This past semester I felt like I was the only one who's life was falling apart as I failed two classes and other life problems kept piling up. I couldn't tend to my writing or photography and looked for work as I tried to juggle classes. Scrolling through Instagram reels helped me realize that I’m not the only one who has had a difficult season and I enjoyed watching everyone's solution to their failed attempts at life this season. I too decided to stand back and not let the fear of failure to keep me from pursuing my dreams. So I'm taking this new season in a trip to Honduras and Costa Rica to respark my desire for creativity-- even if it is part time.
Here are some suggestions you can take to help you take advantage of dry spells in your creative journey.
Take a rest
During my time on this trip, I have found ways to rest my mind to reset and recharge my batteries. I sorrounded myself around people who encouraged me to start fresh next semester and took time for myself by taking lots of street photography in and around Cuidad Quesada, Costa Rica. Our trip to Honduras was cancelled but you could follow along to many of my updates of the trip in Costa Rica on Twitter at @rosawritesss #rosastraveljournal. You'll find a lot of my observations and quirky details as I have encountered this trip.
Take a walk in nature
I miss a lot of my nature walks back home in Florida. There's nothing like the fresh air of home back home and picking fresh leaves from bushes as I walk barefoot in tjr grass. However, a change of scenery does good to help you live your mood and walking in sandals along the dirt roads of CQ is almost like walking barefoot so it helps me get reacquainted with the nature on this side of the world.
Take a notepad and camera with you
I find that physically writing down your observations helps relieve my stress and it is a spiritual and personal release that allows me to document my thoughts as I record every event. I love to take my camera with me on walks after I become accquainted with the town. Going back to town after the third or fourth time with a camera helps me to capture details that I didn't see beforehand. You can follow my portfolio and recent pictures of CQ on Instagram @rosa.behindthelens and on Ello.co/rosadesaronc93
Get creative juices flowing
I find that following these steps have helped to relax amd reset my mind on what's important to me: my art. I have been able to rest my mind from all the chaos back home with school and work that I have found quiet moments to document this trip and record memories through the perspective of my camera and journal.
I have also found inspiration for new stories that I would like to do in the future such as animal cartoons for children, details that most might have missed out with with my camera and other projects in mind.
As this trip is coming to an end, I feel better and more I feel more refreshed for taking time for myself to do the things I love. I'm looking forward to new projects in the future and looking forward to the new creative process.