When you feel like you’ve fallen off (e.g., you missed another writing session, you ghosted your audience, or you lost that internal spark) your first instinct might be to “push through.” But pushing rarely resolves what’s underneath the hesitation. Instead, ingesting the encouraging words of others and writing down your thoughts can allow for a creative comeback.
As you shift your focus away from that feeling (i.e. falling behind, being misunderstood, communicating imperfectly), you can calm the fear center of your brain and bring your nervous system back into safety. Namely, you can experience this shift through reading and journaling.
Reading gives your nervous system proof that others have made it through struggles…so you can, too. Journaling gives the amygdala (your fear-response center) somewhere to send your worries. According to studies in expressive writing (Pennebaker et al.), journaling for just 15 minutes a day can improve mood, reduce intrusive thoughts, and increase overall well-being. It also strengthens the habit of showing up for yourself, even when motivation is low.
That’s exactly why I created this resource. You don’t need another strategy or productivity hack. Instead, focus on gently reconnecting with your inner voice.
Read a few minutes. Write a few minutes. Let that be enough for today.
Creative Comeback #1: Experience What It’s Like to Be Valued in a System That Often Ignores You
Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.
Audre Lorde
The Falling Off Moment
You feel like your message isn’t landing. No one’s engaging. The healthcare system doesn’t support what you do anyway…so, what’s the point?
The Reframe
Your presence in the wellness space is a challenge to the status quo. You don’t need to be “mainstream” to be meaningful. Being seen in the right spaces fuels your nervous system and affirms your work.
Science Says
Co-regulation (the ability to feel safe through connection) is a foundation for creativity and leadership (Porges, 2011). Being in spaces where your work is witnessed increases confidence and creative resilience.
Reflection Prompt
When was the last time you felt seen for your full expertise? Who affirmed you? How can you offer that to someone else?
Try This
Take 3–5 minutes to write a brief love note to your own work. Yes, really. Write down why your mission matters, who it helps, and what makes it worth showing up for…even if the world hasn’t caught up yet.
Creative Comeback #2: Build Self-Trust by Following Through on What You Said You’d Do
Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.
James Clear
The Falling Off Moment
You keep promising yourself you’ll write a blog, show up on video, finish your post. Yet, it still hasn’t happened. Now you’re frustrated with yourself, or worse, you’re avoiding the topic altogether.
The Reframe
Self-trust isn’t built on big wins. It’s built on tiny, quiet repetitions: the decision to honor your own word even when no one is watching.
Science Says
Completing small, self-initiated goals activates the brain’s reward system and builds momentum (Amabile & Kramer, 2011, The Progress Principle). Following through rewires your belief in yourself.
Reflection Prompt
What’s one promise you made to yourself that still matters? What’s the tiniest way you can honor it today?
Try This
Open your notes app or journal and write for 5 minutes about your most recent client/patient breakthrough. Don’t edit. Just capture the win. You’re showing up.
Creative Comeback #3: Let Your Body Learn That Mistakes Are Safe
Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor.
Anne Lamott
The Falling Off Moment
You wrote something but didn’t post it. You filmed a reel…then deleted it. You’re scared you’ll say something silly or “get it wrong.”
The Reframe
Mistakes aren’t setbacks. They’re rehearsals…practice runs. Your nervous system learns safety through experience; as you make mistakes you give yourself permission to move forward with a deeper understanding of what’s most helpful, right, or aligned with your goal
Science Says
Somatic therapy and trauma-informed coaching suggest that nervous system safety comes from repeated exposure to “safe risk.” When you take small creative risks and survive them, you rewire your body to expect success, not danger. (Dana, 2018)
Reflection Prompt
Which mistake have you survived in the past that you now look back on with pride or humor? Can you name one mistake you’re willing to make this week?
Try This
Post something “unfinished.” A caption that rambles. A messy image. A voice memo. Let yourself feel the relief of surviving imperfection.
Final Invitation
You haven’t fallen behind. You’ve pressed “pause.” Now, you’re coming back better than before.
Your creative voice is a form of care. For your audience, yes – but also for yourself.
When you read, you remember you’re not alone. When you write, you remind yourself who you are. When you take imperfect action, you learn you’re safe.
