Crip Monologues Project: A Writer’s Journey to Recognition and Inspiration

So back in November I spotted a Facebook post which mentioned that CRIPtic Arts in London were looking for writers for a project named the Crip Monologues.

Writers were invited to pitch ideas at the CRIPtic team and from those pitches 12 would be chosen to develop a script for a 10-15 minute monologue, with the subject being scrutiny; people who are stared at when they enter a room or go shopping; people who look different to the “norm”.

I was one of the 12 commissioned, which was obviously exciting for me, and I quickly had to learn how to write a script, having never done this previously. The commission for this piece was paid into my bank a few days after completion and that then made me officially a paid writer. For the first time in my life someone saw value in my writing! This has reawakened the buzz inside of me to get a book finished and out there. I believe the Crip Monologues will be performed this year (2024.)

Meet the writers:

Riding the Waves of Motivation: Staying Afloat on Off Days

The Highs of Motivation

We’ve all felt it — that surge of energy when motivation courses through our veins. It’s the fuel that powers us to tackle our goals, the wind in our sails pushing us towards success. On these days, we’re unstoppable, checking off tasks with a vigour that seems to come from a boundless well.

The Lows of Demotivation

But then, there are the other days. The odd ones where that well of motivation seems to have dried up overnight. We wake up feeling like we’re wading through treacle, every task an insurmountable mountain. It’s normal, yet it can make us feel isolated, as if we’re the only ones struggling while the rest of the world charges ahead.

Understanding the Cycle

It’s crucial to recognise that motivation isn’t constant; it’s a cycle. Like the ocean’s tides, it ebbs and flows. Accepting this can be liberating. It means that feeling down or unmotivated isn’t a failure — it’s part of the human experience.

Strategies for the Low Days

So, what can we do when motivation is scarce? Here are a few strategies:

  • Start small: Tackle the smallest task on your list. Completing it can give you a sense of achievement and might just kickstart your engine.
  • Seek inspiration: Sometimes, we need external sources to light our internal fire. Read a book, listen to a podcast, or watch a TED talk — anything that resonates with you.
  • Connect with others: Reach out to a friend or colleague. Often, just talking about our lack of motivation can help dissipate it.
  • Be kind to yourself: Remember, it’s okay to have off days. Be as compassionate to yourself as you would be to a friend in the same boat.

Embracing the Journey

Motivation is not just about the highs; it’s about learning to navigate the lows. It’s about understanding that our worth isn’t tied to our productivity on any given day. So, on those odd days when you’re feeling down, remember that the tide will turn. The key is to ride the wave, not fight against it.