#dailywriting

[shannyhere]

pockets are empty, dreams on hold

bills stack high, and the nights feel cold i chase the hours, but they slip away working for pennies, day after day

i need the money, it’s all i can see freedom’s a price that’s too high for me counting the minutes, waiting for more but the struggle’s the same as the day before

[springblossomofwisdom]

Philosophical Question Day 5

"Where is the line between art and not art"

I've seen a trend of AI taking over everything. It takes over jobs, machines, and thinking. But recently, (but also for a little while), AI has been taking over art. People hate that AI is taking over art and that's very understandable. People also seem to argue about what is art and what isn't. That's not including AI.

The line between art and not art is simply passion. It's the human heart. Anything can be art, so long as it's made by a human. The Oxford Dictionary defines art as being "The expression or application of creative skill and imagination..." Then goes on to list types of art. What makes AI not art, is the fact that AI cannot have an imagination. It cannot express itself. That's what's so beautiful and artistic about the human mind. It has a passion and a need for expression. To be oneself.

Another topic of this question is, is modern art, art? I've seen many instances where people were angry that art was simply a blue square on a painting. But I think otherwise. Sometimes art is not what's immediately seen. Sometimes art is only for the one who made it. But it's still art. You see a blue square? The artist saw something greater. If you asked that artist why they painted what they did, they'd probably tell you something amazing. At least I'd think so.

Is bad art not art? No. Bad art is absolutely art. The artists expressed themselves in a way no one else had. Because that's their expression. That's their mind and that's what makes it unique. Art is art, whether people like it or not. Whether it is perceived as good. (What is good art anyway? Is it what you like? What about what the artist likes?) It is one's imagination. It is one's expression.

The only thing that isn't art is one without expression and imagination. But the only way that's possible is if that art was purely a machine.

[hunter-arceneaux-blog]

Stop Waiting for Inspiration: Create Your Own Muse

Inspiration. It’s that spark that every writer, artist, and creator chases. We often imagine it as a sudden burst of clarity, a lightning bolt that strikes us out of nowhere, compelling us to create. But here’s the hard truth: if you wait for inspiration to come, you’ll likely be waiting for a very long time.

I used to be one of those who believed that the best work comes from a place of sudden inspiration or intense infatuation. I would sit on my sofa, staring at a blank computer screen, waiting for the perfect idea to arrive. Days, sometimes weeks, months, or even years would pass without a single word written. Even while wasting my time, I knew that waiting for inspiration was just an excuse for not doing the work.

Create Inspiration from Your Own Life

Sometimes, you must create inspiration yourself or carve it from your own life. The world around you is full of stories waiting to be told, lessons waiting to be shared, and emotions waiting to be expressed. Here are some ways to cultivate your own inspiration:

1. Draw from Personal Experiences

Your life is a rich with experiences that can serve as a wellspring of inspiration. Personally, I have drawn significant inspiration from being deaf and navigating recent physical disabilities, as well as having gone through fertility issues, miscarriages, and mental health challenges. These experiences, both the uplifting and the challenging, have provided me with a deep reservoir of emotions and narratives that I attempt to weave into my writing.

Think about the challenges you’ve faced, the victories you’ve celebrated, the love you’ve felt, and the losses you’ve endured. Write about these moments with honesty and vulnerability; don’t sugarcoat them. Authenticity is key to connecting with your readers. Not only will this practice help you find your voice, but it will also resonate with readers who have shared similar experiences.

2. Observe the World Around You

Inspiration can be found in the most mundane places. Take a walk around your neighborhood (or for those like me, a limp), sit in a park, visit a lake, lose yourself in nature or in another’s art. Try people-watch for a while, imagine conversations or dramas they’re facing, and try to notice the small details that often go unnoticed. The world is full of stories waiting to be told, and all you need to do is pay attention.

3. Set a Routine

Honestly, this has been one of the most challenging aspects for me. Managing unmedicated ADHD can be quite demanding. Creativity is rarely about waiting for inspiration but rather about cultivating it daily. The reality is, creativity thrives on routine. Set aside time each day to write, even if it’s just for a few minutes. The more you engage in writing regularly, the more you’ll notice inspiration flowing naturally. It’s about committing to the process consistently and putting in the effort, even on days when motivation and energy are lacking.

4. Engage with Other Creative Works

Read books, watch movies, listen to music, and visit art galleries. Engaging with other forms of creative expression can spark new ideas and provide fresh perspectives. Don’t be afraid to take inspiration from others and incorporate it into your own work. Creativity is often a collaborative process, even if you’re working alone. Just remember, there’s a huge difference between inspiration and plagiarism, so make sure you’re on the right side of the line.

5. Embrace the Process, Not Just the��Outcome

Focusing solely on the outcome can stifle creativity. Instead, try to embrace the process of writing itself. Allow yourself to make mistakes, write poorly, and experiment with different styles and genres. The act of writing is a journey, and it’s through this journey that you often find the most profound inspiration.

Practical Tips to Keep Writing

Here are some additional practical tips to help you keep writing, even when inspiration seems elusive:

Set Specific Goals: Whether it’s writing a certain number of words each day or completing a chapter each week, having specific goals can help keep you on track.

Find a Writing Community: Surround yourself with other writers who can offer support, feedback, and encouragement. Join a writing group, participate in workshops, or connect with other writers online. I know this one’s not easy for a lot of creative types, myself included; being creative is often isolating, and it’s hard to break out of that.

Keep a Journal: Use a journal to jot down ideas, thoughts, and observations. It can be a valuable resource when you’re struggling to find inspiration.

Take Breaks: Sometimes, stepping away from your work can give you the clarity you need. Take breaks, go for a walk, play with your children or pets. Engage in a different activity for a bit to refresh your mind.

Be Kind to Yourself: Writing is hard work, and remembering to be kind to yourself is sometimes hard. As creatives, we are often our own worst critics. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned.

Conclusion

Inspiration is not something you wait for; it’s something you create. By drawing from your own life, observing the world around you, setting a routine, engaging with other creative works, and embracing the process, you can cultivate your own inspiration and keep writing consistently.

So, stop waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect idea. Start writing now, and let the act of writing itself be your muse.

[postscriptsillage]

Dear Tempestine

Dear Tempestine, 

You might not remember me well, but I can recount the outline of your body extemporaneously. You always stood out, altogether golden. 

I was and remain just another cog in the crowd machine. Nothing about me exudes remarkability. The world, I have concluded, is a dichotomy of the observers and the observed. In this life, I am working the spotlight and shining it on those who are golden, like you. 

I do not dispute that respect is something that must be earned. But for you, Tempestine, it appears to fall on the lap like an easy offering. You have a head start. You have an unforgettable face and speak words with such cadence that even lyrebirds reluctantly accept their incompetence before you. 

In the daylight, the light guides my life and brightens up conservations. Towards nightfall, there is nothing to anchor me, and I find myself grovelling for someone to put the spotlight on me and behold me just once. 

The Moon Goddess never obliges and I shudder to think I am accursed to sit in oblivion. No light, no gold, just abject darkness. 

With begrudging admiration, 

[andrehermit]

Telling people to stay positive is like expecting a plant to grow without watering it.

-Illinois

[bluebonnetprompts]

[letterspiration]

[unheardofagain]

i tried to gaze forward, but your eyes got in the way.

you made me realize a nightmare, where i can't make anyone stay.

my smile was too wide to be a source of poetic mystery,

to ensnare you in a chase of artistic misery.

yet i loved you selfishly, given everything i couldn't say.

i loved you lonely on long train rides that only went one way.

[demimusic]

The Joy of Writing: Self-expression, Interaction, and Discovery

Daily writing promptWhat do you enjoy most about writing?View all responses Hey everyone! Today, I want to take a moment to reflect on something I’ve recently discovered and truly enjoy – writing. For me, writing is more than just putting words on a page; it’s a way to express myself and share my thoughts about life in all its different aspects and topics. A Newfound Passion for…

[lokirulesmidgard]

All the Feels

I’m not sure how to feel right now. Mentally, I feel pretty good- Life has a positive and bright outlook, I have a flexible schedule, time to pursue hobbies and do the things that I want to do. The other side of that tells me I’m being lazy for not working as much as I used to. My once full-time job gave me three days off, and the other four were 10 hour days. Sounds exhausting, right? Now I…

[winter-unseelie]

I always misspell surprise the first time I write it down. I pronounce it "suh-prize" so i always forget about that first 'r'. It's very frustrating.

[shannyhere]

i became a crybaby after you died

the grief hit hard, and i couldn’t hide every little thing made me break and weep memories of you cut deep in my sleep

but tears, they heal in their quiet way slowly, i’m learning to face the day though you're not here, your love still remains guiding me gently through all of the pain

[springblossomofwisdom]

Philosophical Question Day 2

"Is life meaningless if we can live forever?"

I don't think so. Of course, the only reason people seem to live is because it's going to end. Humans have this idea that to be happy is to experience everything. Or at least try too. But that's not possible if we don’t live forever. So we wish to jam-pack everything one after another to have a full life. Because once we grow old and die, we won't experience all that. We humans, feel FOMO before it even ends. We're scared that our lives will be wasted if we don't do something while we still live.

To get to the point, life isn't meaningless if we live forever. You can still have the goal to do everything you please. You want to experience all you can. You live, you learn, you feel. That's life and that's the journey. Even if it goes forever, it's still a journey. Life is a journey no matter how long and no matter how short.

When you grow older, new things occur. You are not living forever at the same time. You are living as time goes on and as everyone else is living. There are always new things to discover and to learn. Some take so much longer than others. The events happening now will be drastically different to 20 years from now. Life is meaningful because of the experiences we have. Each human can have a different experience. That's what makes being human so beautiful. We feel so much.

Because you are human, you will feel forever. If you live for that long. And taking things slowly isn't so bad either.

[shaniquedawkinsart]

Finding Strength in Following Your Heart: A Reflection on Paulo Coelho's Wisdom

The creative journey is often filled with moments when we question our decisions and doubt our path. There may be times when we feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and even lost. It is especially true when we follow our hearts, chase our dreams, and take risks to pursue our passions. In these moments, it is easy to feel like giving up and wondering if we are making the right choices.  Feeling…

[wendel-luxes-worldly-wondering]

Daily Wondering

Daily habits make for a better writer and/or person.

When writing about your life or about, well anything, it is important to remember your foundations. That which makes us, we. Humans are individual people—with individual needs and desires. By allowing ourselves to enjoy what we do in life, we allow ourselves to have room for growth.

When someone is upset about something, they may continue to stay upset about that one thing for a long time. It may go on a for a couple of hours, a couple of days, or several years. As soon as that feeling of upset or anger reached our hearts, it took more place than it needed. Anger and lust stem from desire, and so too does most anything that create negative space in our souls.

It is absolutely not a bad thing to have wants and desires—but when these things get in the way of our mental health—are they not addictions? Are they not cravings and desires for things we may not exactly need? Are we able to separate wants from needs? Lust from pleasure? Are we capable of handling the things life throws at us? Or will we become angry when one thing does not go our way?

This is why it is so important to spend time wisely. We do not have to do anything that anyone wants. We are free to think and go and do as we please. When we give into our own desires with no restraint, we create a vacuum in our souls. That vacuum—that negative space—feeds the anger and frustrations in our souls. When looking at life, full with the things you need and ripe with the things we actually want—one can almost feel peace.

Is that true peace? Or is it still secretly fueled by some internal or material gain? Prosperity should not come at the expense of one’s happiness—but instead at the expense of one’s labors spiritually and physically. Prosperity should come from things that bring joy and comfort; from things that we know.

It is okay to learn—to consume—even to be angry. But, are we doing this simply from malice or is there a goodness behind our intentions? Is this feeling of ill we have aimed at ourselves—or aimed at how someone treated us? What can we do to keep the world around us, and the world as a whole, at balance? What do we have to show ourselves, not the world, that we have done all we can do in our own life? Will we live life in an internal squalor or will we see past the illusions of man and be prosperous in soul and soon, all else?

[andrehermit]

I’m always wearing dingy T -shirts that have been reused many times. I feel like I’m living in the armpits of my grandfathers sweat.