Author: Jonathan Barcenas

When the Mind Runs Dry: The Power of a Hard Reset

We all go through moments when inspiration fades and the mind feels heavy. The instinct is often to push harder — but sometimes the real key is to pause, reset, and return stronger. In this reflection, I share how a simple ritual helped me find my creative flow again.

Lately, I had been feeling under the weather — “not vibing high at all,” as my good friend Daliz would say.
And I couldn’t figure out why.
I was struggling to come up with ideas to write about.
I needed my ritual badly, hoping it would help.

I reflected: family, work, health, finances, relationships — all seemed in check.
Still, I couldn’t find where I was lacking.
I even started wondering if all my creative ideas were gone. That’s a tragedy.
I felt heavy, low on energy, uninspired.

After three days of pure procrastination and frustration, I decided to go old school on this feeling — in other words: a hard reset.
(This is my ritual.)

I went back to my Solo Soul roots.
A lone wolf mindset — or if you don’t like wolves, you can think of a chick just cracking out of its shell, looking confused but ready to begin life.
I pulled out my mental notepad — my step-by-step list of what always helps me reset.

Step one: stop trying to do everything.
Focus on one thing — and do it well.

I chose the gym. Why? Because it doesn’t require much thinking, but it gets the body moving and the brain firing.
(Science backs this up: physical exercise increases blood flow to the brain and releases neurochemicals like dopamine, endorphins, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which boost mood, clarity, and creativity.)

No blogging, no writing, no side projects — just working out.
I added one more thing: eating healthy and drinking plenty of water.
Operation: get the machine running again.

“Movement awakens the mind just as much as it strengthens the body.”
(— Solo With Soul)

After three days of this, I began to feel lighter.
Relaxed.
Ideas started flowing again — like small ripples on a calm lake.

But I wanted more.
I wanted that balloon of creativity to fully inflate — and burst.

Before all this, I used to read a lot — psychology, history, future trends, technology — anything that sparked curiosity.
I even found myself thinking about finding a time machine, setting the date incorrectly, and ending up 2.4 million years back in time in a community of Homo habilis. No way back. 😅
So I sat down and started reading again.
Flooding my mind with new inputs — some fascinating, some not — but the point was simple: to wake up the mind.

By the fifth day of this ritual, I was experimenting with my Oculus Quest headset.
I could see this giant red balloon on top of my head, just ready to blow.
Four minutes into an app… BOOM.
A crazy idea hit me — out of nowhere.
I knew that balloon had just popped.

I ripped off the headset, sat in front of my desk, and began writing like mad.
When I finished, I jumped straight into working on another project. Then another.

Suddenly, I was rolling again.
“Welcome back to the land of the living, my friend — you have slept for quite some time.”
That line from Eminem’s Rap God echoed in my head.
(And yes, I may have smiled at my computer.)

“Sometimes the clearest ideas come not from forcing the mind, but from freeing it.”
(— Solo With Soul)

The lesson?
Getting one thing done well builds momentum.
And momentum fuels creativity.

I’ve been in this place before, but only now do I recognize the pattern.
For me, a hard reset — going old school — is the key.
Simple actions. One step at a time.

When the mind runs dry, don’t fight it. Reset. Refill. Return stronger.
And remember — a little fun and curiosity go a long way. ✨

0

The Funnel Effect

We spend so much time running from loneliness, but what if it’s not something to escape… but something to master? Think of this as a mindset shift, not a self-help cliché. It’s about clearing the noise, making space for real connections, and learning why solitude might just be the most powerful upgrade you’ve been avoiding. Ready to find out? Let’s get into it.

Sometimes, we convince ourselves that any company is better than being alone. We settle for toxic environments and shallow relationships—not because we don’t know better, but because we’re terrified of solitude, as if being alone were some kind of punishment.

The truth is, we often end up surrounded by people who don’t really care for us, but only for what we can offer them. And when we can’t—or no longer want to—keep giving, they simply turn their backs. I guess that’s why people say you only find out who your true friends are when you hit rock bottom.

In The Prince, Machiavelli captured this harsh reality perfectly:
“People will profess loyalty when it costs them nothing, but abandon you when personal risk arises.”
In other words, the moment you stop flowing with their current, they drift away.

But is that a bad thing? Or is it actually a blessing in disguise?
Well, it really depends on what you truly want.

When I started doing what I love—taking photos, exercising, eating healthier, partying less, spending time in nature, riding my bike—I lost almost all my so-called “friends.” But guess what? I found new, incredible people who actually align with the life I’m building.

I like to think of it as a funnel.
At the top, the funnel is wide open—just like life when we’re open to meeting everyone. You pour in all kinds of pebbles; they represent the people you meet. But as the funnel narrows—that’s when you start changing, growing, and refusing to do what no longer feels right—only the smallest pebbles make it through.

And here’s the best part:
Those small pebbles are your real people. The ones who stick around. The ones who matter. I’ve always believed it’s better to have one real person by your side than a crowd of fakes.

If you’re ready to try the funnel technique, know this: it’s going to be hard. And if you’re already in the middle of the filtering process, be strong. This is the darkest part of the funnel. You’ll feel painfully alone at times.

But embrace that pain—it’s part of the journey.
This is when you truly meet yourself.

Ask yourself real questions.
Try the things you’ve always wanted to do.
Dare to go for a coffee on your own.
Eat out by yourself.
Go to the park, lay on the grass, feel the air touch your face gently. Listen—not to the noise of the world, but to the quiet voice of your soul.

Learn to appreciate the small details this life gives you.
And when you learn to love your solitude, something beautiful happens—the right people will start finding their way to you, like magnets.

Today, I can honestly say I love being on my own. And when my real people show up, I cherish every second of their company.

0

How to Beat Laziness and Find Instant Motivation

Of course, you’re not going to feel great all the time. Some days, you’ll feel like you’re just wasting your time on whatever project you’ve started. Especially when you’re not seeing any real results—or at least, that’s what the uninspired version of you wants to believe.

You’ve probably read books, watched videos, and seen articles about what to do in these moments, yet somehow… you still just don’t want to do it. And to be honest, that’s fair. We don’t always have to be operating at 100%.

Today, for me, it’s been one of those days. I couldn’t find a single thread of inspiration. All I wanted to do was lay in bed and chase instant gratification. And my best ally for that? My iPhone. So, like clockwork, I started scrolling.

Instagram? My favorite. Threads? Pretty entertaining too. But the reels? That’s where I get stuck.

I’ll be honest—every time I finish scrolling, I feel guilty. For me, and the life I’m trying to build, it’s a waste of time. And yet, loving something doesn’t mean it’s good for you… and I love scrolling.

So, how do I escape that love trap?

How do we escape it?

I have this crazy little trick I call “The Last Train to Inspiration Land.”

Here’s how it works:
I allow myself to be lazy—but only for one hour.

Let’s say I come home and already have a list of things I need to do: clean up the place, work out, get dinner ready, spend some time writing for my blog, take a shower, and maybe research a few topics. But just thinking about that list makes me want to do absolutely nothing. Add to that the fear that none of this is going anywhere, and demotivation hits hard.

So, I make a deal with myself: one hour of guilt-free laziness.
Scroll. Lay down. Do nothing. Waste time.

But while I’m doing that, I gently remind myself of the why behind each task. I think of the benefits of finishing them. I remember why I started chasing this lifestyle in the first place.

I don’t want a 9-to-5 life—not because there’s anything wrong with it, but because it doesn’t fit my dream.

Then, laziness kicks in again. I see a reel of someone working out and think, Man, I wish I had those abs. And then the truth hits: I could have them… if I wasn’t so lazy. If I just got that workout done, it’d be one step closer.

And here’s the science behind it—dopamine, the chemical tied to motivation and reward, kicks in after you take action, not before. That’s why waiting around to “feel motivated” rarely works.

So during that hour, I do something I call micro-motivation. I talk to myself. Brutally honest, real talk. I remind myself that what I have—or don’t have—is because of me.

If working out isn’t on your list, pick one small activity. Just think about getting one thing done and focus on the reward. You’re not looking for a massive burst of energy—just a tiny spark.

That spark is everything.

It might come 20 minutes in, 38 minutes, or even at the very last minute of your “lazy hour.”

Today, it hit me at minute 43.
I was lying on the couch, feeling completely drained, scrolling Instagram, overthinking everything. Then, out of nowhere, I felt it—that tiny, almost invisible spark.

And I grabbed it.

I jumped up, planted my palms on the cold floor, and started doing push-ups.

At 25 push-ups, I got up and started tidying my living room. With every little action, something incredible happened. My body started producing norepinephrine, the chemical responsible for focus and getting you into “action mode.” I was feeling sharp and alive.

I kept doing push-ups between tasks to keep that momentum going.

When I got to the kitchen and washed the dishes, a new feeling kicked in—serotonin. Calm, positivity, and a growing sense of pride.

By the time I finished tidying up, I was full of energy. I went back to my workout, and before I even finished, ideas started flooding in. Suddenly, the creative block I had earlier was gone.

I rushed to my desk, opened my laptop, and wrote this post.

That’s the magic. You just need one win to get on the train headed straight for greatness.

So next time you feel that spark—no matter how small—grab it and don’t let it go.

That’s your last ticket to Inspiration Land.
Miss it, and the train leaves without you.

0

One Simple Walk. One Powerful Realization.

Today, I went for a walk—no music, no distractions. Just me, my thoughts, and the raw, unfiltered voice of nature.

At first, the silence felt loud—almost uncomfortable. But step by step, something shifted. With every breeze that rustled the trees, with every bird call that echoed through the open air, I began to hear the questions I’d been too busy to ask.

What does it really mean to live freely? How do I break the chains of a life I no longer want? Where does freedom even begin?

And then—just as those thoughts echoed through my mind—I came across a bridge.

I don’t know what it is about bridges, but every time I see one, it feels like I’m about to unlock the next level of a video game. So I stopped right in the middle, took a breath, and looked out over the water.

That’s when I saw it—a muskrat, working carefully on its lodge, adding one more branch to its home. And when it was done? It let go. Drifted effortlessly with the stream, no resistance, no struggle. Just flowing with life.

And in that simple moment, the answer hit me.

It begins with me. With a decision to build something of my own. To stop trading time for survival and start living a life that feels alive.

Freedom isn’t a distant dream—it’s a path we walk toward, one clear thought and one bold step at a time.

That walk didn’t just clear my head. It lit a fire.

And now? I’m done waiting. I’m building my way out.

Will you keep walking the same tired road—or will today be the day you take your first real step toward freedom?

0

How Home Depot Led Me to the Woods

I left work mentally drained but full of energy, ready to hit the gym. But on the way there, my body had other plans—it started pleading for evacuation. So I made a quick pit stop at the nearest washroom. This time? Home Depot. Thank you, Home Depot.

While sitting there, I opened my favorite app—Maps. I zoomed in, curious about where in the world I was exactly. As the map grew into my pupils, I spotted a big green area and a beautiful, curvy blue line. It looked like it was inviting me for a meetup.

I left Home Depot with a mission: I needed to see that curvy blue line with my own eyes.

The sun was out. After nearly five months of break, the trees were back at work, bursting into green again. I walked into the park, fired up and curious. Along the way, I passed a raccoon just chilling like he had no job and all the time in the world.

I kept walking. An obstacle ahead—I dodged it and pressed on. I was getting close. Finally, I saw the bridge, and between its rails, I was sure I’d find my destiny.

But when I got there… the curvy blue line was gone. No lake. Just traces of water—if that.

I stepped closer, hoping for a glimpse of something. I looked up. The sunlight was cutting through the trees, the thick trunks and branches casting contrast all around me. And in that moment, I realized—

I wasn’t really looking for a lake.
I was just trying to take a break from work.

0

When Silence Sparks Something New

Up here, above the noise, I found stillness.
No rush, no replies, no pressure to be anywhere else. Just me, a view, and the sound of my own thoughts stretching out.

That’s the gift of solitude—space to feel, think, and create without interruption.
Ideas start showing up when you stop chasing them.
In silence, inspiration doesn’t shout. It gently taps you on the shoulder.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uninspired, maybe you don’t need more stimulation. Maybe you just need a little more you.

A quiet seat. A view that calms. A moment of stillness.
Let silence speak—you might just be surprised what it whispers back.

🌱 Why Solitude Feeds Creativity:

Spending time alone doesn’t just recharge you—it unlocks your creative side in powerful ways. Here’s why:

  • You hear your own ideas clearly.
    No outside noise, no opinions—just your voice, uninterrupted.
  • You follow your curiosity.
    You’re free to explore random thoughts, take creative detours, and make unexpected connections.
  • You get comfortable with silence.
    In stillness, you stop rushing—and start noticing. Inspiration often lives in the small, quiet details.
  • You create without judgment.
    With no one watching, you’re free to try, fail, play, and start again.
  • You reconnect with your inner pace.
    Solitude gives you time to slow down, reflect, and build ideas that come from your soul—not the scroll.

“The quieter you become, the more you can hear.”
— Ram Dass

We don’t always need more noise to feel inspired—sometimes we just need stillness.
So take a moment this week. Step away. Sit somewhere quiet.
Bring nothing but yourself—and see what shows up.

0

“Landing Somewhere New: The Power of a Solo Trip”

“You don’t have to wait for perfect plans to find magic.”

✈️ The Power of a Solo Trip There’s something quietly powerful about booking a plane ticket for yourself. No audience. No big plans. Just curiosity, a backpack, and a willingness to get lost. When I boarded a flight to Paris, I wasn’t chasing a checklist of landmarks. I wasn’t chasing anything, really. I just wanted to feel what it was like to land somewhere completely unknown — and walk its streets like I belonged. I wanted to walk midnight in Paris. I wandered without a map most days. I sat alone in the metro, listening to the music of a language I didn’t understand. I drank plenty of “vin chaud” every chance I got. I crossed bridges over the Seine that shimmered under soft rain. I watched the Eiffel Tower light up — not from a tour bus, but from a bench where I ate a warm croissant, while a couple of mice wandered around like they owned the city. I was alone, but not lonely. I was at peace. It wasn’t about being a tourist. It wasn’t about having perfect photos. It was about realizing that I could be anywhere in the world — and still feel at home inside myself. I had the chance to interact with locals who showed me a glimpse of Paris nightlife. Moments I would have missed if I hadn’t taken the risk to go alone. Not every moment was perfect. There were times I got lost, felt awkward ordering food, or missed having someone to share a laugh with. But those moments taught me something even more important: I didn’t need to be fearless to move forward. I just needed to move. If you’ve ever thought about taking a trip alone — to Paris, to anywhere — I’m here to tell you: You can. You don’t have to wait for the right time, or the right company, or the perfect plan. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do for yourself is to go. Buy the ticket. Step onto the street of a city you’ve never seen before. Let yourself be new somewhere. You don’t go alone because you’re lonely. You go alone because you’re powerful enough to carry your own spirit across oceans.
0

A Moment by the Lake

“The journey started with motion. The silence came later.”

I didn’t plan much — just knew I needed to move.

A bike ride turned into a train ride. A view from the window led me toward open water. I let the day unfold the way it wanted to. No directions, no playlist. Just the road, the water, and me.

Eventually, I landed by the lake — still, glassy, and patient. I didn’t rush. I didn’t speak. I let the place speak to me instead.

I stayed longer than I meant to.
It didn’t feel like I was escaping anything.
It felt like I was arriving.

“Pedaled through noise until the streets started breathing.”

“First glimpse of space. The start of quiet.”

“I followed the pull — closer to the calm.”

“Stillness, with texture. A rhythm without sound.”

“The water was clear. So were my thoughts.”

“These two didn’t need conversation. Neither did I.”

“A slice of peace. Literally.”

“Bridges are for crossing. But I paused first.”

“The city, framed by quiet.”

“Not just walking back — walking forward, different.”

“Lights came on. But my calm didn’t fade.”

Not every adventure is loud.
Some take place in silence, on side roads, by a quiet lake with nothing but ducks, breeze, and your own breath to guide you.

And sometimes, that’s the best kind.

Move without a destination.
Let the moment lead you.
That’s where the real power lives.

0

Why I Walk Alone (And Why I Love It)

There’s something powerful about being alone — not in a lonely way, but in a way that connects you deeper to the world around you.

Most of my free time is spent walking through parks, wandering city streets, or sitting quietly in spots most people pass by without noticing. I do this alone, not because I don’t like people — in fact, I’m pretty social — but because solitude has a way of opening me up to things I’d never see otherwise.

When I walk alone, I notice the way sunlight hits a park bench, the quiet hum of city life, the stories in strangers’ faces, and the thoughts that bubble up when no one’s around to distract me. I take photos. I shoot little videos. Not to show off, but to capture a moment, a feeling — and maybe help someone else feel it too.

This blog is for people like me: those who enjoy their own company, who are learning to appreciate the quiet, who aren’t afraid to walk alone or sit on their own and enjoy a nice meal at their favorite place. It’s a space to celebrate solitude, share what I see, and hopefully inspire you to find beauty in your own stillness.

So whether you’re an introvert, an explorer, or just someone trying to make sense of life in your own time and space — welcome.

You’re not alone in walking alone.

0

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑