A Note to Creatives 🧘🏻‍♀️—

(The Long Commercial Break before The Fly on the Wall II)

I know what you are thinking. Suppose you've read the previous story (the fly on the wall — Florences' experience) before this piece (if you have not, please do). "Why hasn't she dropped the 2nd part of the story in 2 months?"

First and foremost, good things take time, and second, adulthood has been kicking my butt — which is why this writer took this long a$$ commercial break. 🪂

I can't help myself as a creative writer.

I'm not sure if it's just me, but my mood influences how I tell stories, from the main characters' traits to their environment and development.

I haven't been able to write as much as I would like because I'm unsure if I'm burning out (which I doubt) or going through something called life (yes, I'm).

I'm human and a Nigerian — still living in Nigeria. Do I intend to deal with it and move on with a brighter attitude the next day? (Absolutely NOT! Fuxk that! Just kidding, of course, I intend to deal with it.) Currently, so many blood clots and irrational activity going on here, yet we TRY to keep our heads high and get by like everything's okay. Hence, the break, but now it's time to create.

Low-angle shot of me, the writer.

But it gets hard to create when your mind is not at ease! Backstory —

These past months, I self-reflected, ended some "situationships", buried a loved one, and just four days ago, we lost our old dog, Puppymore.

She was probably 12 or 14 years old.

Before this, I travelled east, and when I returned, I attempted to study for my new job, which hasn't been as enjoyable, but oh well!

It's been a whirlwind of life because there are other background events that I prefer not to disclose while still trying to manage, but I will make hints about them in my future stories (do not worry).

Gran's casket. 💚

Anyway, I'm trying to say that it's okay if your moods and a series of life events affect your creativity; try to get a handle on it, and you'll be fine.

Like mine, my moods and current life situations influence my writing, and that's fine.

WE ARE CREATIVE, and art imitates life.

It's okay to be exhausted and to take mental breaks by engaging in activities that relax and rejuvenate your mind and body as long as we keep returning.

Please pick up the ball and play when you are mentally prepared.

Don't stay on the ground for too long because getting too comfortable on the floor makes it difficult to get back up.

Time flies by, and before you know it.

Time passes, shits remain undone, and you lament the long list of unfinished todos in your head.

"The mind is a complex box that requires constant cleaning and care to remain sane and creative". — Amaka Green

joy by Jacqueline-Munguia

Here are a few top tips to boost your mental health.

1. Take care of your body; your physical well-being contributes to your mental stability.
2. Maintain a peaceful mind, and surround yourself with a fortress of positive influence in personal and work spaces.
3. Get quality sleep, PLEASE! I can't emphasize this enough because a healthy mind requires a healthy body.
4. Practice self-love; if you don't know how to — get a cat! And learn from them. They are great self-care advocates.
5. JOTT THINGS DOWN. How you feel, what you intend to do, and what you intend to create.
6. Be social, step outside your comfort zone, mingle, get laid (trust me, healthy sex helps), try to meet like-minded people, set dates, and organize activities, functions, and outings together.
7. Venture into meaningful hobbies that please your inner child.
8. And my personal favourite, establish a progressive spiritual life, communicate with the higher power(S) you believe in — a subconscious, blissful soul can withstand any physical challenges thrown at you.

A peaceful soul will be able to navigate its physical body.

So, please take care of yourself.

Our mental health impacts how we perceive and deal with life and its complexities and how stable we become in life.

YOU ARE UNIQUE! No one can live your life or think like you because you lack a model. YOUR CREATIVE JUICE IS REPLENISHABLE.

Please don't feel intimidated or alone; some of us can relate to your difficulties.

Send me a clap if you can relate/love this piece, or drop a comment, then scroll up to read The Fly on the Wall II. 💋

All my love, always.

A.