Consuming Content VS. Creating – Total Life Takeover

I love a good series binge as much as anyone else. But it’s hard, especially as a creator, to keep consuming that content without creating any of your own.

And I’m not talking about just playing catch up with a series you enjoy or unwinding with a cup of tea and a book. I’m talking about, as a creator, just reading and watching and playing in a manner where it ends up consuming you instead of the other way around.

It’s like that scene is Spirited Away where No-Face devours everything in the bathhouse. You’re no longer tasting the good food or drinks. You’re no longer enjoying it. You’re consuming it just to feel… well, something.

And that’s not enjoying something anymore. That’s just hurting.

Did you know screen addiction is a thing? I didn’t until I (admittedly using a screen, oops) looked it up. I mean, yeah, it’d be easy to say that it’s an older generation harping on how the younger generation uses technology.

And no, using tech should not be automatically judged as bad.

Technology connects families across the world, for example. It provides boundless information for those learning more about ourselves or wanting quick advice on how to heal a cold. It is an endless virtual library that goes on, seemingly, forever.

But, only when used responsibly.

I’m only writing about this because I stopped (at 4 AM) and stared at the clock, then back at the series I was binging, then back at the clock and wondered what I was doing with my life.

The next day, I went back to writing. When I tried to open my laptop and write…

I was thinking about that series like it was a drug and pressing “play” was my fix.

I couldn’t think of anything else. It was terrifying. I didn’t have an issue with writer’s block before. Words were my escape. Writing was how I expressed myself.

And suddenly, all I could think about was…

I need to press play. I need more. I don’t want to create. 

I want to consume.

As a creator, looking at other series or streaming services, reading books and comics, playing video games with gorgeous storylines. It drives inspiration. We love to create and to escape.

But when I spent all day escaping, I lost the will to create anything of my own.

In the future, I know I need to balance that. I was at a low point where new ideas didn’t come so easily. When stress, anxiety, and a lack of sleep took control. I nearly lost it.

I’m writing this now to say:

It’s never too late to create. I am so proud of all of you fighting mental health issues alongside other ones to try and find the will to create again. I hope you find a support network, and may the coming year be filled with joy, magic, and wonder.

-Fae