Art insists, you resist.

Or ack, not another hack!

I know. I’m grossed out by hack language too. So I promise that this isn’t that. I just wanted to share with you how I worked through some creative resistance last week.

I’ve been trying to write more. Before I can even get to the part where a daily practice becomes a habit, I need a soft entry or I will resist. I WANT to write and early mornings would be the ideal time for me to do that. But because it’s still Summer, I’m having a hard time letting go of my hour (or more) of morning reading time, and therein lies the conflict. So I'm exercising my writing muscle in Instagram stories (of all places, saving them to my Highlights, if you want to follow along), but it feels really good. It's like I'm floating down a stream when it comes to what I want to write about next. Maybe because I took it out of the regular format (the blank page) and put it there, it's taken the pressure off. I’ve made it less precious because it doesn't really have a purpose other than I'm enjoying doing it. That’s my soft entry that may lead me to a practice that will then become a habit. But instead of getting ahead of myself, I’m going to keep enjoying this view.

Can you apply that idea to creative work that you are resisting? Maybe the blank page of your sketchbook is mocking you, so you doodle in the margins of a book you are currently reading (if this is a library book, do not recommend). Maybe you are stuck on all creative fronts? Write a letter to a friend, pen to paper. Add some collage, doodles, stickers. Just by giving your creative work a different assignment (“I can’t do it for myself, but I can do it for Jennifer!”) can be like pulling a Jeep out of the mud. Let me know if you try this!

You want to hear something else fun? There is a space to share this kind of stuff in my new membership community, The Midlife Solution. That’s right. The space is called Share Your Wins, but it’s a place to put any practice, either creative, practical or spiritual, for which you’d like some accountability. There is also a monthly Member Spotlight, where one of the community members will get to share their shine. There is a Book Club (first book pick is Mother Hunger by Kelly McDaniel) and a place to share words or art you’d like the members to read or admire. I’m scheduling some interviews to share and there will be monthly member live calls. If this sounds like something of your dreams, I’m here to tell ya, it’s real and open and we’d love to have you join us.

If you have any questions about The Midlife Solution, please use this form. There is a beautiful group of women already there, ready to commune with you.

xoxo