Tangled Tuesday: And now for something completely different #writer #artist #motivation

Photo courtesy of april-mo via flickr

Stuck in a rut? It happens. In most cases, the best solution is to take a break. Walk away from what you're doing. That doesn't mean walk to your bed and flop across it like a dead fish. Walk away. Try something different, rattle your brain. Whatever it takes to climb out of your rut and get your creative-self flowing again.
Here are some things to try. And don't just read through them and say, "Yeah...I should try one of these," and then not do it.
Because I'll hunt you down.

1) Do something physical. Your brain can't be creative if you're catatonic in your chair. Muscles need to move. If you're stuck in an office, buy a mini-trampoline and keep it in the corner for jumping breaks.

2) Play. Jump rope, do cartwheels, build a fort, blow bubbles. You know, all those fun things you used to do as a kid but don't anymore because you're a boring grown-up.

3) Visit a factory. See how something is made. Candy factories are awesome.

4) Learn something new. Take a tap-dancing class if you like noise, a fencing class if you like swords, or a trapeze class if you want to run away and join the circus. It always makes me sad when I hear people say, "I've always wanted to (insert cool thingy here), but I haven't because (insert lame-o excuse here)".

5) Stomp grapes at a vineyard. While you're there, take a winery tour and see how wine is made. Next time you buy a bottle, you'll truly appreciate the crafting that goes into it.

6) Build a bird or bat house. Hang it in your backyard or donate it to a local recreation center or garden.

7) Rent a paddle boat or kayak and take off for the day. Find a secluded spot and go skinny dipping.

8) Try something completely new and out of your career-comfort zone. Are you a photographer? Paint a picture instead. Do you write romance? Try writing science fiction. Work with numbers all day long? I'm very sorry, I have no advice for you, your life must be a nightmare. Haha. I do have advice, actually. Fingerpaint. On the wall.

9) Plan and cook a meal using a one color palette. For example; a cheddar-cheese omelet, butternut squash soup, and saffron toast. End the meal with a lemon tart and apricot screwdriver.

10) Juggle. It's okay if you drop them all unless they're glass bottles.

11) Fly a kite. If you don't have one, now's the time to go shopping OR you can make one

12) Take public transportation to a random destination. Get lost and wander. It's okay, you will find your way home again.


What are you waiting for? I see you still sitting there. Don't make me come get you.