Back to Travel Blogging: How I Regained My Drive to Write In 5 Ways

It was hard to go back to writing and blogging after being away from it for several months (seven months to be exact). However, I was glad that I was able to regain my drive to write after countless tries. In the end, I just realized that I had to shift my focus away from writing and blogging for some time.

Back to Travel Blogging: How I Regained My Drive to Write in 5 Ways

IN THIS ARTICLE

Why I was not Blogging

The first reason why I have not been writing is that I haven't been home from March to May or almost the whole summer because we had our house renovated. That meant that I do not have a computer and Internet, hence, I could not publish new blog posts.

The second reason is that I spent all my weekends walking around Intramuros, my all-time favorite spot, leaving me with little or no time at all to make posts. Old manila, indeed, never fails to charm me.

The third reason is that I just lost my drive to write altogether. It's that weird period that hits every writer or blogger out there when you lose the inspiration to write.

Anyway, I am happy to say that I have renewed my inspiration to write and you can, too. I would not say that it was easy but it was not impossible to go back to creating stories either.

Here's how I regained my drive to write:

1. Take a break 

The best way to gain back the drive to write is to take a break altogether. Never force yourself to write something when you do not feel like doing it. That is exactly what I did, I took a long break and waited until the interest to write came back gradually.

You can rest and read books, watch a series or two, indulge in a great movie, go to the mall, or visit your friends.

2. Do something that will inspire you

Embark on something that will spark inspiration in you. Do something that does not involve writing at all.

You can visit a library and read, you can support a cause or charity, you can even enroll in a class and learn a new craft.

3. Go out and travel

Relax your mind by going out of the house and traveling. You can go to a faraway place, a dream destination perhaps, or just travel to a nearby location.

For example, I love going to Intramuros and that is what I did regularly. I would start in Manila Cathedral and then take random walks from there. That would usually take me around Intramuros, some are new corners that I discovered during those random walks. 

Also read: Intramuros: a walk back into the Philippines' colonial past

It's a great feeling to discover something new even if you thought that you have seen it all. I experienced walking on the actual wall of Intramuros and was surprised to discover how thick it was. Plus the view from there was really stunning.

Manila Cathedral in Intramuros

I've had a cup of latte in a famous coffee shop in Intramuros. I thought that it would look like its typical branch but I was delighted to find out that it had an old-world theme.

I have also been around CCP Complex, Luneta, and SM Mall of Asia bay walk during one of those weekend outings. I have also explored the La Loma and the Manila North Cemeteries, which both provided a new kind of thrill and interesting things to see. 

Also read: Exploring La Loma and Manila North Cemeteries: My Morbid Fantasies Realized

Those regular strolls helped me regain my drive to write because they refreshed my mind, gave me a new perspective, and it sparked a new wave of inspiration in me.

4. Take a lot of pictures when you go out

When I was traveling, I took a lot of pictures. I always brought with me my Canon DSLR (when I have a lot of space in my bag) or my Sony Cybershot point-and-shoot camera. if I don't have a camera with me, I use my Nokia phone to take photos.

The reason why I always take a camera with me is that I love capturing the various sights around me. I browse through the photos and they gave me the inspiration to write. The photos all seem like they have a story to tell and it's such a shame if I won't be able to tell those stories. 

5. Talk to your friends or reconnect with old friends

It's such a great feeling to talk to your friends or even to reconnect with old ones. It's amazing how much you could learn from them, their experiences, and their stories. By conversing with like-minded people, you get inspired to tell a story as well.

You can tell your story to your friends, of course, but it does not have to stop there. You can write your own stories, too, and reach a potentially bigger audience. 

That's it, that was how I was able to go regain my drive to write and go back to blogging. If you are feeling down or uninspired lately, remember that it will all pass. It may not be soon but it will and in time, you will be able to write again, especially if you do love it sincerely.

PIN THIS ARTICLE

Also read: You have a voice, now use it wisely: a call for responsible blogging