Before I had my own writing space, I wrote wherever I could- on the couch, at a coffee shop, at the desk of my full-time job.I worked as most writers do- with what I had, and where I had it.

At the time, it was good enough.

With that said, the shift from becoming a “happy hobbyist writer” to a serious “professional freelance writer” occurred when I started investing in writing.

I actually carved out an office space, found the prettiest desk and bookshelf I could find. I also got myself a super comfy beanbag and a few accessories to “spruce” up the place.

And now? I’d be proud for my office to be pinned on Pinterest (and we all know that’s saying a lot!).

My space is beautiful, and it’s also ergonomic and functional (which is beautiful to me). I have an incredibly comfortable desk chair. I have all the necessary office supplies and organizational tools. My next gift to myself is a height-adjustable standing desk conversion.

In a nutshell? I love where I do my work. I feel inspired and uplifted- and that’s what keeps me writing every day.

Writer’s block is a real struggle, and most of us know it all too well. We sit down, and the words don’t come. So, we spend our time procrastinating on Facebook and Instagram- we stalk the photos of people we don’t care about; we organize our sock drawers; we plan out the next week of dinners. If you’re me, you plan out vacations (itinerary and all).

We do everything but write.

I’ve learned how to make peace with writer’s block in accepting that some days will always be better than others.

But, I will tell you this: our environment makes a huge difference. I know that when I sit down in my office, in my personal sanctuary full of vibrant plants and matching decor, I feel a boost of joy. I know that the opposite is also true: when my office is cluttered, I feel sloppier. Weaker. Less engaged.

By nature, I’m a very frugal person, and I don’t advocate that people spend money just for the sake of spending money. Every dollar has an intentional home- that’s why it was very hard for me to justify devoting any extra money to maximizing my space.

However, over the course of this year, I’ve realized that it was absolutely worth the investment. I write more than ever, and I’m more simultaneously disciplined and serene when I sit down to do it. As a result, I’ve connected with more clients, scored more contracts, and made more connections in the long run.