The Five Minute Friday word for the week is Motivate. Do you sometimes have trouble finding motivation? I know I do.
After the busyness of the holidays I did not have much motivation to post on my blog.
I did still have little bursts of creativity writing poems and making collages in my art journal.
But for the most part I could not seem to get motivated to do the things I knew I needed to do. Sometimes I think we need time to just rest and not be super productive.
Maybe by resting we can find motivation again.
Writing Prompts
One thing that helps me to write is following prompts whether they be in the form of words or pictures. Here is one from Day 6 of a writing challenge by Beth Morey of She of the Wild where the prompt was ice crystals.
When I’m feeling stuck I often go outside either on the porch or to take a walk. I usually have my phone with me so I can take photos of things that stand out to me.
Collecting Materials from Nature or Magazines
Another thing that inspires and gets me going is having materials ready to choose from to make collages and found poetry. I collected these photos, words and materials in order to be ready for a gluebooking party on Instagram tonight.
Take Time to Pray for Motivation
When I can’t seem to find words for a blog post I try not to let it bother me. Writing to get something out there is not what I prefer.
I want my words to be real and authentic, not forced.
I find it’s better for me to pray about it and wait for the words to come. Sometimes I am surprised at what finally inspires me. Later someone tells me it was just what they needed at the time. I’m learning that God’s timing is always best even in my writing endeavors.
What about you? What do you do to find motivation?
I’m linking up with: #FiveMinuteFriday, #Glimpses, #LMMLinkup, #InspireMeMonday, #TrekkingThru, #TeaAndWord, #SundayThoughtsLinkup, #porchstories, #HeartEncouragement, #TuneInThursday
Gayle, I know how you felt. I am motivated this year to do more in my writing. I really loved your tips. Hope to see you on Monday too. Thank you for the inspiration you give to me.
Dear Mary,
Thanks for stopping by! I really want to do more with writing this year, too. Glad you like my tips. 🙂 It feel good to finally write blog posts again. I would love to link up with #LMMLinkup on Monday. Thanks for hosting and being such an inspiration to others. I love how we can encourage each other. Blessings to you! xo
God’s timing is indeed the best. Love your photo collages friend. I’m trying to be more aware and see the beauty around me too. I’m in the 57 spot this week.
Thanks, Tara! I’m glad you enjoyed the collages. Being aware of the beauty around us is not always easy to do, is it? I think it’s something we keep having to work on. At least I know I do. Blessings to you, dear friend! xo
I love your ideas and your art journal – one of the things I think I would enjoy, but there never seems to be time to even think about it!
Thanks, Barbara! Art journaling is fun and also relaxing. The best part is that it’s easy and there are no rules. I’ve been using a simple composition book and covering it with collages. The nice thing is that you don’t really have to finish a page in one sitting. You could take a few minutes to thumb through a magazine cutting out words or pictures that stand out to you. Another time you could come back and put a few pics on a page. Later you could add words or other embellishments like washi tape or really anything that you think of. Sometimes weeks go by before I do any, but I want to make time more often because it really does help to inspire me. If you do try it out, I’d love to hear what you think!
Blessings to you!
Dear Gayl,
Yes, God reminded me again this week, that His timing for rest is always the best way too! I still find myself chafing against days of quietness, but whenever I place myself back in His loving hands, I realize His ways are truly best. I so enjoyed being able to join in for even just one gluebook prompt last night. He gives us more GRACE doesn’t He? Thank you for bringing such beautiful inspiration, dear friend! Love & Hugs! xoxo
Dear Bettie,
I’m so glad you stopped by! Your words are always encouraging to me. I guess God has to keep teaching us that His ways are best. Sometimes I think we are slow learners, but we’re getting there. 🙂 So glad you could join in with at least one prompt last night. I’m going to try to finish the other two today. I’m so glad to be able to inspire you even just a little! Blessings to you my artistic poet/writer/sister/friend! xoxo
I’ve been feeling stuck for a long time. I should check out writing prompts. Where do I go to get some good ones?
Writing prompts help me a lot especially when I’m stuck. There’s the challenge I mentioned in the post, and my daughter has a free poetry ecourse which also has prompts in it. I know there are more. Let me take some time and I’ll see what I can find and get back to you. 🙂
Thanks for visiting, Barbie! Many blessings to you!
I’ve been in that same boat a time or two. It really is interesting where motivation can spring forth from when stop looking so hard.
You’re right. Sometimes we look so hard we can’t find it. Then it comes unexpectedly. 🙂
Thanks for visiting, Lisa. Blessings to you!
You’re so right that God’s timing is best, Gayl! Sometimes I don’t recognize His timing, though–especially when it comes to writing. If I discipline myself to sit down in front of the computer with my Bible open, I often find He’s ready to show me something that needs written even if I didn’t realize it.
And yes, writing prompts are super-fun. I especially like them for flash fiction!
I know His timing is best. When I try so hard and no words seem to come, then I know it’s best to wait. Then one day I start writing and the words just come and I know it’s His timing. And I realize I shouldn’t have worried about it, because the words will come when they are supposed to.
Writing prompts are fun. I mainly use them for poetry, but sometimes I write something more. Thanks for visiting today, Carole. Blessings to you!
God’s timing can never be forced and since God is the keeper of the words, I understand what it feels like to be stuck. However, your art journaling always is a treat for my eyes and I love your haikus. Maybe you just need to think in small increments for now. Happy New Year, friend!
Thanks so much for your encouraging words, Mary! Small increments is a good idea. I am having fun with the art journaling and the haiku. It’s fun, relaxing and sometimes challenging. I know my blog posts are better when I do wait for God’s timing and that’s what I want to do.
Blessings to you! xo
Lovely blog, there is time for everything, including time to take a rest and let go out things. Love your twitter sentences.
Thank you, Elizabeth! Yes, and it’s important to make sure we rest and let things go at times. 🙂 Thanks for visiting. Have a great day!
Blessings to you!
When I have trouble writing, I have learned to set it aside and take a break. Most of the time when I come back, I have new insight or find just the right words. Forcing it never turns out as well. I think that the space created by waiting gives me the opportunity to let God speak instead of me! thanks!
It’s a good idea to set aside the writing for a bit when we have trouble. I sometimes wait too long to take a break, then I’m so glad when I do because I come back refreshed. Yes, I agree that waiting gives us space to listen to what God as for us. Thanks so much for visiting, Karen! Blessings to you!
You are so artsy fartsy. Love all the poetry and collages.
Thanks, Susan! I’m glad you love them!
Blessings to you! xoxo
“He giveth grace.” I needed that reminder today. I love the coziness of the art that you shared. My children provide motivation often times for me. I want to write about something that we shared together, because I do not trust my memory, and I am afraid that I will forget it. I hope that you have a lovely day!
I think I need that reminder every day. I’m glad you find the art cozy. 🙂 I hoped to get that message across. Children can give us so much to write about, can’t they? 🙂 What a blessing! I started keeping journals many years ago when we first started homeschooling, and I’ve seen so many memories that I would have forgotten had I not written about them.
Blessings to you, Jo! Thanks for stopping by.
Gayl this is right on. And simple. And beautiful. I am reading a book called The Burden is Light, about how our fight for success wears us out and Jesus has a different kind of thing in mind, I believe, which is deep within has a lot less to do with the coming and going as it does the deep work within us. It is a great read and what I need. I came from living a life of feeling worthless and depression so when God led me to writing, it was like I came out of a shell. But now, I have to daily take everything to him and remember he is who I live for, and whom all things flow. I really appreciate this and enjoyed seeing these photos of your process. We like to do things like this at home too. Love you bunches and prayers for you as you experience God’s rest and a new sense of motivation.
Thank you, Meghan! My writing and artwork are things that have helped me come out of my shell. I used to be so shy and feel like my work wasn’t good enough. Now I know that my worth doesn’t depend on me or my work but my identity is in Christ. But I do have to remember daily, like you, to take things to God and not worry. He is always faithful and I know He will work things out for the best. I’m glad you enjoyed the post and photos. 🙂 It’s so fun to make collages and write poetry. It’s also relaxing and can be an act of worship as I want to glorify Him in all my work.
Much love to you, dear Meghan! Blessings to you! xo