One of the trickiest things about writing is making yourself do it even when your inner inspiration is nonexistent. One of the trickiest things about blogging is executing that exact thing on a schedule.

This week, I’ve been completely devoid of motivation or inspiration to make any kind of writing happen. My focus has been on outlining and organizing plot points in my novel project.

I don’t organize.

I don’t outline.

You know that point of serious procrastination where you start doing other not-exactly-fun, productive things just to continue avoiding whatever it is you’re procrastinating? Yeah, I’ve reached that point with writing. My soul is a fickle one; I experience a lot of shifting back and forth between loving something and hating it. Writing may be subjected to it most.

There’s really no excuse as to why I don’t have a blog post ready to go. I’ve had time, and I knew I had my self-imposed deadline, but I failed to make it happen. No topic sounded interesting. No good ideas presented themselves. I had nothing, and I couldn’t form something from it. Or maybe I wouldn’t. Who’s to know?

I keep telling myself I can make a short post. It doesn’t have to be extravagant. Pouring my heart and soul out every week is absolutely not necessary.  The ideas still didn’t come. Now, my time is up.

Go me.

Ha.

Since writing isn’t a thing I particularly love this week, I’m going to present you with five fun things that I do.

Guacamole with slices of apple or plantain chips.

Seriously. It sounds weird, but the sweetness of apples compliment the guac nicely, and plantain chips (unsweetened) oddly resemble tortilla chips. I’m still on my autoimmune diet – making tortilla chips a no-go – so the plantain chips have been an amazing alternative.

Hell on Wheels

I can’t exactly recommend for everyone, but dang. I don’t watch a whole lot of tv, but this one’s been one of my favorite shows for years. There’s something about that old-timey-nitty-gritty that wins my heart. Finally getting around to watching the last season and I want to binge all the episodes at once, but I also don’t want it to be over. The struggle.

Iced Tazo Passion tea with frozen berries

Such a fun summertime treat. I don’t drink much of the tea because the ingredients aren’t all natural and it’s a little on the more expensive side, but I do go for it now and then. Still better than most other drinks out there. I like mine over ice with a few frozen raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries for a little added sweetness.

Safe People by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

I’m only a quarter of the way through it,  but it’s been a good read so far. The company we keep plays a huge role in our lives; it’s so important we surround ourselves with people who will positively feed our souls. It’s also instrumental that we learn how to be one of those people for others. Relationships of every kind can make or break you, yet so many of us don’t know how to do them right.

The Sounds Good with Branden Harvey podcast

Ugh, I can’t say enough good things about this podcast. Every week, Branden has a chat with a new guest – generally someone who lives a creative, unconventional, and/or inspirational life – that’s perfect for anyone on the creative side, or just interested in hearing real people’s stories. I just listened to the Bonnie Kate & Max Zoghbi episode, and man. Bonnie Kate was shot in the Aurora movie theater shooting in 2012 but manages to live such a full, positive life despite being in chronic pain. It puts your own life into perspective. I’ve been following the two of them on social media for a good long while, but there’s nothing like hearing them tell their own story. They seem like such a sweet, charming couple.

Have any personal recommendations of things you’ve been enjoying this week? I’d love to hear about them!

Either way, happy eating, watching, drinking, reading, and listening.