Finding the Elusive Ideas
Normal cannot exist in a home with three boys, four dogs and a crazy, outdoor cat – not to mention a husband. I work in the center of the chaos which adds to the unique qualities of my situation.
The other night, my oldest son created a new game. He tied a plastic spider to a string and began to run through the house with the other two boys trying to “Smash the Bug.” I could vaguely hear them playing – in the back recesses of my mind – but the words were flowing and my creative muse refused to allow the distraction entrance.
“How do you do it?” My husband was not trying to work. He was not trying to do anything that required concentration. The madhouse was simply too much for him to take. He has no box or cave for chaos. But it is this very crazy, unique and unusual world that drives my ideas for content.
Tips to Finding the Ideas
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1. Take a tip from the Boy Scouts. Always be prepared because ideas can come in unexpected ways and always when you least expect them. Keep a notepad and writing instrument in the car, your briefcase or purse, and every room in the house. When inspiration strikes you will be ready to record.
2. Stick to your voice. Nothing will shut the gates of inspiration faster than being something you are not. Write the way you write and you will find plenty of things to write about.
3. Become a thief. Great ideas are meant to be shared. When you see an article – in the paper, magazine or online – that makes you warm and fuzzy then write about it. Adding a link to your own entry about how the article inspired you can serve an additional benefit by providing you a new connection.
4. Start with a quote. Use the words that inspire you to inspire an entire article.
“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”- unknown
Words breathe life in more words and ideas. Read lots and hold fast to those words that lift your heart.
Discovering ideas does not require a hunt. They are everywhere. Finding inspiration and ideas for your content and articles happens when you choose to see what sits before you every day.
Hey Kathryn!
Great name btw.
You are amazing, 3 boys??!? And yes, I understand about turning it off when you are working or involved in something. That is why my youngest doesn’t just say, “Mom.” He says, “Mom-mom-mom-MOM!!” LOL.
I like how you enumerated these. Especially #2 – things don’t quite flow when I’m someone else. 🙂
Blessings!!
KatC – thanks for stopping in! I always enjoy meeting others that know how to spell :D. Sometimes I think that if my life were LESS chaotic I might have nothing to write about.