Enjoy the Little Things in Life, and Other Cures for Writer’s Block

You know the feeling. So many great ideas in your head but… there you are staring at the empty page. You force yourself to write just one sentence because you’ll get into the flow once you start, right? After yet another futile attempt, you backspace to square one.

There’s that blank page again, glaring at you. The cursor blinks impatiently almost like it’s prodding you, “Well, are ya gonna write something, or not?”

As a writer, it’s normal to have a slow spell here and there. It’s happened to me before. Most times a short break does the trick and I’m back on track. But once, that slow spell turned into such a full-blown case of writer’s block I wondered if this was it. Was I through with writing for good?

I didn’t even have a good excuse. It should have been the perfect opportunity to write something great. It was a writer’s paradise: a private Airbnb room on a quiet lake all to myself for an entire distraction-free week.

I should have been elated. But instead, deciding to leave town—solo—felt like a consolation prize. You see, the original plan had been to spend time away with my partner. We’d take some time off and finally get out of town, unwind and enjoy quality time together.

But plans fell through. Something came up. He couldn’t get time off work that week after all.

There went our chance for a romantic getaway. I felt disappointed… almost resentful. Why didn’t he plan his PTO better? Why didn’t he try harder? Did he even care?

Well, it turned out his work thing was pretty important, and it wasn’t his fault. So, I got over it. Or at least I thought I did.

I decided to make the most of it and go alone. I thought, maybe it’s better this way. After all, think of all the writing I could do. I always wished I had more time to write… more time to work on that short story I’ve been thinking about for years.

I packed up my car and headed north for a weekend getaway, or rather what had turned into a private writing retreat—just me and my laptop.

My rented room had everything I needed: a futon, kitchenette, bathroom, and queen-sized bed with a fluffy down comforter. A fresh-cut pink peony from the gardens below adorned a quaint wooden table in front of the south-facing window.

This little table would be my writing desk for the week.

I sat down and gazed at the lake view. I was ready to be inspired. To be a conduit for divine thoughts. That empty Word doc in front of me was a blank canvas waiting to be filled with fresh ideas, witty observations, and brilliant musings.

The thing is, I didn’t write a single word.

Something wasn’t quite right, that kept nagging in the back of my mind. I was lonely. Disappointed. This wasn’t supposed to be a solo getaway.

After a few hours of thinking about writing but not writing—and feeling sorry for myself—it was time for dinner. I ordered take-out, set up the little table in my room with a view, and ate dinner in silence. The loneliness grew as the water faded slowly from deep blues to dark grays.

I made one final attempt to write a few lines, but I couldn’t accomplish anything, nor did I have any desire to.

It was just me and my old friend again: the Blinking Cursor. I climbed into the unfamiliar queen-size bed and officially gave up my writing attempts for the day.

The next morning I watched the sunrise on the expansive lake. It was a new day with new possibilities. Maybe I could make up for yesterday’s unproductiveness. I could start fresh, and make some real progress. I sat on the little futon and waited for inspiration to strike.

I waited some more. I paced around, then tried sitting in a different spot. But my body felt restless and my heart was heavy.

I needed to leave.

I packed up and made a final sweep of the room before making my way back home. I didn’t even care that I had booked the room for the whole week. On my way out the door, something caught my eye that I’d missed before. A small decorative pillow on the chair by the door.

The embroidered words read, “Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you’ll realize they were the big things.”

Maybe that was it, I thought.

I didn’t enjoy the little things. I wasn’t truly present. I didn’t accept my circumstances. I was so wrapped up in disappointment and feeling lonely that it completely blocked my creativity and writing flow.

I didn’t appreciate anything about my sad and lonely solo trip. I took the brilliant lake view for granted. I didn’t enjoy the delicate flowers on my little writing table. I ignored the carefree laughter of kids playing and exploring in the gardens.

I avoided conversation with the owner when I checked in for my room key (I was in “alone mode” after all and to write, not to make small talk).

The result? Full-blown writer’s block that stifled my creativity and inspiration.

I learned something on that trip. In order to be the writer I want to be, I needed to accept my circumstances—the good ones and the disappointing ones. I needed to accept—even embrace—the change of plans and all the “little things” that life brings.

What if instead of avoiding that conversation with a stranger, I engaged in what could have become an insightful, memorable connection?

What if instead of closing my window to block out the sound of children’s laughter, I opened it wider to take in the joyful sounds—and humanity—around me?

What if instead of staring at the lake view complacently through the window, I took a break to walk along the shore? To take in the surroundings, feel the breeze, and dip my feet into the cool water.

Since my “failed” solo trip, I’ve learned some things about myself—and found some effective ways to keep writer’s block from overcoming my creative work.

If writer’s block is something you struggle with, incorporate these habits into your writing practice to keep your words and creativity flowing:

• Don’t backspace—No matter what, just keep writing! Yes, even if it turns into a journal entry or veers off from your intended topic. If that does happen, be sure to copy and paste those off-topic thoughts into a “save for another time” folder (they might come in handy later).
• Be present—Worrying about the future or mulling over the past can cause a major writing rut. Unless your goal is to write a piece on “20 Ways To Distract Yourself From Work,” your writing will benefit from practicing mindfulness. Meditating for just 5 to 10 minutes can do wonders for your focus and productivity.
• Practice gratitude—Each day, take a few minutes to make a list of things you’re grateful for. Include the “little” things, like something nice someone said to you earlier in the day or something beautiful you saw on your morning walk. Write them in a journal. Jot them down on a Post-It note. Who knows, those “little things” could be good fodder for future writing projects.
• Set a timer for 30 minutes—If you struggle with procrastination or if the thought of sitting down to write a long piece of content seems daunting, just start out with 30 minutes. Set your timer and start writing. You’ll be motivated by the time-bound urgency. There’s a good chance you’ll be in a creative flow after that initial 30 minutes and continue writing far longer than that.
• Move your body—Take a break to get up and walk around. Just a few minutes of physical activity can supercharge your attention and creativity. Take your dog for a walk, do some stretching, or turn your living room into a dance floor for five minutes.
• Make amends—If something’s nagging your mind or an unresolved conversation is distracting you, take care of it now. Don’t wait until tomorrow, next week, or three months from now. Say what you need to say, do what you need to do. If it’s not possible to have an actual conversation with someone, journal about it. Getting your thoughts out of your head and on paper will clear your head and your creative engine.

In summary, the first step to curing writer’s block is to identify the underlying cause. Then, incorporate these productivity-boosting habits to keep your mind focused and present.

For me, the root cause was getting hung up in loneliness and not being fully present, which turned out to be stifling my creativity. The reason might be entirely different for you, but adding these tips to your writing toolbox will help banish that unrelenting writer’s block for good.

Wishing you mindful, productive, and joyful writing!