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I am frustrated today because I have misplaced my inspiration. Have you seen it, by chance?

Ordinarily when I am stumped on something, I start doodling, writing the alphabet, song lyrics, or something similar that frees my mind from the lump of blankness that clings to it. So in my opening sentence I just started typing in an attempt to clear the sludge from my creative window. And it hit me. I am supposed to write about "internet life". This frustration I am feeling is a PART of internet life. Therefore, I can write about IT rather than trying to become inspired about some other topic. Genius! Who needs inspiration when I've got this no brainer "plan B"? Or wait a minute... it was inspiration that took me from opening sentence A to plan B, wasn't it? Now I'm confused.

Frustrated and confused, the writer moved onto the next paragraph of her convoluted train of thought, still not sure realizing that her internet topic of the day is WRITER's BLOCK.

Every writer will suffer from writer's block at some point, likely at many points. Dwelling on it is the most damaging thing you can do. It seems to follow the law of attraction and the more you think about having it, the heavier the block gets.

Who knows for sure why you are unable to write at a particular moment. It could be as simple as being uncomfortable. Today I am sick and have some aches and pains that are probably distracting me. Before I started writing this post I got up, stretched and got a glass of water. I usually do a physical task between every article to promote activity but since I feel bad today I've just been hunched over the computer. Now I remember WHY I take those breaks.

Often we get too caught up on being perfect or eloquent. It is easy to get stuck on the one *magic* word that escapes you that you let the whole sentence and perhaps the entire brilliant idea get away. Just throw in any old word to get your point across and the *magic* word will come to you later.

Other times writer's block is the result simple burn out. Maybe you just finished a long or not particularly fun project and you're exhausted. Or maybe the assignment you are about to begin is not exactly your cup of tea. Or maybe you are hunched over the computer hopped up on Robitussin with a piece of tissue corking your nostril. Whatever the case, take a break here. Read some gossip blogs, play a game of Mahjong, or do a short meditation. Once your mind is refreshed try again.

Sometimes it helps to remember that although your writing is a joyful, creative outlet, it is still a job that has requirements and deadlines. By pulling your head out of the clouds and back in the game will motivate a take care of business attitude to help you tackle those jobs that are more technical than creative.

In the end, if you remain stuck, give yourself permission to quit for the day or morning, whatever fits. It is neither productive nor smart to let hours and other responsibilities pass while staring at a blank screen. You might just find that the permission alone will unblock the sludge on your creative window and send your fingers tapping.