Creative Breakthroughs: Movement and Spaces To Revive My Writing

Taking Breaks to Increase Productivity, CoffeeShop Hopping & Early Summer Resources 🌞

Hello friend!

I hope your week has been productive, creative, and balanced.

In the last few weeks, I have shared with you my struggle with negative self-talk and having a hard time being kind to myself when I am not doing what I think I should.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

As I approach the finish line of writing my novel’s draft, some of this bullshit mental chatter that I have been trying to replace also crept into my creative process:

My written Catalan isn’t good enough…

The story has some plot holes…

Is anyone even going to want to read my book?

Truth is, my alpha readers think the story is well-written and meaningful, and the characters are complex and with something to say…

When I think about it, I cannot wait for my editor to dive in and give me feedback, but that doesn’t stop me from feeling slightly overwhelmed (read fear to be seen and read) and almost finding reasons to avoid writing The End.

As always, when I get stuck, mentally, emotionally, or creatively, I get moving.

After over 2 years without reliable transportation, we recently acquired a new vehicle, and I can once again drive myself places, which is crucial if you want to get anywhere in Florida…

This week's coffeeshop writing spots

So I decided to take my novel out of the house, and back to where it all began: coffee shops and writing sprints.

Compared to Barcelona, there aren’t many bookshops and coffee houses to work from around here, yet going to the familiar ones I have written at before was enough to get me out of the rut and get the words flowing again.

There was a moment mid-week where seeing how much more productive I was being outside of the house, I got all excited and considered going Coffeeshop Hopping, just like I do in Barcelona, sometimes going to write at two different places in one day, trying not to hit the same spot more than once a week.

It’s fun to people-watch, and quite cheap: at most places, you can get a coffee (with all your fun fixings) and a croissant for less than 4€.

Coffeeshop Hopping in Barcelona

I forgot I am now in the US, though... Not only there aren’t many spots open past 5 or 6 pm, but the prices are outrageous.

For a freelancer who lives off her writing and teaching yoga, $8 for a 12 oz Oatmilk Latte with one pump of Lavender Syrup (extra hot, please), can only happen, at most, once a week.

As the resourceful woman that I am, I realized that if I want to take my writing out daily, or at least most days, I can also use some other free resources:

• The local library (where I ended up taking a new book to read)

• A chain bookshop (in some, you can be there without having to buy anything)

Writing at the Local Public Library

Both those places tend to have good opening hours and I can bring my water and keep a snack in the car, saving a decent amount of money and still getting to write around people and feel more inspired.

And what about my oat milk latte, you ask? I have learned to make my coffee at home, and although latte art still eludes me, it is worth it.

If you work from home or create in your spare time, where do you like to take yourself to be more focused and creative?

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3 Resources for Early Summer 🌞

As we approach the Summer Solstice and the warmest time of year, I remind myself that it is important to take breaks amidst it all.

I am high on energy and excited to keep moving with my projects, and at the same time, I am aware that if I don’t pause often, I will fall out of rhythm and my health will suffer.

Nope, been there, done that.

Here are some resources to help you take a break and recalibrate:

1# 5 in 5 Challenge

Stay tuned for the 5 in 5 Challenge: 5 Yoga Practices to Inspire You in 5 Minutes a Day coming super soon!

This challenge is perfect for those who feel short on time but want to incorporate a daily yoga practice.

Each day, you'll spend just 5 minutes on your mat, focusing on different themes to help you shift your energy and create lasting positive change.

For paid subscribers, I will share with you a video sequence every day, and you will also receive daily inspiration during the challenge, PDFs with the sequences, and music to accompany your practice.

I hope you’re ready, it’s going to be super fun!