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This is fantastic - one of the best and most honest pieces on the creative process I've ever read, truly. Thank you.

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Thank you Sarah, that's a great compliment!

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I love your comics and this post spoke so much to me! I particularly liked the comic where you said to beware of comfortable cages. I need to embrace the idea of discomfort more. I am currently revising a novel that I refuse to look at...because it's uncomfortable. But, I WANT to work on it-it's a battle!

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Ah, I know that feeling! The desk drawer has been my friend in the revision process - I'm feel much less discomfort about making big changes to my writing when I've given it time and space. But usually I rush it and court burnout... Best wishes in your novel revision!

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Beautiful post and images, your work is always a source of peace for my mind. I don't feel alone reading you. One thing that has helped me in my creative process is staring at my window, it doesn't give me ideas but it brings me the peace I need before of after I create something.

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Ah man, this is so valuable. I will be sharing this with my clients. Comfortable cages and space to think are both very apt. Definitely find that opening a problem, but then letting it simmer while I do something mindless (like swimming, or walking without music/podcast/etc) really helps creativity.

Love the maze, talking about thinking outside the box! People get trapped thinking how to improve something, when sometimes it is something that needn't be done at all.

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Thank you, John! So glad you found it valuable. Swimming is a great mindful/mindless activity. And great point on getting trapped searching for every possible improvement, definitely a problem I struggle with as well.

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How reassuring and instructive it is reading this. You're not alone! I'm not alone!

What gets in my way is AGE!!! Lots of stuff to do to keep this worn body going. Yet, all of the above in your post today holds true in my day. And my night. You inspire me to grab onto my sketch/note book every day and get out there in my world (lots of seniors). This also reveals to me how much my process needs others and exposure to living, as well. Thanks.

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Thank you, Judy! Glad you could relate...or commiserate. Yes, it's easy for me to neglect outside things as well, but great when I get close to achieving that impossible balance.

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