Use this strategy to WASH away rejection blues and stay inspired to write
by Janet Lane
“I have learned, as has many another better writer, to summon inspiration to my call as soon as I begin my days’ stint, and not to hang around waiting for it. `Inspiration’ is merely a pretty phrase for `the zest to work.’ And it can be cultivated by anyone who has the patience to try. Inspiration which will not come at its possessor’s summons is like a dog that cannot be trained to obey.”
…Albert Payson Terhune
Writing every day keeps our literary muscles toned, keeps our inspirational
hearts beating strongly.
But life can be messy. Unexpected. Cruel. How do you find inspiration when you’re emotionally wounded from a rejection, a lost opportunity, or just a case of the blues?
WASH those blues away!
W – walk it off. Take a walk in nature. It refreshes the soul and reminds us that there is a beautiful world out there, one of balance and harmony and beauty. It helps to put your problems in perspective.
A – allow yourself the luxury of licking your life wounds. Wallow in your misery, experience it. Write it down, so you can use it later during black moments in your stories. It’s good to recognize your suffering, acknowledge the pain. The key to not letting it overwhelm you, to not letting it spoil your beautiful, new day, is to set a timer. Allot fifteen full minutes to wallow, then tuck it away and come back to the promising present.
S – savor your past successes. Journal three bright moments in your writing. It could be the first time you ever wrote [fiction/poety/lyrics] – the magical glow in which you basked from having created that marvelous [description/scene/chapter.] Read them again with fresh eyes, and acknowledge your talent.
H – honor the talent you have been given. Dare to hope and keep your dream alive. Treat yourself as you would one of your beloved characters. Write a note to yourself, filled with encouragement. Hold it to your heart and … write!
What are your favorite blues-busting techniques? Share them with us!
Janet Lane, Amazon Bestselling Author 
Nice post! I always forget the clarity that a bit of exercise can bring. And the point about savoring success is so easy to dismiss.
Thanks!!
Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment, Elaine! I enjoy the feedback, and wish you a day filled with inspiration.
My method is very zen, I think. I buy the smallest bag I can find of chocolate-covered peanuts and I eat them very slowly, focusing on the moment.
🙂
Pat, you are so dainty. I love your coping rituals – yummy and self-nurturing! This creativity is evident in your mysteries!