What new ideas are bubbling in you these days?

Jamilah … I'm sorry you feel like your creativity has disappeared.  It's tough when we can't hear that inner voice that urges us constantly forward.  That voice that always has us reaching TOWARD something.  Don't despair.  You remember how it goes … even though it seems ridiculous to say it out loud, it really DOES turn out okay before all is said and done.  When we are locked in survival mode, we can't remember the quickening in the pulse, or the light-headed rush that happens when a flood of ideas are jostling against each other, all fighting for the right to be heard.  Your creativity hasn't deserted you, Jamilah.  It's just storing up energy, waiting for you to need it desperately again.  When we can't stand a moment more of uninspired or mundane thoughts, our creativity always finds a way to leap into the light again.  You know this already.  You just forgot for a moment.

Instead of asking yourself what new ideas are bubbling in you these days, maybe the question should be what old ideas do you need to get rid of?  Maybe that will be a jumping-off place?

Or try imagining a YOU that is supremely content and fulfilled.  What is it that has created that feeling of contentment?  What did you do to arrive at such a place?  Describe your dream.

Creativity is a gift, and a burden.  I try to encourage when I can, and if I just plain am unable to write, then I turn away and try to hear other people instead.  I try to silence everything in my head, and just listen.  There are so many lonely people that just need someone to hear them.  Sometimes I just try to find someone who is reaching out, and forget about how I'm going to say something or if I'm going to get it right or wrong.  I just try to talk to them.  Usually those are the conversations that reveal the most.

Your writing inspires me tremendously.  I am sometimes overwhelmed at the depth and breadth of your accomplishments, and it makes me feel inferior or unqualified to carry on a conversation with you.  As if my opinion or thought couldn't possibly be on any level with yours (someone who is so obviously bright and talented and creative).  So I come read your blog, but don't pause to comment.  But today, rather than just read and move on out of fear of sounding dumb, I had to speak up and say that hearing you say that your creativity had gone made me feel something for you.

Something tangible and real.  I felt the ache in your words.  So I can't just read and move on this time.  I have to speak up and offer you a word of encouragement.  From one person who struggles with creativity to another.

Don't despair.  Hang in there.  You know it turns around.  It always does.