The Creative Ebb and Flow by Edina Jackson

A nagging voice, a subtle friction within,

questions the worth of each forming thought.

Is this authentic? Will it touch anyone?

Or simply vanish into the endless stream?

The source of inspiration can feel depleted,

a heavy stillness where creativity should flow.

The pressure to continually innovate,

to offer something resonant, something new.

A quiet ache of comparison arises,

observing finished works against raw beginnings.

Another's visible success casting a pall

on the solitary, gradual unfolding.

The precarious balance: devotion and survival.

The necessity of earning a living draining

the energy needed for the core passion.

Sacrifices made, focus diverted.

The vulnerability of presenting one's core,

open to scrutiny, to indifference.

The sharp edge of critique, the pain of being unseen.

The worry that the spark will diminish,

the inner spring will cease,

leaving only memories of past creations.

Yet, the unwavering pull persists,

the profound need to shape, to express,

a resilient ember glowing despite

the inherent challenges.

How do you cope with the ebb and flow of being a creative?

Right now, I'm doing 100 articles in 30 days, this is day 12 of the challenge. I've published 21 articles in that time, and this is my 22nd piece. I'm almost halfway through the challenge, so I have to step up my efforts to complete the 100 articles in 30 days. I know I can do it because I've done it before on Medium, and I'm fully focused on getting this done.

➡️ If you enjoy reading my work, and would like to support my creative journey, please do so here.

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