When You Hit a Wall

Flashback Summer: When You Hit a Wall
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Here lately I have run into a wall with ideas for this blog and even with vintage in general.  I've had some tough circumstances this week that have sapped my emotional energy, and it has kind of sucked away the inspiration.

I'm not sure if anyone else is like this, but especially when I'm feeling low, I don't particularly want to wear vintage clothing.  It doesn't match how I feel, so I forego it.  For me, I wear vintage because I like how it looks and the creativity of it, but my creativity subsides when I'm feeling drained.

(Crazy though, that a lot of artsy people do their best work when sad.  Just not me, apparently.)

So what am I to do when I'm lacking inspiration and/or just feeling not-so-great?  Here are a few things that get the creative juices flowing again and help me deal with circumstances more effectively:

- Take some significant chill time.
A lot of times I feel a block just because so many other things are taking up my "brain space" and I just need a break.  For me right now, that means sipping tea or coffee while knitting and watching an old movie.  Bliss in the chaos of the end of a semester.

- Take time for people.
Being with people can be some of the most refreshing and inspirational times for me.  Sitting down and talking about deep life stuff with a good friend does wonders for my mood and can lead to some creative ideas.

- Pray.
I know not everybody would pick this option, but, truly, talking to God about all the stuff in my life, big and small, and remembering all the things that he has blessed me with really rejuvenates me and gets things back in perspective.

- Start a project on your list.
Even if I'm not feeling particularly creative, starting a project that has been on my list can be just the thing to get the creativity jump-started, especially if I already have all the planning done.  
Even if I have a lot going on, some days I really just drop it and craft.  It makes my work later much more efficient because I'm not feeling so "blah" and the craftiness is a great outlet.

- Watch a costume-rich movie, or read a high-fashion magazine or book.
Being vintage lovers, many of us are into clothes in general.  One of my favorite things to do is just look at impeccable clothing, whether it's in an old movie or a new magazine.  I love seeing the art of others and it will oftentimes spark an idea of how I could create a similar look.

- Surround yourself in possibilities.
Get out the craft supplies and spread them on the floor.  Get the magazines out on the table and begin cutting out pictures.  Do something to tangibly surround yourself with things that can inspire you, and just go with the flow with no goals in mind but to simply express and be present in the moment to enjoy it.

6 comments

  1. I'm sorry to hear you've been having a tough time and I hope you feel better soon!

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    1. Thank you, Helen! I'm glad to have support from my fellow vintage ladies. :)

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  2. Sweet dear, I'm very sorry to hear that you've been having a stressful, trying time lately. I hope with all my heart that everything will work out alright for you. Please know that you can write (email) me anytime if you need to talk about anything.

    Sending countless hugs & wishes of serenity your way,
    ♥ Jessica

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    1. Thanks so much, Jessica; I sincerely appreciate it! I'm thinking that our Thanksgiving break here will do wonders for my spirit and overall morale. :)

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  3. I am so sorry you've been feeling this way! It's no fun when events occur that just seem to suck the life from you. I hope you feel better soon, dear.

    I kind of go crazy with my outfits when feeling bummed, I feel like it's a way to rebel against whatever has pissed me off. I often go more wild and mish-mash with my outfits than I do when I feel swell. And often I find some new, off-beat way of showing off my wardrobe.

    xoxo
    -Janey

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  4. I hope you feel better soon. Certainly the best "cure" for my soul when I go through those moments is watching movies with wonderful costumes, it inspires me so much ... Take care, dear Lady.

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