For as long as I can remember, creativity has been my comfort zone. It’s my ticket to understanding myself, my relationships, and the world around me. But let me tell you—a creative spark doesn’t always light itself on demand, especially when you’re juggling deadlines, laundry, and the occasional existential crisis (or is that just me?). Over the years, I’ve developed a handful of quirky yet effective rituals that fuel my writing and keep my imagination humming along. Whether you’re crafting novels, love letters, or just trying to unlock your next great idea at work, these rituals might just help you, too.
Setting the Scene: Coffee, Candles, and a Beyoncé Mindset
I’m a firm believer that ambiance matters. Creative flow doesn’t just turn up on your doorstep like a DoorDash order—you have to set the mood. For me, that often starts with two non-negotiables: a strong cup of Ethiopian coffee (brewed with scandalous amounts of sugar) and a candle that smells like an expensive library. I’m talking leather, sandalwood, a hint of mystery—basically, it’s the bottled scent of Idris Elba reading poetry.
Then, the playlist. Here’s the thing: music is like emotional scaffolding. My go-to? A healthy dose of Sade for introspection mixed with Beyoncé for that “I’m unstoppable” energy. Because you can’t tackle writer’s block feeling like a side character, right? Channel your inner main character energy. Even if you’re just sitting in comfy socks with frizzy hair, let Beyoncé remind you that greatness doesn’t wait for better hair days.
Actionable Tip: Whether it’s candles, coffee, or a dedicated playlist, create a sensory ritual that tells your brain: It’s go-time.
Morning Pages: Love Letters to My Brain
Julia Cameron wasn’t lying when she hyped up morning pages in The Artist’s Way. Writing three pages of whatever comes to mind first thing in the morning is cheaper than therapy and oddly clarifying, even if most entries read like “Ugh, why is iced coffee $7 now? Inflation is RUINING me.”
For me, morning pages aren’t about inventing the next great American novel. They’re more like a judgment-free zone for my creativity. On some days, I’ll come away with a poetic gem or a half-decent essay idea, and on others, all I manage is a stream-of-consciousness rant about why my plants refuse to thrive, even though I treated them to distilled water.
It’s cathartic, low stakes, and sometimes surprisingly profound—kind of like those deep 2 a.m. conversations you have with yourself when you’re procrastinating sleep.
Actionable Tip: Start with five uninterrupted minutes of morning writing. It doesn’t have to sound smart or polished—this is where the raw ideas live.
People-Watching: Because Humans Are Weird and Wonderful
One of the greatest joys of living in Dallas is the sheer range of personalities out and about. Sometimes, if I feel stuck, I’ll grab a pen and notebook, head to a bustling park or café, and let the city be my muse. Watching strangers interact in their natural habitat is like sketching rough drafts of stories. (Pro tip: The best material often comes from overheard snippets of awkward first dates or couples “discussing” their IKEA furniture assembly experience. Pure gold.)
Here’s the thing—not all inspiration comes from glamorous or obvious sources. Sometimes it’s the way a stranger laughs or the odd pause someone takes in conversation that sparks an idea about human connection. Remember, creativity isn’t about waiting for lightning to strike; it’s about running out into the rain with a bucket.
Actionable Tip: Grab your journal and spend an hour at a café, park, or even the airport (chaos central), jotting down observations. You’ll be surprised by what sticks.
The Solo Date: Unplugging for Inspiration
Call me old-fashioned, but there’s something profoundly restorative about being alone with your thoughts. I’ve made a tradition out of taking myself on solo dates to art museums, film screenings, or vintage bookstores. One time, I ended up at a wine-and-paint class by myself, sipping Merlot while my canvas spiraled into Picasso-meets-chaotic-scenes-at-a-Bravo-reunion territory. Did the painting come out great? Absolutely not. Did the experience stir my creativity? Absolutely.
From traditional art to my favorite indie cinema, these quiet moments always bring me back to myself. Plus, they serve as a potent reminder that creativity thrives in spaces uninhibited by the distractions of emails, group chats, and doom-scrolling Twitter (or whatever Twitter’s called this month).
Actionable Tip: Give yourself permission to unplug and hang out with one person who truly gets you—yourself. Whether it’s an art class, a solo dinner, or a walk through a botanical garden, find something that feeds your spirit.
Food = Fuel, but Make It Fun
I’ll be honest: My best ideas often arrive when my hands are busy kneading dough, chopping garlic, or creating something edible that looks and smells far more impressive than it probably tastes. Cooking is more than sustenance for me; it’s a metaphor for the writing process. You start with raw ingredients (a few scattered ideas), combine them in new and surprising ways (plot twists, metaphors, plot twist about the metaphor), and end up with something worth savoring (if you’re lucky).
There’s also something about focusing on a tactile task—smashing avocados for guacamole or browning butter for cookies—that frees up the mind to wander into creative possibilities. Sometimes, unlocking creative mojo is as simple as letting your brain off the leash while you create something delicious.
Actionable Tip: Step away from the blank page, get your hands dirty in the kitchen, and let the act of creation jumpstart your ideas. Bonus points if you pair it with a feel-good playlist.
Gentle Self-Talk (and a Side of Tough Love)
True story: I once spent an entire afternoon spiraling because I couldn’t find the perfect opening line for a chapter. Eventually, as the sun set and my frustration reached Defcon 1, I looked into the mirror and said, “Girl, calm down. It’s a first draft, not a eulogy.”
While the pep talk wasn’t exactly the stuff of inspirational wall decals, it worked. Being creative—whether you’re writing or figuring out new ways to impress your crush—requires giving yourself grace to stumble. Perfectionism is the sneaky enemy of creative freedom, and trust me, it loves to lurk around when you’re trying something new.
Some days, you’ll feel like a genius. Other days, you’ll be 20 minutes into a task and Googling “How to stop procrastinating on Pinterest.” Both are okay. Just keep showing up for yourself.
Actionable Tip: When self-doubt creeps in, approach it the way you’d comfort a nervous friend before a big date: Playful kindness over cruel criticism. Give yourself room to grow.
Bringing It All Together: Celebrate Your Tiny Wins
Creativity isn’t about waiting for some big epiphany moment; it’s the incremental magic that happens when we show up consistently. Maybe that means writing one paragraph, painting one lousy flower, or discovering that the couple arguing in IKEA today could inspire tomorrow’s witty scene in a screenplay.
The secret sauce? Treating creativity like a relationship—something that needs nurturing, attention, and a bit of humor to survive the wobbly days.
So, whether your outlet is journaling, cooking, storytelling, or just curating the perfect playlist for a solo dance session, remember: Creativity isn’t reserved for a lucky few. It’s waiting for you to claim it, ritual by ritual.
Because if I’ve learned anything, it’s this: The most meaningful creations aren’t the ones that come easily; they’re the ones that require a little coffee, a lot of patience, and maybe just one track of Beyoncé telling us to keep shining.
