Some days (or weeks or months) your creativity just…doesn’t cooperate.
It hides.
It sulks.
It curls up in a blanket and refuses to come out.
It runs around its room throwing underwear at you instead of getting dressed.
(Ooops, that one was my toddler. Turns out they’re pretty similar.)
As moms, we tend to interpret our inability to control our creativity as failure.
“I should be writing more.”
“I should have more discipline.”
“I should be better at balancing everything.”
But creativity isn’t a straight line.
It’s a meandering, moody creature that needs gentleness, not force, and not guilt. I picture a cat.
Which is why every mom-writer needs a Creative Mulligan.
What’s a Creative Mulligan?
It’s a do-over.
A reset.
A second to breathe.
A chance to start from scratch, without shame.
There is no penalty.
No makeup homework.
No judgment.
Just, “Okay. Let’s try again.”
Why Mulligans Matter
Because perfectionism is exhausting.
Because real life is not a creative retreat. (If yours is, spill the tea?)
Because guilt will only push you further from your writing.
A mulligan gives you space to show up again tomorrow, with none of today’s baggage.
How to Use Your Mulligan
1. Declare it.
Say (out loud if you can), “I’m taking a mulligan.”
That’s it. That’s the magic.
2. Release the shame.
You didn’t fail. You’re not behind.
Your life is full.
3. Start incredibly small.
One sentence.
One idea.
One paragraph.
4. Reward the restart.
Your brain loves rewards. Give it one, and you’ll train it to want more of the same.
Your Creativity Isn’t Gone; It’s Waiting for Permission
I said I picture creativity as a cat. When we first brought our girl Ivy home, she lived in our downstairs closet for two full weeks. I wanted desperately to pull her out and show her around, but (for the most part) I left her alone. I’d go work on the closet floor for a few hours at a time, just so she could get used to my presence. But I wouldn’t try to pet her or talk to her. I’d just let her be.
Soon enough, she ventured out into the rest of the house, and now not only does she run the place, but she rarely leaves my side.
Giving yourself grace means letting your creativity hide in the closet for a while if that’s what it needs. When it feels safe enough, it’ll come back. I promise.
If you want more encouraging, low-pressure mindset shifts like this, download my free Authors with Crayons guide, full of gentle resets for your writing life.
Your next creative mulligan can start now.