How to get out of your own way
WRITTEN BY FELICIA PENZA
Sing it With Me: Free Your Mind
This turn of phrase is certainly not Proustian or Shakespearean, but can still be inspirational no matter the origin… right?
Well, one score and twelve years ago, a quartet of ebony queens from the land of EnVogue quoted these poignant lyrics: ‘Free your mind, and the rest will follow’. My personal unpacking of the word ‘free’ may exceed the desired word count of this POP newsletter, but it nevertheless lends itself to a universal truth — which is to just DO IT.
As a novice writer, I’m using that as my mantra for the month of July. Let's break down our journey:
Free Your Mind from Being Blocked
Feeling restricted or blocked as a writer is a common struggle. Sitting down to stare at a blank screen or empty lined paper doesn’t translate to opportunity for some, but an abyss of emptiness that feels pressure filled. Writing prompts can certainly help jumpstart creativity by providing a starting point or a fresh perspective.
We as writers need to let go of loaded expectations and allow ideas to flow naturally. Just as a reminder, writing is anything you jot down. A paragraph. A haiku. A sentence. A word. A THOUGHT. What are you thinking? TYPE AND/OR WRITE IT DOWN. Right now. I’ll wait.
Tip: When faced with writer's block, try free writing. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write continuously without worrying about grammar or structure. When you don’t know what to write, try writing ‘I don’t know what to write’ over and over until something else pops into your head, because it will. Trust me.
I have a haiku on one page of my notebook, and a brief exchange of dialogue for a completely separate potential screenplay right below it. Silence your inner critic and cultivate as many ideas as your brilliant brain can manifest.
Free Your Mind from Being Overbooked
I’m a mother of teenage twins, work a full-time job, and perform around the Valley as a singer every blue moon. My calendar is a wall of obligations. Balancing a hectic schedule with creative pursuits is challenging, especially when responsibilities pile up. It's important to carve out dedicated time for writing, even amidst a busy calendar.
Your idea of scheduling free time (or as I personally call it, ‘Fee Time’) as a reminder for self-care and creativity is important. I don’t always stick to it, but having a reminder set in my calendar is helpful and lets me put the spotlight on how to fit myself in. Remember, prioritizing your writing is not selfish—it's essential for your well-being and creativity. And to be honest, if you don’t carve out time, no one is going to do it for you.
Tip: Try breaking down your writing goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Even 15-20 minutes a day can accumulate into meaningful progress over time. Most of us scroll on the socials (not a judgment, because I do it, too), so use what you see or observe as the genesis of a story! An ACTUAL story, not an Instastory.
Free Your Mind From Being an Overthinker
Okay, let’s toss out a possible scenario that suggests that you’ve not only found the time to write, but you’ve also found the words. Kudos to you, writer! An excellent start. But now, if you’re like me, you’re wondering about the subtext of your written text. Panic arises as you agonize over whether your story is relatable to the masses. You worry about the sequence of events, if the character is significant, or if they’re just a tool for local color in the story.
Overthinking can stifle your process. Once you have ideas flowing, trust in your process and allow your thoughts to unfold organically. Don't worry too much about perfection—writing is a journey of exploration and revision. When you’re in the flow, just.keep.writing.
Tip: Practice mindfulness techniques to quiet your mind before writing. Deep breathing or a short meditation session can help calm thoughts and enhance focus. I personally use music to get centered. Give it a try with this ‘Writer’s Freedom’ Spotify playlist. DM me on Instagram @busyfee if you want a sneak peek at some more of my playlists.
Free Your Mind and the Rest Will Follow
Our exploration of the word 'free' and its impact on creativity are profound. Ultimately, the act of writing requires action. Overcome hesitation or self-doubt by diving into your writing projects without overanalyzing. Exhale, and remember that even as the writer of this introduction, I need to re-read everything here and follow my own advice! These are suggestions that will help us all get started, get out of our head and out of our own way. The more we write, the more confident and proficient we will become.
Tip: Set specific writing goals for the month of July, whether it's completing a short story, drafting a poem, writing a haiku or starting a blog post series. Perhaps break these goals into small weekly steps and do a mini-celebration dance with each milestone you achieve.
Ready to Just Do It?
Finding freedom as a writer involves embracing creativity, managing time effectively, quieting those subtle internal whispers and misgivings, and simply DOING IT. Each challenge you face is an opportunity to grow and refine your craft. Trust in your voice and trust yourself. I’m going to try and free myself.
ABOUT FELICIA PENZA
A TRIPLE-THREAT — WRITER, SINGER, PAINTER — FELICIA PENZA IS THE BRILLIANT CREATIVE MIND BEHIND POP’S LOGO AND BRAND PRESENCE. SHE WRITES CREATIVE NON-FICTION AND IS CURRENTLY WORKING ON A COLLECTION OF STORIES ABOUT LIFE RAISING TWIN 13-YEAR-OLDS. AN AWARD-WINNING DESIGNER, FELICIA’S ARTWORK CAN BE FOUND THROUGHOUT PHOENIX. CONNECT WITH HER @BUSYFEE.