“You can’t wait for inspiration, you have to go after it with a club.” – Jack London
I want to begin by saying that I did not know that I would stick to this challenge for this long. I have begun and ended a lot of projects in the past without seeing them through so I started this challenge with a resolve to attempt to do my best but be forgiving of myself if I failed. And I’m so proud of myself for sticking with the plan, even with some excitement.
As Week 5 of my 90-day challenge draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a significant shift in my creative journey. Last month was all about routine; writing daily essays that helped me sharpen my voice and strengthen my discipline. It was fulfilling in its own right, but as I stepped into the second month of this challenge, I felt the need for something more, something that would push my boundaries.
So, I made a bold choice: to experiment with short stories and poetry. This decision has brought a fresh wave of energy and creativity, sparking a new kind of excitement in my writing process.
This week has been a powerful lesson in stepping out of my comfort zone. I’ve been focused on creative exploration, not just in form but in discovering new layers of creativity I didn’t even know were there.
Writing short stories and poems
For as long as I can remember, I’ve admired the craft of short stories and poems. There’s magic in how these forms can say so much with so little, how a few carefully chosen words can build entire worlds or stir deep emotions. But despite my admiration, I never thought I could write them well. I was always comfortable in writing essays and long-form writing, confident in what I knew I could do well.
This week, however, I dared to take a different approach. I pushed myself to create the kinds of stories and poems I’ve always loved but not tried to write in a very long time. What I discovered was a revelation that I not only enjoy writing in these forms, but they also feel like a natural extension of my voice. The challenge of distilling my thoughts, playing with imagery, and weaving emotion into concise structures has brought a new level of satisfaction to my creative work.
Week 5 has reminded me that growth isn’t linear,
Nor should it be confined to one path. Too often, we box ourselves into one area, thinking we must master it before moving on to something else. But what happens when we allow ourselves to explore? We open up new doors; new possibilities, passions, and opportunities for growth.
Writing short stories and poems has broadened my perspective on what writing can be. I’m learning that the craft of writing such literary pieces is a practice in brevity, in emotional depth, and in telling a complete story within a limited space. While essays allow me to explore deep analysis or reflection, these new forms push me to condense that same intensity into something sharper and more immediate. This current path of trying something unfamiliar has brought a richer appreciation for the literary craft and a newfound respect for the creative flexibility it requires.
More than anything, this week has been about discovery.
It’s shown me that I don’t have to be an expert to find joy in something. The act of learning, of growing and experimenting, has been just as rewarding as producing polished pieces. I’ve found a new love for short stories and poetry, not because I’ve suddenly become an expert, but because they challenge me in different ways. They stretch my creativity and give me new tools to express myself.
As I move further into month 2 of this challenge,
I’m excited to continue this creative exploration. I’ll be trying my hands on different themes and genres, giving myself the freedom to experiment with new ideas and styles. By the end of the month, I hope to have a collection of stories and poems that reflect not just my growth, but also the joy of stepping into uncharted territory.
This week has taught me the value of embracing the unknown and allowing myself to explore beyond my comfort zone.
It has also taught me that:
- Growth isn’t limited to one area: Expanding my skills and exploring new creative outlets can reveal hidden talents and passions.
- I don’t need to be an expert to enjoy something: The journey of trying new things can be just as fulfilling as mastering them.
- Experimenting leads to unexpected joy: Stepping into short stories and poetry has brought new excitement to my writing, reminding me of the limitless potential of my creativity.
As I continue on this 90-day challenge, these are lessons I plan to carry with me through the rest of this challenge—and beyond.
P/s: If you have any questions about creating content and writing, please leave a comment below or DM me on Instagram!
