In a world that’s never quiet, time devoted to thought is rare.

Rare usually means valuable. That's capitalism, for you. When this concept is applied to thinking, it fails to fund because you can't sell your thoughts until you transform them into something tangible. It's a conundrum, though — You need thinking time to solve problems and generate ideas that will become the fruit of your creativity.

As a creative and a parent, I struggle with the lack of quiet space to listen to my intuition and blossoming ideas. I feel calmer and creatively inspired when I sneak in a meditative moment.

Thinking is productive, even though we’ve been brainwashed to believe it’s not.

I’m writing a sci-fi/fantasy novel set in our world and the spirit realm. My challenge is to invent a whole new world, imagine every little detail, and explain how it works. This requires thinking time.

Since I’m so busy, I tend to dive directly into writing which makes me feel more productive, but there’s no way around the thinking. I’m in a place in the process right now where I have to slow down, think, and wonder. But it makes me want to thrash and scream and fight because it feels counterproductive.

Thinking is undervalued — and it's bankrupting dreams.

Thoughts lead to entertainment, ingenuity, and even profit. Quiet thinking time makes happier people. Let's normalize thinking time, especially for creative caregivers with dreams.

I can't write my way out of this story hurdle; I have to think my way out.