7 TIPS TO SPARK INSPIRATION
As a songwriter, I’m always looking for things to inspire a new song, but that spark is often hard to come by. I hit slumps where I don’t want to write or don’t know what to say. Other times, the perfectionist in me gets in the way, stifling creativity entirely.
Everyone gets stuck sometimes, so here are some practical ways I find inspiration when I feel I’ve hit a roadblock.
chat With Friends
As simple as it sounds, I am often inspired by the people around me, the things that they are doing and the stories they have to tell. Sometimes I just have to pick up the phone, call a friend and ask “How are you doing today?” Whether they’re telling me about their day, their work, their relationships or the things that fill their time, I’m continually ignited with not only joy at seeing them live their lives but also gratitude that they are in mine. When the harder conversations come around, those moments can bring me back to the songwriting drawing board seeking to process and understand.
Listen to a Bangin’ Playlist
Enjoying someone else’s art is another way that I loosen up and find inspiration. When I’m stuck in my head or feeling low, turning on my favorite tunes is a huge mood booster and helps bring me back down to Earth. Listening to my favorite artists inspires me to create and tell stories that are near and dear to me, and it also helps me feel connected to songwriting and music even when I’m stepping back from actively writing. Whether you love to sing along in the shower, the car or make your living room a dance floor, put on your favorite playlist and just enjoy!
Mini Date With Myself
Between work, home, family and friends, I have a tendency to let intentional time to myself fall by the wayside. When things are piling up and I’m feeling swamped, time by myself is usually the first thing to go. However, I’m realizing as I get older that time by myself can bring me a lot of peace and clarity when things are hectic and I’m feeling run down. Whether it’s taking myself on a coffee or boba date, listening to my favorite podcast on a drive, making jewelry or snagging a few new plants, I’m often a healthier and happier person when I’ve prioritized my relationship with myself, and then I feel more inclined to tap into my creative side!
Spend Time Outside
I’m sure you’ve heard it before, but time outside is one of the easier ways to spark inspiration because nature is all around us! While I love special hikes and fancy gardens, sometimes a simple walk around the neighborhood is all I need to find that inspiration I’ve been looking for. Get out into the sunshine, breathe in the fresh air and fawn over some beautiful flowers. If it makes you smile and encourages you to be present, find time to experience nature in whatever way you can.
create a Mood Board
You all know how much I love color, and vision boards are the best way for me to lean into that part of me! Compiling pictures and creating an aesthetic gives me space to dream. Even if I’m just making a board on Pinterest and saving photos that are intriguing or interesting, I’m still doing something that engages my creative instincts and flexes that muscle. Maybe I finish a board and just end up with a feeling. That’s a spark in itself, and feelings inspire events everywhere all the time. It can certainly inspire a new song.
Travel
Although there hasn’t been a lot of travel happening these days, I’ve been dreaming up some trips and I’m so ready to hit the road. For those seasons when you aren’t able to take a trip, allow yourself to brainstorm and dream about your next trip. It doesn’t matter if it’ll be a while before it comes to fruition. Just thinking about different trips and planning them out has been half of the fun for me, and just knowing that good things are coming soon has reshaped my perspective.
Play Dress Up
This one can sometimes go hand-in-hand with taking yourself on a date, but who doesn’t love to get dressed up in an amazing outfit and show it off? Even if you don’t go anywhere, you can snap some pics and hype yourself up. I truly believe that a good outfit can make you feel so much more ready to tackle your day, so change into something that makes you feel empowered, turn on some music and have some fun!