Writer's Block!!

It has been a long time since I have written a blog. Life has been busy, and I have used that as an excuse. The fact is that I have been experiencing writer’s block.  So much has happened, and yet I haven’t journaled or blogged. I wanted to know what to do, so I checked with ChatGPT, which gave me the following suggestions.

1.     5-Minute Stream of Consciousness Set a timer for 5 minutes. Write without stopping — no deleting, no correcting, no worrying if it makes sense. Just go. Start with:➔ "Right now, I am thinking about..."

I started with this suggestion. When I first started writing, I think this is stupid. What is this exercise going to do for me? After I had written these statements for a minute, I found myself writing about my frustration in not being able to write!---SUCCESS!!

2.     Write the Worst Version Possible Challenge yourself to purposely write the worst opening paragraph or sentence for your project. Make it funny, overdramatic, or terrible on purpose. This lowers the pressure and often leads to fundamental ideas.

I did not attempt this one. I know it could have helped me, but I couldn’t even think of a horrible sentence to write. Also, when writing, I struggle to correct things as I go.

3.     Describe an Ordinary Object Pick something near you (a mug, a window, your shoes) and describe it in ridiculous detail. (How would it look to someone from another planet?)This wakes up your creativity in a low-stakes way.

This exercise was interesting. While working at the dining room table, I wrote about the chair across from me.

4.     Letter to a Friend Write a quick letter as if you're explaining your writing project to a close friend. There is no pressure, just storytelling. Later, you can polish the ideas into something formal.

I have not done this one yet. However, I should still work on this project. It is always good to hone storytelling skills!

5.     "What I Really Want to Say Is..."At the top of a fresh page, write the words "What I really want to say is..." — then just keep going. This taps directly into your authentic voice and can reveal the heart of what you're trying to write.

This exercise was amazing; I have a lot to say. I started writing with a negative attitude, and by the time I started writing, I had a lot of ideas.

I felt great about all the ideas I had gathered, but I still did not write. I was beginning to wonder what was wrong with me. The best thing to do in that situation is to journal, but did I do that? NO! So, I asked myself the question, Why do I like to write? I thought about it but did not write about it. The following is what I figured out:

I like to write because:

1.     Writing is something I enjoy doing.

2.     Writing is therapeutic. When I journal, I often work out some of the issues that seem too overwhelming to deal with.

3.     Writing is creative. I often say that I am not creative. A friend chastised me, telling me that I don’t like and am not good at arts and crafts, but I am very creative in my writing (and the outfits I put together!)

4.     I enjoy blogging and getting compliments.

5.     I am also fulfilled when someone shares that my blog helped them.

You may not be experiencing writer’s block, but you are having an issue completing the project. Try the following so you can move on.

1.  Step Away Briefly – Sometimes forcing it makes it worse. A short break, walk, or change of scenery can reset your brain.

2.  Set a Small Goal – Instead of "write the whole article," aim for something tiny like "write one sentence" or "outline three points." Success builds momentum.

3.  Free Write – Set a timer for 5–10 minutes and write anything, even if it feels messy. Getting words flowing without pressure often breaks the block.

4.  Change Mediums – If you're typing, try writing by hand. If you're writing at a desk, try a coffee shop or even dictating into your phone.

5.  Reread Something You Love – Reading something inspiring (your own past work or a favorite author) can rekindle your motivation.

6.  Talk It Out – Explain your ideas out loud to a friend or yourself. Sometimes speaking clarifies what writing can't.

7.  Accept Imperfection – Permit yourself to write badly at first. You can't edit a blank page, but you can edit a messy one.

Thank you for reading my rant. I hope to get back to blogging weekly and start journaling again. I am less anxious when I use my writing skills.

Have a great week!