Why licking your elbow might be the answer to writer's block
Last night, I took the Mrs. out for Mexican food - her absolute favorite.
We were celebrating her last day of summer before she heads back to the classroom as a teacher.
When the waitress came, my wife blanked.
I thought it was strange because she always gets the same thing.
"Uh, can you give us a minute?" I told the waitress.
"Enchiladas!" my wife blurted out as soon as the waitress left. "That's what I want! 1 chicken. 1 cheese. Cheese dip on the top."
A bit too cheesy for me, but hey, it's her order.
Anyway...here's the thing:
Everyone has brain farts.
You know what you like.
You know what works.
But sometimes...
You forget.
It happens to me all the time when I'm writing a newsletter.
I sit down, ready to write, and and I'm like a cat that's just spotted a cucumber. Startled. Baffled.
My mind suddenly as empty as a politician's promises.
But just like my wife remembered her favorite dish as soon as the pressure was off, I've learned to give myself a moment to reset.
I step away from the keyboard, juggle some apples (poorly), or try to lick my elbow.
And then, just like a unicorn appearing at a petting zoo, the words start flowing again.
The ideas that were playing hide-and-seek in my brain come out of their hiding spots.
So, here's your reminder for today:
If you're stuck, don't panic.
Take a breath.
Do something ridiculous.
Your "eureka" moment will come, probably when you least expect it.
And when it does, celebrate it with a cheesy enchilada.
Your creativity is always there, waiting for you to coax it out with a bit of weirdness.