I’m just like everyone else. We all have off days, right? Let me tell you a story. It’s a warm sunny afternoon in early September. I’ve been working hard on my blog and suddenly I meet my nemesis Mr. Creative Block. He’s Always there when I’m determined to continue with my writing. Mr. Creative Block insists that I must take a break from my blog. He believes that working several hours straight is not healthy. He’s right! I am pleased that Mr. Blogging Burnout isn’t around.

Take a break from blogging

I took advantage of the opportunity to go cycling. Always prepared, not only I was wearing a crash helmet, but I brought some creative tools including: a notepad; coloured pens and a digital camera.

Procrastination causes problems

At first, I was reluctant to go on my mountain bike. Temptation to give up was so appealing. After the first mile I began to feel more relaxed and enjoy the beautiful scenery that surrounds my life. The harvest season is here, with many farmers working on the fields and reaping the rewards of a successful crop. Although, farmers were pleased with the rewards, immediately they started preparing themselves for next year’s crops.

As I continued to cycle through the Shire, I  felt that Mr. Creative Block was lagging behind and couldn’t keep up with the pace. I must admit there was a bit of a head wind. Mr. Creative Block decided that cycling and creativity were not for him. The thought of being in the outdoors with a variety of new surroundings including the: hills; beautiful trees and cows surrounded didn’t appeal to Mr. Creative Block.

Find your creativity

I continued with this steady pace. I cycled from village to village from farm to farm. Then realised those 10 miles past with ease.

I never plan a route ever. Cycling to me is as adventurous as life itself. We are on a journey. Where I live, there is a huge TV mast that can be seen from a 20 mile radius. The TV mast stands strongly on the top of a hill. This TV mast has been the main focal point of my journey and also the main focal point from my bedroom window.

I decided to take a break and sat down. After taking off my helmet, I wiped away some of the creative juice that was produced from the bike ride. I reached my pen and paper and wrote down many ideas that could be applied to my blog.

The creative flow from my mind illuminated the sheet of paper with bright ideas and concepts. Suddenly, I reached for my iPhone and started to dictate some of these ideas into my Dictaphone.

People are willing to help you

Moments later, a gentleman drove past in a luxurious car and asked: “Are you okay?”

My legs were placed in a figure four position. I was fine. Perhaps the kind gentleman was concerned that my bike could have been damaged or I may have twisted my ankle. However, I was reminded there are still people in the world that care.

I replied: “I’m fine thank you. I’m just taking a break.”

The kind gentleman waved and drove off into the hills. Mr. Creative Block disappeared. I forgot that he ever existed. I haven’t seen him for several days now.

I decided to turn back and cycle home. Luckily, the route back was downhill. Things are so easy the second time round. Ideas were flowing like the water from the clear streams, where you could see the fish and rocks on the riverbed. The sky had so much character. My imagination expanded as far as the eye could see, compared to the prison of my bedroom walls that frequently trapped my creativity.

Just like the birds and butterflies my creative thought was flying so freely.

The journey of cycling provided me with so many thoughts. This story was something I can compare to blogging and bloggers in general.

Never Give Up

For a blogger, it can be easy to give up at the first hurdle. Procrastination keeps us from achieving great rewards. Just like the farmer, they pay their dues and work hard to reap the rewards. The farmer continues to work hard on his or her goals and plants next year’s seeds.

Find your creativity

I struggle to find new ideas in a closed environment. A creative person must see and experience new things, in order to feed their creativity. A 20 mile bike ride was one of the most relaxing experiences mentally from me. Physically cycling can be as steady or as demanding as you choose. Just like blogging you can work at your own pace.

“Slow and steady wins the race”.

Blogging is the journey

I focused on cycling towards the TV mast. However, I didn’t know the route I was taking. In life, there are many ways to attain your goals. Sometimes you have to adjust your approach to meet those goals. I didn’t know what I’d face on the way. The same can be applied to blogging you’ll never know what you’ll find or learn.

Blogging is an adventure

You’ll meet some wonderful and creative people on your blogging journey. You’ll also develop some great new skills. The second time is always the easiest. Adventures are fun. Adventures can be scary. However, you’ll start a journey of self improvement that can be difficult to quit.

Blogging gets easier over time

After cycling a few miles the bike ride became much easier. I was getting more accustomed to the bike and the roads. Just like anything in life, after a few times it becomes easier. Anything that’s difficult is worth doing.

Blogging is about helping others

The kind gentleman didn’t have to ask if I needed help. It was the right thing to do. He was concerned. I was grateful somebody cared. To be successful as a blogger we must help others. Blogging is a great opportunity to develop a strong community and  focus on helping others.

Clear your mind and wave goodbye to Mr. Creative Block

Creativity is important for any: writer; blogger; designer; musician or artist. Inspiration provides creation.

Always carry a notebook

You never know when you’ll create an amazing idea. Thoughts are things. You can’t remember everything so use a notebook. It’s a great way to strengthen your mind.

Your thoughts please

Have you ever needed to clear your thoughts? How do you clear your mind?