Writer's block? Or Necessary Break Time?

I had a bad case of writer's block.  

It was one of those days in which ideas just wouldn't surface.  I read several different articles, and thoroughly enjoyed them, yet couldn't come up with a plan to bring them to others via this blog. 

I was stuck.

Ugh.

Then it hit me:  I was trying too hard.

The problem, I discovered, was that I was trying to do everything within a very short period.  I woke up and began to skim environmental articles.  I got up to make breakfast and continued to skim while walking from spot to spot with my netbook in hand.  I ate, and, you guessed it - I read some more. 

I was determined to continue.  

I'd find something.  I'd write something!  I'd just post later than usual.  That's just the way it is sometimes, right? 

I continued this obsessive train of thought until I finally became so stressed out that I took a gigantic gulp of way too hot coffee, and nearly propelled a spray of the steaming liquid onto my netbook.

I had taken my need to write too far.

And I hadn't even managed to type anything.

I walked outside to get some air... without the netbook.

The seagulls cried out with glee as they flew over the fish house, excited that soon they'd get fed.  The chipmunks chased each other around before heading back underground, cheeks full of seeds.  The waves of lake superior roared as they were blown onto the shore.

...

    ...
       
        ...there was plenty to write about.  I was just too focused on the external, avoiding the internal.  I was ignoring my own life, my own transformation, in favor of other subjects.

I was being dopey.

We've all been there.  Sometimes it's writer's block, but it could be a job issue.  It could be an issue with home.  Whatever it is, we focus on the problem so intently that we neglect to notice other things that could push us in the right direction.  Ideas that could help us solve it.

Everybody has a spot outside that rejuvenates them.  It doesn't have to be the idyllic lakeside setting that I mentioned above.  A park in the center of a busy city can work just as well. 

You just have to let go for a few moments. 

Just breathe.