Driving in the Rain

I never liked to drive in the rain.

The world around me blurs. The road ahead is slick and unpredictable. Lights reflect off the pavement, and I question my own judgement. Even in a light drizzle, my senses go on high alert. My eyes dart from right to left, looking for any movement of something I might have missed. Sometimes, I even have a panic attack—over nothing.

Needless-to-say, driving in the rain exhausts me. By the time I get to my destination, I’m dreading the drive home. That’s why I never argue when my husband offers to drive me.

Often, dealing with chronic pain, fatigue, or illness can feel like driving in the rain. The world is blurred, and the road uncertain, full of potholes and distractions. Every detail of our lives zaps the energy we have to enjoy the things we love in life—including creativity.

When any of my conditions flare up, being creative is the last thing on my mind. Getting through the day (or even the next task) takes high priority. Writing, drawing, brainstorming, or even just playing the piano gets shoved onto a shelf for another day when I have the time or energy to pursue my craft.

As a full-time creative that includes a 9-5 job, the well is bone dry by the time I can even look at my personal projects. How do you find space to be creative when everything else in life (including your health) drains you? How can you write when your creativity is simply gone? How do you do it?

How do you find space to be creative when everything else in life (including your health)
drains you?

I get asked these questions a lot. The truth is, I have no solid answers. The journey through chronic pain, fatigue, and illness is a very personal one and is different for every person. I’ve met so many others who are struggling to find time and energy to do what the love—be creative. But I’ve met so many creatives who are dealing with chronic issues, AND they have been able to produce amazing work despite having to navigate through their day-to-day. It IS possible.

That’s why I wanted to start this blog. The creative life is not a solo trek through the wildness (or a lonely drive in the rain). It is a journey that we take with others. Let’s do this together …

… even if we have to explore our creativity while impaired.

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Photo credits: Ivana Cajina on Unsplash.