Back in 2020 I remember being in a long line at the hospital to get a PCR test since I had been somewhere a positive COVID case had occurred. This was back before the vaccines so I was expected to be there at least two hours waiting. And wouldn't you know it, my phone died.
Once I stopped mentally fighting and railing against the boredom and just accepted it, the ideas began to flow. I worked out how to get around knots in my story and I switched from raging against not having a phone to distract me to not having a pen and paper to note it all down! I used to be bored as a kid a lot and my creativity really does. Boredom and daydreaming is the key!
The part about piling more tasks when stress takes hold? Guilty! I've become more mindful of this cycle as the years have gone by, but I find it's such a delicate balance. Be present in my parenting for my three boys, work on my novel, and do "all the things" to nurture my writing life...sometimes it all feels like too much. Thanks for this post. It was exactly what I needed today, Kate.
That makes me so happy, Maria! It’s shockingly easy to add more things to the task list. And to feel like the tasks are endless. I really do find it’s an incredible gift to our happiness and creativity to make space to dream and imagine. ❤️
This is beautiful! 😍 I love to watch the sky while swimming. There’s something about being in the water - maybe it’s because my phone and laptop are well out of reach! ✨
I adore this post Kate (particularly the part about pretending to meditate 😁). But seriously I think it's harder and harder to daydream with all the bings and bongs that surround us daily - it takes a concerted effort to switch off from everything and let our minds wander. Thanks for this great reminder how sweet the nuggets are waiting for us there.
Thank you! And I have found the same thing. I feel like the noise has grown more insistent. So I've had to respond by being more committed to this habit. It used to feel so easy to drift away ... and now it takes a certain determination. I will say, that I love the ideas that come when pretending to meditate! 😉
I absolutely agree and you've put it into words beautifully! I always felt guilty about daydreaming or simply resting, yet my best ideas come when I just lay my head down for a time. I did just that on holiday last week in the countryside. I got all the ideas down for a sweet little story and now I am home, working to finalise that draft. I definitely need to make more time for daydreaming - especially when working on a bigger idea. We need to make that space in our lives - thanks for the reminder!
Oh I love this! Isn't it a beautiful thing when drifting up in the clouds delivers inspiration and even full stories. I find those ideas are really magical or fun, too! When my head is down too long, my ideas get limited. Your tale of daydreaming in the countryside is inspiring!
I love this! Thanks for the recommendation, Michelle! I am particularly moved by how we need to listen to ourselves - I have only just realised this after 44 years on this planet.
Thank you, Rebecca! Listening to yourself is such a beautiful experience. I have been reclaiming it, too. And I feel like my imagination and intuition have blossomed — and given me so much in return. I am with you in this journey!
Back in 2020 I remember being in a long line at the hospital to get a PCR test since I had been somewhere a positive COVID case had occurred. This was back before the vaccines so I was expected to be there at least two hours waiting. And wouldn't you know it, my phone died.
Once I stopped mentally fighting and railing against the boredom and just accepted it, the ideas began to flow. I worked out how to get around knots in my story and I switched from raging against not having a phone to distract me to not having a pen and paper to note it all down! I used to be bored as a kid a lot and my creativity really does. Boredom and daydreaming is the key!
That is the best story! It’s so true. I feel like these phone-centric times make us nervous about boredom. But it can give us the best ideas!!
I love intentionally going on long drives and resisting listening to podcasts or books. And I am always amazed at what drops in!
As an avid daydreamer; I resonate with this so much
Oh I am so glad!! Thank you for letting me know. I love meeting fellow daydreamers. 🥰
The part about piling more tasks when stress takes hold? Guilty! I've become more mindful of this cycle as the years have gone by, but I find it's such a delicate balance. Be present in my parenting for my three boys, work on my novel, and do "all the things" to nurture my writing life...sometimes it all feels like too much. Thanks for this post. It was exactly what I needed today, Kate.
That makes me so happy, Maria! It’s shockingly easy to add more things to the task list. And to feel like the tasks are endless. I really do find it’s an incredible gift to our happiness and creativity to make space to dream and imagine. ❤️
This is beautiful! 😍 I love to watch the sky while swimming. There’s something about being in the water - maybe it’s because my phone and laptop are well out of reach! ✨
Oh that’s the best feeling! And such a smart place to daydream — far away from distractions. I love it. ♥️🧡
I adore this post Kate (particularly the part about pretending to meditate 😁). But seriously I think it's harder and harder to daydream with all the bings and bongs that surround us daily - it takes a concerted effort to switch off from everything and let our minds wander. Thanks for this great reminder how sweet the nuggets are waiting for us there.
Thank you! And I have found the same thing. I feel like the noise has grown more insistent. So I've had to respond by being more committed to this habit. It used to feel so easy to drift away ... and now it takes a certain determination. I will say, that I love the ideas that come when pretending to meditate! 😉
I absolutely agree and you've put it into words beautifully! I always felt guilty about daydreaming or simply resting, yet my best ideas come when I just lay my head down for a time. I did just that on holiday last week in the countryside. I got all the ideas down for a sweet little story and now I am home, working to finalise that draft. I definitely need to make more time for daydreaming - especially when working on a bigger idea. We need to make that space in our lives - thanks for the reminder!
Oh I love this! Isn't it a beautiful thing when drifting up in the clouds delivers inspiration and even full stories. I find those ideas are really magical or fun, too! When my head is down too long, my ideas get limited. Your tale of daydreaming in the countryside is inspiring!
I love this! Thanks for the recommendation, Michelle! I am particularly moved by how we need to listen to ourselves - I have only just realised this after 44 years on this planet.
Thank you, Rebecca! Listening to yourself is such a beautiful experience. I have been reclaiming it, too. And I feel like my imagination and intuition have blossomed — and given me so much in return. I am with you in this journey!