Transitions and Creativity

Gut check … how are YOU doing with the time change? Do you feel tired, anxious, or simply need a good nap? 

I think most of us struggle the week (or weeks) after a time change. While I used to enjoy getting an extra hour of sleep, I now experience difficulty during both fall and spring clock transitions. Whether we “fall back” or “spring forward,” my body just doesn’t adjust as quickly as it used to, and I need weeks (sometimes more than a month) to totally feel human again. 

Transitions aren’t just hard on our bodies. They disrupt our moods, our emotions, and our creativity. 

Let’s face it. We are creatures of habit. Even for the most flexible person, transitions can be difficult. Our schedules get disrupted. It takes time to adjust to new routines or patterns. For me, even vacations can throw me off-kilter. Flying to a new time zone creates havoc. I can’t sleep. Eating times have shifted. And taking medications are a challenge. And with epilepsy (and other conditions) can be triggered by the slightest change. 

It shouldn’t surprise me that I struggle to write during times of transition. My brain can barely focus enough to get through the day—get up, finish work, make meals, take care of my animals—let alone try to create something. But I do try, and the result is always frustrating. The words won’t come. And then the worst starts to seep in—imposter syndrome.

I struggle to write during times of transition … The words won’t come. And then the worst starts to seep in—imposter syndrome. 

Even if you are not familiar with term, imposter syndrome, you probably have experienced it at some point in your life, although it came come in many different ways and forms. For me, I question my ability. I reason that any success I’ve had in the past was an accident or a fluke. It won’t happen again. I’m a fake, an imposter. 

Sound familiar? Most writers have experienced this at some point along their career paths. But here’s the rub … imposter syndrome seems to grow with success. We might have created an amazing piece of art in the past. An editor published it. Readers love it. It may have even won some awards. So, what’s the problem? 

The problem is doing it again—creating the next piece of art. The blank page stares us in the face. We struggle to find our words (or the right strokes). We’ve been there before, but back then, we had the passion to push through it. But now, it’s different. Instead of passion, there’s pressure. And on top of everything we’re already facing, the effects of transitional periods on our creativity can be magnified. 

The good news is … transitions in their very nature are temporary. Most will end, and the normal routine (or a new normal) will resume. Sometimes they are short-lived, but others can feel like an eternity. At their core, transitions are simply leading us from one place to the next. We will land. We will adjust (or re-adjust). We will find sleep and creativity once again. 

At their core, transitions are simply leading us from one place to the next. We will land. We will adjust. We will find creativity once again. 

For some, transitions are invigorating. They are full of excitement and the promise of change. Maybe, writing and creating are easiest during this time of possibility. 

But for those of us who feel depleted during these shifts, hold on. It will end. If creativity isn’t coming, don’t force it. That will only lead to frustration and possibly even pull you deeper into imposter syndrome. Create when you can, and give yourself grace. We’re not running a sprint. It’s a journey.

For now, focus on caring for yourself through whatever transition you are facing. When you do, your mind and body will be able to embrace creativity more easily on the other side. I’ll see you there! 

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Photo Credits: Min Square on Unsplash.