It's been a while, sorry about that. I feel like as lockdown has gone on and despite getting to grips with it a little more, I can't say the same for my creativity. Weeks 1-3 saw me get creative with my content, self shooting in ways I hadn't since the beginning of my blogging life and I woke each day with something new I wanted to shoot and to share, I was enjoying chatting with you on Instagram Stories and I just felt like I had a bit of purpose to my day. Weeks 4-6 were sadly a little different and I felt I lost my mojo a little bit. I was more tired in a morning which meant for naughty lie ins, I didn't have my lists in check with things I wanted to shoot and to share and to be perfectly honest I worried that my day-to-day life was a little boring for y'all to see on Instagram Stories, particularly as it was often me doing the same thing day in, day out.
However, that being said I wouldn't say it's all been bad. I'm still enjoying creating content, feeling a little more relaxed with what I share and when I share it which has been really refreshing and has put a whole lotta joy back into what I do. Creativity is one of those things that comes in waves, it comes and it goes and it's important to embrace the lulls and then work a little harder to pull yourself out of them and get creating once again. I've struggled with creative lulls in the past, I mean, haven't we all? So I thought today that I'd share how I get my creative mojo back up and running, in case you're also having a creative lull whilst in lockdown and beyond.
Personally, one of my favourite ways to get creative is through fashion and styling myself on a daily basis. Usually when a creative lull hits, the last thing I want to do is to get dressed or even think about styling myself, however much I know that it will help me out. So thats my first tip, try and find the strength to get yourself up and ready, it truly does make such a difference to my day when I make the effort with my appearance.
Styling has always been a huge passion of mine so getting stuck into my wardrobe and finding a look or looks that make me feel great always kick start that creative mojo of mine. That outfit or outfits will then usually lend themselves to content creation which is another passion of mine so it's a double whammy win for me.
But even if styling and content creation isn't your creative outlet, still try and get yourself ready in an outfit that makes you feel good, it does wonders for any mojo you may be in need of.
Secondly and I guess quite predictably is list making... Sorry but what can I say, I just love myself a list. I have a list on my phone of content I want to create, this might simply be to shoot my outfit, to take a photo of my latest cocktail recipe or a reminder to shoot the new shoes I've treated myself to. This list works wonders for the days when I'm feeling good and creative, it gives me something to strive for, to work towards and allows me to strike whilst the iron is hot and the creative juices are-a-flowing!
Thirdly is all about finding inspiration and how you can find it everywhere. I started a lil series on my Instagram for this very point and I'm so thrilled that you've been enjoying it and finding it inspiring too. Looking at the mundane and taking some form of inspiration works wonders for me and opening my eyes to different colour combinations and textures aplenty. Whether it's nature, fruit, veg, a particularly inspiring sandwich or the colour of your favourite book, try and look at things through a different set of eyes and take the inspiration with you.
And finally, and with inspiration in mind look to others to inspire you, whether that be those on Instagram, characters on TV, in films and books, those you see walking down the street, anyone. Whilst I never condone completely ripping someone off there's nothing wrong in looking to others to find the inspiration you need to put together a new outfit, to create a piece of art, a photograph or a piece of writing. I have countless folders in the "saved" section of Instagram that I look to for all of the above and it works wonders for when I'm feeling a bit "meh" about creating that day.
Basically, take inspiration from wherever and whenever you can. It doesn't have to be something that someone else finds inspiring (I was inspired by the colours of a tuna and avocado sandwich after all) it's about how you look at it and what you take from it that matters. Try and bring yourself out of your creative lulls by doing what you love, whether thats getting ready, watching something on Netflix that you love and that you might be inspired by (Lorelai Gilmore and Carrie Bradshaw are forever inspiring me with their outfits) or simply having a little scroll through Instagram, Pinterest of a magazine, inspiration is all around us, strike whilst the creative iron is hot, don't force it, don't plagiarise, just do what you can to be inspired and to get your creativity flowing once more.
I hope this helped in some way be it big or small. I'd love to hear your tips for getting your creative mojo back again. Let's discuss in the comments.
x M
And despite having two new dresses on their way to me, I don't think I'll be adding too much more to my wardrobe over the next couple of months. I'm simply enjoying wearing the pieces from last summer and the summer before too much.
Styling them in a way that I haven't before and sharing them with you both here and on Instagram. I do hope that you're exploring your summer clothes and styling yourself up, even if it's just for your supermarket trip or your daily walk, honestly a good outfit goes a long way for making you feel that little bit better.
And as this look is sadly no longer available I've linked some of my favourite summer dresses and hats for you in case you're in need of a little retail therapy. Cause as much as I think it's great to rediscover your older pieces, retail therapy can also work wonders for your mood too, if you buy wisely of course. My little shopping edit of dresses and hats is just over to the left, with a song that will make you smile over to the right... Go on, give it a listen and try and tell me that it doesn't make you grin.
Lots of love and stay safe.
x M
Thanks, Megan for your positive vibes!
You always inspire me for dressing up!
It takes me a lot of control to get up early and do some work every day, but some things in my wardrobe make me happier and more productive.
But what about accessories? I can’t wear it at home at all! No rings no necklaces. It’s so sad because of my home outfits may be more interesting and more finished.
Ohhhh that is truly so amazing to hear and means so much! I totally agree how getting ready each day can spark creativity and motivation. I still make the effort to add pieces of jewellery, hats, belts etc even when at home ’cause as you said it finishes off a look and makes things more interesting even if just for me and George to see haha. x
I loved reading this, although I’ve just finished my Uni assignments online and right now enjoying the free I have. However, even on my ‘day off’ I can never sit still .. I always find something to do. Sometimes a list will help clear my head if I want to be productive and the sense of ticking each thing, shows me I have done a lot for myself. In other words, I have done enough for me, for what makes me happy and there is no pressure at all. I have definitely done a lot of online shopping but more so, gives me the chance to explore my routine of skincare, or even gym wear! I’m finding things to do, that I enjoy and just making the most of my ‘days off’ shall we say.
You and me both Hayley I am SO bad at sitting still! It drives my boyfriend mad as he loves a good chilled day but for me they just don’t exist, I have to be doing something even if thats simply reading, I can’t just sit in front of the sofa and watch TV all day as much as I would love to be that person.
I get the same sense of achievement from ticking things off from my list which then allows me to relax, we sound very alike haha. Side note; What is your star sign? I’d love to know.
Lots of love x
I have been thinking a lot about this too, particularly how to stay inspired whilst being limited by your immediate environment. I feel exactly the same way as you Megan – for the first few weeks in lockdown, I had so many ideas, but lately that inspiration has been waning and I’ve been having a hard time motivating myself. I am also constantly trying to find that sweet spot between internal and external inspiration. While I love social media and how it has allowed everyone to become their own creative directors, I also struggle with how it can lend itself to endless scrolling, hindering creativity as a result. Much of my inspiration comes from photos I see people post on Instagram or Pinterest, but I have tried to become more mindful about how I consume content; I am slowing down and trying to ask myself why I’m drawn to an image, as well as using the Instagram Save feature to create mini moodboards for myself. Additionally, I’m trying to find the muse within myself rather than constantly looking outwards. The main way I do this is by journaling – it has been an extremely cathartic process and I think it’ll be really nice to look back and see where I was at emotionally during this period of time. I actually wrote a whole blog post about finding inspiration and finding that balance between external/internal inspiration if anyone is interested: https://www.thesydneystories.com/staying-inspired-in-quarantine/
Your content is always so uplifting Megan 🙂 thank you for continuing to share your thoughts and style – it makes things feel slightly more normal!
Sydney | thesydneystories.com
I absolutely LOVE the thought of finding the muse within myself. That is such a beautiful phrase and certainly something I’m going to try and do more of from now on. I totally agree that the endless scrolling can hind creativity as well as offering creative inspiration too.
I must say Sydney, I adore reading your comments. The way you write is so beautiful and engaging, I wish I could articulate myself the way you do <3 lots of love to you x
You are so right, creativity does come in waves and somehow thats the beauty of it and what makes our creativity so unique! Keep doing what you’re doing, loving all of your posts!
Also that dress is divine!!!!