What to do when you're not writing.

If you’ve been following along with my newsletters for a bit, or follow me on instagram, you might know that I moved (back) to Los Angeles. And it was a chaotic shitshow, if I’m honest. I’ve been really struggling with my anxiety (more on that in another newsletter, perhaps) and consequently I Did Not Write. 

Phew. I said it. It’s hard to admit it out loud. But it’s true, I haven’t written more than a few words since early December (when I started apartment hunting). And that feels awful. I miss writing, but when I sit down to write I can’t focus, my brain is scattered, and nothing coherent really comes out. 

This happens to every writer. More than we want to admit. So what do we do? 

Well, I still try. I journal every day, working through limiting beliefs, whispering about ideas that I haven’t gotten a real grasp on yet, and I write down the thoughts bouncing around in my head.

We have had a long, stressful, hard two years. You don’t need me to remind you of that. But maybe it’s helpful to hear that because of all that, we need more breaks. Things feel more fragile, more fraught. That sucks. So maybe we don’t have the energy to write after working a 9-5 day job. Or maybe a loved one is sick and writing feels too distracting. Maybe it’s a great escape.  Whichever, let yourself take the pressure off of yourself for writing. 

If you’re not writing right now, that’s OK. If you’re not writing right now, let yourself not write. 

Instead, read, watch a beautiful movie, take walks. Take so many walks. Try a new craft or hobby that does not involve words of any kind. Bake scones. Learn to make an obscure noodle dish. Experiment with moving around your furniture. 

And let yourself rest.