Recently my muse went on vacation.  I’ve been having a very difficult time finding topics to write about.  Well, that’s not true, I know what topics to write about but the words just wouldn’t come.  So, I didn’t force them.

I looked at my monthly writing chart to see that the number of articles written for the month hasn’t budged and the number to be written before the end of the month remains the same.  I don’t know about you, but stagnant writing numbers can cause a bit of angst.

Root of the Problem

Not being one to force things if it doesn’t flow, I decided to find the root of the problem.  That wasn’t difficult to do.  I’ve been extremely busy with life matters.  As you parents know, your kids (no matter what age), can cause you to rearrange your plans and create a long list of additional things to do.

My son is applying for college so there are college trips, applications, financial aid, FAFSA, CSS, taxes, scholarship applications, coaches to meet, etc., etc.  On top of that, there’s the usual stuff that happens.  You know, shopping, dinner, bills, requisitions to the powers that be to shorten the month so that the money will last ’til month’s end.  All that stuff clutters the writer’s mind.

Forgot My Basics

On August 31, 2001, I started an electronic journal.  It’s been my literary sounding board. It helped me through many hard times.  I started the journal just in the nick of time.  Eleven days later (9/11/01), my hubby’s building was demolished by terrorist planes.  By the grace of God he made it out, but journaling helped me to process a lot of the associated emotions.

During my busy time, I felt I didn’t have enough time to journal.  It’s been several weeks and not a single line.   Honestly, I believe that not journaling is the reason for the slamming shut of my writing flow.  As I’ve written in the past, the best way to get through a writer’s block is to write about something that is from the heart.  A journal does that for me and allows my Mojo to flow.

Mending a Bad Habit

No matter how busy I am, I find that I’ve got get back into the habit of spending a little time by myself each day to perform a bit of spiritual introspection.  It’s my way to reach the inner core to pull out what needs to be said.

I’d be interested to know how you get through your tough writing times?

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