Photography by Jess Petrie. Makeup by Chloe Gray
I’ve been feeling a little off recently. Not necessarily unhappy, just off. I haven’t quite been able to focus and any attempts at productivity have been distracted by a feeling of frustration that I’m not getting enough done/haven’t done enough and in turn have halted my productivity. See the silly, vicious cycle here.
Call it writers block of the blogging variety, or call it my brain thinking of too many things at once to the point where it can’t think of anything at all for longer than five minutes. I’ve ultimately got myself into a bit of a rut that seems to have halted my creativity and as a result, left me feeling unsatisfied.
I woke up this morning and as I opened my eyes, my first thought was one of gratitude. It filled me with contentment for a moment but then as that moment passed, a feeling of dread crept over me. A subtle reminder of all the things that I haven’t done and likely won’t be able to do today. You see, silly, vicious cycle. I wanted to go back to that carefree moment of contentment again.
Then it hit me. Gratitude.
As I lay there, I realised that one thing that I was usually very good at but that I hadn’t been lately, was practicing gratitude. It feels quite funny to see it as something that needs to be practiced, but the realisation is that if you don’t actively engage in it, you can easily forget to do it at all.
By focusing on the things that I’m grateful for, I felt a weight slowly lifting, a grey cloud above me dispersing and a ray of sunshine breaking through.
I could almost laugh. It’s surprising how something so simple could become so detrimental when forgotten.
I feel somewhat different. There’s a shift in my emotions and I can feel my ‘can do’ attitude slowly resurrecting.
The moral to this little story: Practicing gratitude everyday can make a huge difference to your emotions and attitude and in turn your productivity. It’s too easy to take your situation, or how far you’ve come, for granted. Now when I step back and think about it, I’m exactly where I need to be and have a lot to be thankful for and for that I am truly greateful. That thought alone makes my emotions feel resolved and my thoughts a lot clearer. It’s funny how something so simple can make all the difference.
Samio x
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14 comments
Man, these photos of you are so incredible. Writer’s block definitely happens to the best of us. I’ve been feeling particularly uninspired this week while suffering from extreme allergies. I just have been so fatigued and haven’t wanted to do anything. It’s definitely best to have gratitude in these moments and appreciate all we do have. It makes the small stuff seem so stupid. 🙂
-Emily http://www.coatandcoffee.com
Yes that’s so true, it really does help. And thank you so much Emily. I hope the allergies clear up soon and you get back to feeling refreshed!
Samio x
loved reading this post, you’ve written so eloquently about something that I’m sure so many of us relate to. I think, especially in creative spaces like the blogging world, it’s particularly common for one to experience a dry spell in which all creativity just ceases to flow. I find this especially in the blogging world because the space as a whole is just so oversaturated with content, and it can make you feel even more rubbish when everyone else is seemingly inspired and creating content. It’s good to hear that you’ve got your mojo back – it’s very true; sometimes its the simple things that make the biggest difference!
Also, you look absolutely STUNNING in these photos!
http://www.whatevawears.co.uk
Tell me about it. Sometimes I’m like, ‘is it just me’. Happy to be feeling back in the swing of things again now. And thank you that’s very kind of you! 🙂
Samio x
I’ve been having a bit of writing block too.I switched to all natural skincare products a few month ago and everything has been going swimmingly. But in the last three weeks I’ve broken out in a crazy rash three times. I wanted my blog, which is only a few months old, to feature a majority natural products, but now I’m losing my enthusiasm and my willingness to write. Maybe I’ll just document my experience with these breakouts… -JP
Yes I guess it could actually give you a way to approach your posrs at a totally different angle. I’m sure by sharing your experience you’ll be able to help others too! 😀
Samio x
oh my goodness these images are amazing!!
kisses from the sandpit ❤︎
http://www.mahryska.com
Thank you Mahryska. 🙂
Samio x
I have been feeling like this a lot lately..just stuck and not really know how to move forward. But this is where gratitude comes in, you are right. We have so much to be thankful for and look forward to. We should never take the little things for granted…waking up with a roof over our head, or being surrounded by loved ones. There is so much to smile about. Love the photos. You’re beautiful.
http://www.lacasabloga.com
Exactly. As soon as you start to think about those things it really helps you appreciate every little thing. And thank you very much Estrella! 🙂
Samio x
these shots are absolutely stunning! I too was feeling off whilst trying to keep the blog moving and planning a wedding. I took time off and now I am back. I am so grateful for all the support and nice comments I received on my social media!
Pam xo/ Pam Scalfi♥
Oow I’ll have to head on over to your blog right now! Glad to see you back and congratulations. You looked gorgeous in your pics that I saw on Instagram. 🙂
Samio x
These photos are INCREDIBLE! You beauty! Plus, gratitude is sooo important – great post lovely! xxx
Thank you! Yeah it really is. 🙂
Samio xxx