Done with Writer’s Block

Hello everyone,

So, something I have struggled with over the past few months is starting to ease up. I have been battling severe writer’s block. Every time I’d open my laptop or a journal to attempt writing anything creative, I couldn’t even find the words to write a single sentence. I’d stare at the screen or paper until I gave up.

At one point, I even worried I’d never get out of my slump. I debated whether I needed to drop the dream of writing, given how hard it was to write much of anything. Which was terrifying since it has been a part of my identity for so long.

I used to blame it on being sober, which was quite unhealthy behavior, as well as being too stable from my medications (I have bipolar 1 disorder). Both of those beliefs led me to believe I might not be able to write anymore, and that I was doomed to give it all up since I wasn’t willing to give up on sobriety or being in a stable mindset.

But, when I really thought about it, what was really getting in the way was anxiety and perfectionism. I had this mindset that if it wasn’t great right from the start, it reflected negatively on me as a writer; it proved I wasn’t good at it. I couldn’t shake the mentality for a long time.

After a handful of months, I finally said, “Screw it!” Because the first draft isn’t meant to be perfect or that impressive. My only requirement was to put words on paper or a screen and try to convey the story I had mapped out. I could worry about improving the quality of my work when I got through the first draft.

Having this new mentality has helped me a lot. Sometimes the perfectionist in me still sneaks out, but I tell them they can come by later when I really need them. It wasn’t easy to change my perspective, but it definitely helped me get words on paper.

I love writing, and the thought of it not being a part of my life was scary. I’m glad I can let my guard down and let my creativity flow better. I don’t know if this helped anyone, but I’ll end on this note: No one is perfect the minute they start something new, whether it's a project, a job, or a hobby. You’ll grow in anything you put effort into; it just takes time.

Thanks for checking out my second blog post!

• Lee H.