For some reason, since returning to the States, I have had a major problem with creative block – in all things creative. I’m an idea person so I usually am dreaming up ideas left and right knowing that very few, if any will actually turn out. That’s ok with me because it’s part of my process. Dream big – then come back to reality later.
I’ve also had creative block before. It’s not that uncommon but usually I can work through it in an hour or two, a couple days or maybe even a few weeks.
But for the past year, I have had a very difficult time coming up with ideas: ideas for writing, ideas for films, ideas for photos, ideas for anything creative. And the few ideas I have been able to come up with have been like pulling teeth. It has been very frustrating to say the least. Needless to say, it has been the longest creative block I have ever experienced.
In the past year, I have gone through a lot of changes which is weird because change usually inspires me. Even after moving to Atlanta and finding fellow creative-minded friends, I struggled because I could see all the cool projects they were coming up with and working on while I couldn’t even think of anything to do. It’s like when you take a test and draw a blank to a question. That feeling – for a year! Ah! And let’s not talk about how hard it is to practice getting better at filmmaking when you can’t even come up with a storyline!
I’ve also been quite frustrated with God to be honest. I feel God has placed a pretty specific call on my life as to the direction he wants me to go in filmmaking. He has slowly showed me what he wants me to do with my life as I’ve followed him around the world the past few years with his latest leading bringing me to Atlanta.
This has added to my frustration – I’m where God wants me to be. I’m pursuing what God wants me to be pursuing. So why do I still have this creative block making me feel like I’m not living up to my potential but leaving me feeling like I’m just stuck?
It’s like a big trust exercise with God that some days I’m really good at and other days I’m really horrible at.
Thankfully, in the past 2 weeks I have finally had a breakthrough. Not only have I made 2 videos but I have come up with 2 series ideas as well as a couple other random video ideas. I’m not going to lie. It felt really good. Like I was back on track. Not that these are groundbreaking videos but it was me creating something – which felt really good.
Who knows if the creative block has actually passed or if this is a temporary break but either way, this has reignited my passion for pursuing the future God has called me to.
Below are some of the videos I’ve been working on.
City Escape
The Dreamer
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This may or may not be encouraging, but I also read this quote this morning and I think it goes along with what you are feeling and thought I’d share:
“We tend to think that if Jesus Christ compels us to do something and we are obedient to Him, He will lead us to great success. We should never have the thought that our dreams of success are God’s purpose for us. In fact, His purpose may be exactly the opposite. We have the idea that God is leading us toward a particular end or a desired goal, but He is not. The question of whether or not we arrive at a particular goal is of little importance, and reaching it becomes merely an episode along the way. What we see as only the process of reaching a particular end, God sees as the goal itself.” — Oswald Chambers
God has called you to Atlanta, so He is showing you something, whether you create anything or not. Just keep in mind that He is working through you no matter what!
YES! That is what I wanted to say but didn’t know how to say it. My whole life has been that way I feel like. God gave me one passion which morphed into another and another. I’m obviously on film right now but for the first time He has given me a long term vision for it so I of course assumed it was here to stay. But he could be preparing me for something else. Who knows! But you are right – he is working through me no matter what – even if I don’t always feel like it! haha So this is definitely something I needed 🙂 Thanks!