Fun fact about me –> Not only do I write all day long in my 9-to-5, I also write in my 5-to-9. ✒️ And I’ve got some big creative plans for 2025.
Fitting creative writing into my already-full life can be a challenge. The approach that works for me comes down to three words: discipline, patience, and joy.
Discipline
📆 I don’t need a rigid daily writing habit to be disciplined with my writing. I do need an intentional approach that makes sense in my life. Carving out focused writing blocks in my week and using those blocks efficiently is my solution.
🫂 Showing up for other people — whether it’s my writing group, my co-writing buddies, or the publication I’m a volunteer reader for — helps me show up for myself.
📱 Banning my disruptors (looking at you, TikTok!) can help me stay in the creative flow.
Patience
🕑 Big creative work takes time, especially when you have a full-time job and family responsibilities and other life stuff. Acknowledging that helps me appreciate actually doing the work.
💔 And that life stuff? It doesn’t always go according to plan. I’ve taken some knocks recently, including the loss of my beloved cat Mary, my constant home-office companion. That really took me off my creative game. But I know my writing will still be there when I’m ready to come back to it.
Joy
✨ Joy can be elusive in chaotic times. My focus in 2025 will be making the experience of joy a proactive exercise. I’m saying “yes” to author events, hikes to the lake, and spending time with people and activities that refill my creative well and make me feel joyfully connected.
If you’re a creative person juggling work, life, and your creative pursuits, how are you making it all work? I’d love to hear your best tips.
If you’re interested, you can read my full post on the Restless Writers blog: “A meditation in three words.”
PS: You didn’t know that I’m a creative writer in my free time? We should talk more. 🙂
Maria Hypponen 