Digging Out

We all go through ruts.

Doesn't matter if we are writers, lawyers, landscapers, or baristas.

We have off days, weeks, months.

We have times free of inspiration and light.

Lately, I've struggled with inspiration. I've claimed that I feel uninspired.

I've blamed quite a few things for that lack of inspiration.

Place. Time of year. Schedules. To name a few.

And, yes, they all have something to do with it, but it is more than that.

The blame is also on me.

Too often I sit back waiting for inspiration to strike, waiting to be gobsmacked by beauty and ideas.

And sometimes that happens.

And other times I have to go out and find it.

Last Sunday, I was invited to see part two of Angels in America. Last Wednesday, I finally made it to  the music series curated by my boyfriend. And yesterday, I went to another performance of his even though I was exhausted from half marathon training that morning.

All three are things that I hadn't made it to before because of scheduling, being tired, and, at times, just being lazy.

I asked friends for play suggestions.

I shared quotes I found thought-provoking.

I took photos and went for walks.

I memorized a poem.

This past week, I made the effort because I was tired of feeling uninspired and doing nothing about it.

I was tired of my excuses.

I was tired of my rut.

I may very well still be in my rut, but I am trying to dig myself out of it because inspiration is everywhere really. You just have to keep your eyes open to it.

What do you all do when you are in a rut? How do you dig yourself out?