Kid Fort Turned Writer's Retreat. And Getting Unblocked!

 Okay, so I'm blocked up.  Creatively constipated if you will.  Maybe I have too many ideas swirling around in this crazy head at once.  Or maybe there really is nothing good going on upstairs.  Whatever it is, I can't find my words.  And now isn't a good time for the creative BLAHS.  I have a few things that I've been trying to work on and they all happen to be due at the end of this month.  Maybe that's it...too much going on a one time. Or maybe I'm trying too hard. I've tried desperately to take my own advice and reread some of my past blogs.  I've been:

• Trying to see the world through the eyes of a child.
• Writing and saying my lists of gratitude
• Journaling
• Writing my ideas out in stream of consciousness
• Smiling often (this is a load of crock.  I've been TRYING.  But more like snarling often).

Last night I realized that I hadn't run for three straight days since my half marathon on Sunday.  Well, duh!  No wonder I can't poop, um, I mean write and get creative.  It has definitely played a part in this creative block.  After my run, things started coming back to me.  I came home feeling full and ready to get cracking with my creative self.  Again, too much going on at once so today I find myself still....STUCK.  

I even tried sitting inside the little fort that my husband recently built for the kids. He was actually building it on Sunday when I came home from my race.  Yes, it is in our living room.  It helped a little.  My son thought it was a game and he sat next to me and played quietly.  In fact, I might just have to make it MY writer's fort.  Maybe I'll even tape up some vision collages and inspirational quotes.  I'll even include some paintings, a throw pillow and a place for books, journals and other writing materials.  Yes!  Who says that mamas can't have their own fort in the living room?  I can even paint a big sign that says "Keep Out!  No Kids Allowed!"  What do you say?  

Help!  What do you do to get your creative juices flowing when they are blocked? How do you break through writer's block when you have a deadline on something?   Usually running, journaling, music, dancing around the house, and spending time getting out with friends does this for me!  But when I'm recovering from a race and I can't just get away with three little kids that need me, I'm feeling a little stuck.

A side note from yesterday's half marathon report:  I am very happy with my race.  :)  I'm owning it!  And as soon as those negative feelings came to me and I started being too hard on myself, I was able to get rid of them and remind myself to celebrate.  It was a great race off of minimal training and I'm proud of myself.  So, no worries...I'm not over here punishing myself and making myself feel bad.  Thank you for your kind and supportive comments.  And for those that haven't given up on my blog even though I'm a horrible blogger right now as far as commenting and responding.  There is just a lot going on so thanks for not "blog dumping" me.  

Amanda