How to keep your writing mojo going through (apparent) pandemonium
It's Cain's fault.
Things were going well-ish for Adam and Eve's kids -- Cain and Abel. They didn't have to wear those fig leaves, which was a big positive. Still, Cain was miffed at his brother. Not only did he think God liked Abel’s sacrifices more, but his younger sibling always got an extra juice box in preschool.
So, Cain killed Abel. That's when Chaos put down its beer, opened its apartment door, and made Earth a permanent residence.
Chaotic Times (Not to be confused with The New York Times)
Since Chaos' appearance, we've barely gone a day without some craziness. It feels like we're in a period of heightened anxiety now with multiple wars, rising prices, and housing shortages. Plus, the whole Vanderpump Rules fiasco.
Note to self: Change Vanderpump Rules to another vapid reality program in future article updates.
The ongoing uncertainty does one of two things to writers. For some, the chaos provides a plethora of ideas. Conversely, other writers end up on the rabbit hole's precipice, raring to jump in and let the havoc consume them.
My Current Mindset
I'm somewhere in the middle of this disarray. On one hand, I'm unemployed, behind on rent, and facing possible eviction. So, thanks to the way my brain works, I'm closer to the rabbit hole's edge.
On the other hand, I'm not ready to jump in. I've done it during other chaotic moments in my life. After enough journeys into the darkness, I've realized letting it consume me does squat. If anything, it puts me into an emotional zone where creativity, productivity, and human cleanliness are pushed away in favor of figurative self-flagellation.
It's a delicate balance that I find difficult to control. For instance, I had a moment of desperation the morning I wrote this. A few hours later, I re-established some equilibrium and resumed faith that things would turn out okay. As a result, I connected with my creative soul again.
Creativity Amid Chaos
How does one go about being creative amid chaos? Here are a few suggestions.
Compartmentalize -- I understand this is tough for some. Heck, I have trouble doing it on the worst days. Still, try to take your fears and move them to another part of your mind.
If the panic leaks out during the day, use it positively. Write your concerns in a journal. Put them in a poem. Write a story featuring a character encountering the same problems.
Mope and Move On -- I notice most of my fearful thoughts occur first thing in the morning, which makes showering an adventure in anxiety. However, I tend to feel better once I get my ablutions out of the way and focus on the day's activities.
Start a habit of getting your panic out of the way each morning. Give your brain five to ten minutes to vent. Don't let it go much further than this, or you run the risk of lingering anxiety.
Join a Community -- No, not a community of whiners. I mean a group of writers who can provide insight on getting past the chaos. You don’t think other writers have this problem? Well, ask that question to an online community of scribes. I bet you’ll see more responses of, “Yep, been there,” over “Anxiety? Feh. I’m made of steel.”
The fact so many faced what you’re currently going through means they have positive suggestions to help. Never take their ideas for granted. If it helped them, what’s stopping the adjustments from assisting you?
Never Stop Creating -- Contemplation is wonderful if you focus on the positive. It's dreadful if you create disastrous scenarios from existing chaos. Therefore, minimize the anxiety through constant creation.
It doesn't have to be non-stop writing without sleep, food, or bathroom breaks. For Pete's sake, use the toilet once in a while! If you're stuck on a story, focus on another creative endeavor. The louder your soul speaks, the quieter your brain is.
What Did We Learn Today, Rich?
Chaos is with us through our lifetimes. Either you adapt, or you live in the darkness of fear and anxiety forever. This does nothing for your writing. Work to compartmentalize the uncertainty through daily exercises, even if it means asking someone to help you.
All the best.
Rich Scott Keller
Email: wpantscreations@gmail.com
ClearVoice Portfolio: https://clearvoice.com/cv/RichardKeller
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rskellerwpp/
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