I remember venting to somebody close to me about writer’s block. No matter what I did, I said, it seemed I was doing everything but writing. How hard was it to just sit down and write? This person then told me: “When you aren’t writing, you’re not doing nothing. You’re just absorbing new experiences for when you eventually do.” I didn’t believe it at first. But after I sat with it for a while, it started to make more sense. I eventually started writing again. And when I did, I found it came more naturally than ever before.  

When I then looked back at what I had written, the advice seemed so obvious. Of course I needed to take a break, how else could I have written what I did if I hadn’t? I needed those experiences to strengthen my work — I just couldn’t see it at the time. 

We have writer’s block for our lives too. We sometimes believe we’re trapped in a downward spiral: just waiting to start doing what we need to. But maybe those in-between moments are what you need to be doing. Maybe we need those periods of inspiration. Otherwise, how else can we finish the story? 

I saw a flyer for a talk on campus recently, and on a whim, I decided to go. It was Dr. Grinberg’s presentation on Soviet-Jewish sci-fi. I have no claim to competency on the subject, yet it was still one of the best talks I’ve been to. When I arrived, I was one of the only students. The audience was mainly community members. And despite my limited sci-fi knowledge, I nonetheless enjoyed Dr. Grinberg’s presentation.  

I feel more educated now. If somebody came up to me on the street and asked about Stanisław Lem’s influences, I could probably hold my own. I realized the greater point: I needed to take a chance on this opportunity. And because I did, I’m all the better for it. So get out there and do something! It may not be a presentation about Soviet-Jewish sci-fi, but there will doubtless be some opportunity for you.  

Seize opportunities while you still have the chance. Go out and see a live show. Go to a book signing. Have that debate with a friend. Get active in your community. Don’t wonder if you’ll be the only person. Don’t think about what others will say. Don’t worry about not knowing enough, just go! Join that club you’re on the fence about. Say yes to that social outing. Go watch some incredibly smart and talented individual give a talk about something you barely comprehend. Go get some free food while you’re at it! 

We invest far too much thought into the way others perceive us. We’re too afraid to break rank and express genuine interest. But saying yes may just be the best thing to ever happen to you, so don’t pass it up.  

These moments are the inspiration you’ve been waiting for. The cure for your writer’s block: get out there and make yourself an interesting individual. These in-between moments aren’t worthless, but they don’t last forever, so don’t waste them. You never know how their influence will shape you. So, say yes!