Mel’s Mob, how the heck are you guys during these crazy times? I’m okay, just taking it day by day. Sometimes I get really anxious (and watching the news doesn’t make it any better), and other days I’m not as stressed so I can use the time I have to get some things checked off my to-do list. Housework, organizing, blogging, passion projects…I’ve got nothing but time to get it all done.

I am still working my full time job and mixing in what I can once I disconnect for the day; of course, I still have my weekends, too! After spending far too many days bummed out that I’m not working on my next big idea in my free time, I figured it was time for me to hop on over here and have a real talk with my fellow creatives. I know I’m not the only one who’s struggling right now.

Who else feels the pressure to create content during this time? Every time I open my Instagram app I’m seeing fellow Influencers & Creatives telling their audience that “this is your time to shine.” There are nonstop posts about using this time to pump out the content and show us what you’re made of. I’ve even seen people telling their audience to use this time to start businesses. Whew! Sure, people have so much more free time and are on social media a lot more, and while I do agree this is a great time to be creative, we can’t force it! 

Trust me– I’ve been feeling the pressure and want ideas to just flow freely, but unfortunately it doesn’t happen that way. I’ve had to come to terms with that, and have had to give myself grace when the creative juices just aren’t flowing. We’re not machines; we can’t just produce content because someone says we should. We can’t have a million Instagram Live ideas in our back pocket at a moment’s notice. If you don’t have a content vault so that you can continually post on social media, I’m here to tell you now: IT IS OKAY! Don’t force yourself to create just because we have free time and you feel like you “should”. There’s so much transitioning happening during this time, and we have enough on our plates as it is.

We have jobs, kids, bills, groceries, and social distancing to worry about. Content can wait.

Here’s a thought to consider: If you just don’t feel the urge to create, this may be your season to use the extra time to REST! Right now is usually the kickoff to my busy season, and I’m typically on the road for weeks at a time. Not having a suitcase packed at all times is definitely an adjustment, and Blogger Melissa is on one shoulder telling me to create, create, create! Real Melissa has decided that I should use this extra time at home to do something I rarely get to do: relax my body, take care of myself, and focus on my mental health. Maybe that’s what you need to do during this time as well. 

Or maybe you’re getting settled in a new home; this would be the perfect time to get organized and just enjoy your home. If this is you, do that. Don’t give into the pressure. 

Don’t feel that you NEED to create the new viral TikTok challenge or write 10 blog posts on working from home lounge sets. Don’t worry about clicks to your website or likes on social media or video views. Focus on YOU until you feel the urge to create again.

We’re not machines; we need to be handled with delicate care. So take care of yourself, be still, check in on your family and friends, and work on what brings you happiness and joy, not stress and pressure.

Coming to this realization and welcoming this season of rest wasn’t easy, but I’m so glad I have. I hope this realization has helped you guys as much as it’s helped me! As a creative we have our moments, but sometimes we just need to chill and let the ideas come as they may. So, happy resting!