Finding Your Creative Flow After Life Disruptions

Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs. Sometimes, it’s a small bump in the road, and other times, it’s a full-on derailment. As a lot of you know, December threw a massive wrench into our world when Klee got pretty sick. And when I say a wrench, I mean one of those ridiculously oversized, cartoon-style wrenches that completely shut down the creative machine that is our life and business. To say it was a challenge would be the understatement of the century.

Honestly, it got pretty hairy there for a while. My focus became Klee—making sure she was okay, trying to keep things together, and, quite frankly, barely keeping my own head above water. When life demands that kind of energy, creativity, business, and all those other moving parts take a backseat. It’s like standing in the middle of a creative tornado and suddenly realizing you don’t even remember how to pick up a paintbrush.

But the good news? Klee is feeling much better! We still have a ways to go, but her smile has returned, and we’re both back in the studio.

Stepping back into that space after months of not being creative is… well, weird. Because getting back to “normal” after life has thrown you off course isn’t as simple as flipping a switch.

For anyone who has had life put their passion on pause, you know how tough it is to return. Things have piled up, been neglected, or pushed aside. And now, they all sit in front of you, staring you down like a boss battle in a video game you’ve never played. It’s overwhelming.

For me, I tried to keep things running while Klee was sick—I handled urgent things like orders and communication with collectors—but everything else? Yeah, it sat there, collecting dust and waiting for me to figure out how to be creative again. And let’s be real, I don’t just feel rusty—I feel like I have completely forgotten how to create art.

So, how do you get back into the groove when life has thrown you off your creative rhythm? Here’s what’s been working for me:

1. Start Small and Give Yourself Grace

Creativity isn’t a faucet you just turn back on. If it feels like you’ve forgotten how to do what you love, don’t panic—it’s normal. Start small. Doodle, hum, play with materials, move your body, do something low-pressure. The first thing you create after a long break will probably feel awkward, but that’s okay. Progress, not perfection.

2. Let Go of the Guilt

It’s easy to beat yourself up for all the things you “should have” done. Don’t. Life happens. It’s okay that things paused. The important part is that you’re here now, ready to begin again. Creativity doesn’t hold grudges—it just waits for you to come back.

3. Make Time, Even if It’s Messy

Your brain will try to convince you that you need the perfect setup, the perfect moment, or the perfect amount of time to dive back in. That’s a lie. Just show up, even if it’s for 10 minutes. Creativity thrives on momentum, not time shortage mentality.

4. Move Through the “This Isn’t Working” Phase

Right now, I’m working on a mural, a commission, and some new art. I am slowly (very slowly) crawling out of the “this isn’t working” stage. That stage is real. And it’s frustrating. But if you keep moving through it, even when it feels like you’re pushing through molasses, you’ll come out the other side. Trust the process, even when it feels like it’s laughing at you.

5. Do Something That Reminds You Why You Love It

Go back to your roots. Listen to music that inspires you. Look at old sketches. Read something that made you want to create in the first place. Remind yourself that you didn’t start this journey for perfection—you started it because it made you feel alive.

6. Be Patient with Yourself

Coming back to creativity after a break is like rebuilding a muscle. You wouldn’t hit the gym after months away and expect to lift the heaviest weight on day one. Creativity is the same. Give yourself the space to rebuild your confidence and strength.

7. Find the Joy in the Process

It’s easy to get caught up in productivity and deadlines, but don’t forget to enjoy the ride. Laugh at the weird mistakes. Let yourself play. The best way to rebuild your creative groove is to fall in love with creating again.

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So, if you’re out there, feeling stuck, feeling rusty, feeling like you’ve lost your creative spark—know that you’re not alone. Life happens, and sometimes, it completely reroutes our plans. But creativity is patient. It waits for you. And when you’re ready, it welcomes you back with open arms (and probably a bit of frustration, but hey, that’s part of the deal).

We’re back at it, one brushstroke, one piece of jewelry, one idea at a time. And if you’re climbing out of your own creative funk, I hope you give yourself grace, patience, and permission to just start. Because once you do, that groove you thought you lost? It’ll find its way back to you.

And when it does, oh man, is it going to be awesome.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ERICA!