembled the symptoms of Covid. One night it was so bad that I had to go to the emergency room. All the extensive medical tests returned negative, and the doctor was puzzled because he couldn’t find anything wrong.

That’s when I realized that stress might be the culprit. After all, since the book launch three months earlier in March, I hadn’t taken a day off from all the marketing activities and plans for my next book-related steps throughout summer, fall, and the Christmas season. The more I pushed forward, the more doors inside me closed until I realized my whole body was on lockdown.   After spending two years under Covid restrictions, writing and going through the publishing process of Winks from Above, my entire being was yearning for a break from anything that had to do with writing and marketing.

I desperately needed to stop living in isolation and lead a more normal life. My husband and I decided to very carefully resume a pre-Covid lifestyle. We slowly started to meet with friends, go to theater and concert performances, and enjoy each day without the menacing heavy cloud of “have to do.” The Covid-like symptoms and mental fogginess disappeared, and creativity gradually returned. Eventually the void in me dissipated, and I started to see life’s little miracles. The numbness in my mind cleared, and words began to flow again.   And in the morning, it felt wonderful to be able to meditate and dance outside on our deck, surrounded by trees and lush vegetation. This communion with nature always helps clear my mind and connect with my inner self. The child within me soon returned, and the lightness of being and joy came back into my life. 

Without any trace of anxiety and stress, I was able to resume planning with my husband/business manager the next steps to take for my book. This time, we prioritized the projects and ensured they would not take over my life again.

And what have I learned? To remain balanced and rekindle creativity, we must streamline our schedule to leave enough space for fun and relaxing times. It’s vital for the well-being of our mental, physical, and emotional states. It lets us open up to the signs and synchronicities that surround us. It makes our heart sing and our soul smile.