Good morning wordicorns and scribblers,
Today we’re focusing on breaks and hiatuses and cutting ourselves some slack. We’ve talked about this. We’ll talk about this again and again, honestly. Our brains can be so mean, so punishing when we want to take a walk or watch a movie or go on a trip and turn off our phones.
But we are in the middle of a manuscript.
But we just got a bunch of new followers.
But we promised we would keep up a certain level of engagement/certain days of posting.
But another author asked us to do a reading, and it could be good for exposure.
But we crushed NaNoWriMo and want to edit the manuscript now.
But we are so close to our 50k NaNo goal.
But.
But.
But.
But what of your mental health? But what of your physical health? But what of the longevity of your career and burnout?
Here are some voices sharing how they tackle permission.
We hope at least one of them makes your journey as little easier.
Articles/essays of interest
Need proof (with medical science and sources to back it up) that taking at least one mental health day is a good idea? Read 7 Positive Effects of Taking Time Off for Mental Health.
“Most people believe they can and should reach those needs through their work. But that is very seldom the case.” —
“Part of my writing practice is to waste time.” —
“Rachel, you’re a mapmaker, not a baggage carrier, not a tour operator, and not a travel agent. You are there to guide and accompany people through their own journey; you are not responsible for carrying stuff that does not belong to you.” —
“If you’re overworked, overdrawn, and overwhelmed because you have a hard time saying that pesky two-letter word…” —
“Turns out, I also needed to sleep.” —
I love all of this!
Part of my writing practice is to waste time too, a necessary part of the process 👏
Dick around for 1-2 hours! So freeing!! OMG.