INTRODUCTION

Words can be hard to find for sharing emotions, encouragement, or inspiration. Others have said that focus, clarity, energy, and motivation have all been impaired by stress over the last several months. I can feel it too. It might seem like we’re all stuck in an uneasy loop of uncertainty. When the ‘blahs’ give us ‘brain freeze’, and we can’t seem to get started – how can we get un-stuck?

PROBLEM

As a writer, creative juices can seem to run dry – and word flow can stall. Mentors have suggested that we just keep writing and if the concepts seem too vague for precise expression, try using metaphor. So, I did. Here is my metaphorical expression …

‘My sympathy is instantly aroused at the sight of roofing crews working through the heat of a summer day, spreading hot tar to seal a roof against leaks in a coming rain. Like hot sticky tar, my ‘gummed up’ imagination seems sealed against leaks of any incoming trickle of inspiration. I long to run, refreshed and invigorated, through a brainstorming rain of ideas – but I am ‘stuck’ in the sludge of uncertainty’.

Does that give you a better sense of my feelings – than if I said I’m suffering from Writer’s Block?

SOLUTION

The metaphor exercise was an assignment. As I worked to express my vague emotions, I began to sense a fine mist of possibility. What I wrote helped me identify the emotion more clearly. Doubts, discomfort, and even a bit of fear mixed with my frustration.

Who am I to write encouragement for others? Do I have anything worth saying? Maybe yes – maybe no. But certainly, if I continued to stand still in the hardening sludge of my doubts, we would never know.

Of all that could be said, what is the central nugget of truth I can claim from this experience? Right now, for me, it’s this: When in doubt – DO.

I can say a prayer, and remember that faith and provisions seem to be given not in advance, but as we go. It’s in mid-leap that we find strength and guidance to cover the gaps.

With a small and shaky jump, I’m breaking free from today’s tar pit.

CONCLUSION

I sense a broader application. If you’re feeling ‘stuck’, or weighed down by vague ideas or emotions, try putting them into words. If you can’t make it specific, try a metaphor. (No one else needs to ever see it – this is just for you.)

Once you clearly identify the issue – lift it in prayer. Ask for wisdom, strength, courage, or whatever you need. Then get up and DO something. (Go for a walk/run, make soup, build or play something).

Focus your attention completely on the activity you choose. Notice and savor every detail. Use all of your senses. Give yourself credit for the action – and note that you did accomplish something – even when you didn’t feel up to it.

Remember that we can act… “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will be faithful to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ”. (Phillipians 5:6)

It takes much less effort to direct (or re-direct) movement than to begin it from a dead stop. So, choose some action that aligns with your goals and values – and Do It!

The choice to move, in faith, could be enough to free you from sticky doubts and fears. You may even discover new treasures along the way, for yourself and/or for others.

I hope you did find something of worth in this post. I know I did. Thanks for reading.

Blessings, Love, and Laughter

Margaret

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