Embracing Stuck

There are times when I think that I run at a million miles an hour so that I am always one step in front of getting “stuck.” I feel like if I show down, for even a moment, I will get caught in a rut and lose my momentum. But I do know, in my heart, that it’s the opposite of the truth. Slowing down is the safe place to land and be calm and creative and allow the muse to land and visit. 

But what is this fear of feeling stuck? 

Maybe with a good plan, being stuck won’t be such a bad thing, but could actually be a positive part of your creative journey. So here are my thoughts.

To begin with, listen to your inner voice, your intuition. Think about why you are feeling stuck. Is it what you are working on feels boring? Is it not lighting you up? Is it that you don’t feel inspired? Are you putting too much pressure on yourself to create something that is out of your wheel house at the moment? Are you comparing your own journey with others? Finding the why is a great place to start.

Here are some ideas on how to embrace you stuckness:

Create something outside of your comfort zone. This is one I do often. I think this “stuck” is probably linked to boredom of doing the same thing over an over. So when I feel this way I often do an abstract painting in acrylics. It’s a completely different way of painting and I try to paint intuitively with no expectation for outcome. Difficult to do, but a great thing to practice regularly.

Just stop thinking about it. This one is super challenging for me. But just do your best to stop your thoughts and  fill yourself up with something good and nourishing, like yoga or meditation, go for a long walk, visit a local museum or just have coffee with a friend. When you come back you will most likely feel refreshed and re-inspired.

Give yourself permission to create bad art. Take risks, make a mess. Just have fun. That’s often when you will find something fun and unexpected to add to your “artistic toolkit.” Bad art can be GREAT!

And MOVE...if you’re not feeling what you are working on, do something mindless, clean your studio, prep panels for future paintings, or work in your sketchbook and just play and have fun. As they say, inspiration comes to those who are working...so keep going and be confident in the fact that the muse will come...

Being stuck doesn’t need to be something to fear. It’s a natural part of the process that can inspire growth and build confidence to fuel what comes next. Enjoy the journey, every step of the way...even the “stuckness.”

How do you embrace stuck? I’d love more ideas to add to my list :)