In the ever-changing landscape of my creative journey, I’ve often found myself wandering through deserts of inspiration, where weeks pass by without a drop of creative rain in sight. These arid stretches can be disheartening, but I’ve learned to understand that they are a natural part of my creative process.

During these times, I’ve come to embrace the dry spell. I accept it as a phase of growth, much like the natural cycles of rain and drought. This acknowledgment helps alleviate the pressure I sometimes put on myself and provides a sense of reassurance.

Discipline has become my steadfast companion when inspiration seems elusive. I set specific times for my creative work and stick to them. It’s amazing how the act of creating can sometimes kickstart my inspiration, even in the midst of the creative desert.

I’ve discovered that new experiences are like the life-giving rain that can rejuvenate my creative spirit. Stepping out of my comfort zone, trying new hobbies, exploring uncharted territories, and connecting with new people often sparks fresh ideas and perspectives.

Keeping an inspiration journal has become a habit. I jot down quotes, images, random thoughts, and anything else that piques my interest. When the creative well runs dry, revisiting my inspiration journal can reignite my creative spark.

I’ve realized that I shouldn’t go it alone during these uninspiring times. Seeking out fellow creatives, mentors, or like-minded individuals can offer fresh perspectives and remind me that I’m not alone in this journey.

Sometimes, I’ve found that mental clutter is the culprit behind the drought. Practicing mindfulness and meditation to clear my thoughts can make a world of difference. A calm mind often becomes a fertile ground for inspiration to bloom.

Learning something new has been my secret to breaking the creative drought. It’s like a sudden downpour in the desert, awakening my creative thinking. Expanding my knowledge, exploring different fields, and trying new things has allowed new angles and ideas to sprout.

For me, solace and inspiration come from turning to God’s word and prayer. It’s a practice that connects me to a higher source of creativity, offering solace and guidance during these dry spells. Similarly, picking up my guitar and singing the Book of Psalms has been a deeply spiritual and creative experience. The Psalms are a wellspring of emotion and expression, where my spirit meets divine inspiration.

I’ve come to understand that creativity is a journey, not a destination. Embracing patience and perseverance during these dry spells and trusting that inspiration will return is vital. My commitment to my craft is the rain that breaks the drought and leads me back to a flourishing creative landscape.

In the grand scheme of my creativity, I’ve learned to remember the seasons. Just as nature has planting and gathering seasons, my creative journey has its cycles. During the planting season, I sow the seeds of my creativity in the hearts of others, sharing my work, inspiring, and uplifting those around me. In the gathering season, I allow someone to plant something in me, remaining open to new ideas, experiences, and perspectives. I’ve come to embrace the ebb and flow of creativity as an integral part of my creative journey.

In the end, I’ve come to see that creative droughts are but momentary pauses in my lifelong creative journey. With these strategies, my deeply spiritual practices, and an awareness of the creative seasons, I can weather the desert of inspiration, knowing that new ideas will flourish once more. And I always keep in mind that “The darkest hours hold the most potential for light.”

—Josh Mullins—