Olabayo J. Awodirepo
(Witty_Pen)
Day 5/365
Reawaken Your Muse
Yesterday, while writing about “muse and momentum,” one question was on my mind: how do you find or reawaken your muse? For many creative writers, this phase is what we often call “writer’s block.” It’s that frustrating moment when the ballpoint refuses to release its ink, no matter how hard you try.
If you’ve ever felt like all your creative outlets are blocked, welcome to my clinic (lol). Here are five tested and proven steps to help you reawaken your muse:
1. Reconnect with Your Passions
Think back to what used to make you happy. Did you love dancing, writing poetry, or taking things apart just to see how they work? Revisit those old flames.
For me, writing has always been my ultimate form of creative expression. While searching for my muse, who has been playing hide and seek with me, I decided to write about it. And voila! She appeared, as if I had just proposed marriage to her.
A friend once told me, “Even when you think you have writer’s block, you can still write about how writer’s block affects a writer.” At the time, it didn’t make much sense. But later, I got it. Sometimes, the key to unlocking creativity is just starting, even if it feels forced.
2. Declutter Your Mind
No muse thrives in the midst of rògbòdìyàn (chaos or drama). Clear your mental space. Meditate, take a walk, or write down all those nagging thoughts.
Let the things weighing you down find a creative outlet so your muse can regain its freedom. I’ve found that even a simple brain dump can clear enough mental space to spark inspiration.
3. Engage with Nature
Sometimes, the best ideas come when you step outside. Walk in a park, sit by a river, or just observe the sky. Nature doesn’t try to be creative; it simply is. I once found inspiration while watching ants carry crumbs; their teamwork triggered an idea about persistence.
4. Create a Routine
Your muse loves consistency. Set aside a specific time to create, even when inspiration feels far away.
For me, this 365-day writing challenge is my way of training my muse to show up regularly. Maybe for you, it’s writing once a week or painting every other day. Whatever you choose, stick with it. Think of it like training a pet—show up consistently, and your muse will learn to meet you there.
5. Stay Curious and Open-Minded
Ask questions, explore unfamiliar topics, and try new things. Curiosity is like a VIP pass to your muse’s secret hideout. Once, I read about the life cycle of a jellyfish just because I was curious. Somehow, that led to a poem about transformation. Never underestimate the power of random explorations.
Your muse is out there, waiting for you to take the first step. Start with what you have, no matter how small. Momentum will do the rest.