Everday Life Uncluttered: Take a Break to Get Better

I'm in awe of my writing mentors who write and post blogs every single day. Sometimes I feel as if that's what I should be doing as well. If I want to significantly improve my craft, then consistent practice is what it takes, right?

To an extent, I completely agree. However, I then think back to my coaching days and sometimes my athletes just needed a couple of days away from the sport. Away from the weight room. Away from training. Both their minds and bodies needed a break. 

Sometimes it would be hard for them to recognize this. They were so passionate about their sport that they wanted to keep pushing onward. I could see the bigger picture though. I could see the fatigue setting in causing mistakes to happen that usually didn't and bodies becoming worn down. Even though the death stares were tough to ignore, there were days when I simply said, "Enough is enough. Take a break. You're done for today."

The breaks weren't long mind you, perhaps a couple of days. But it was enough time that it created a deeper hunger, desire, and motivation to get back at it again. In the end, they appreciated the break even though they wouldn't necessarily admit it verbally. The spring in their step and rejuvenated attitude said it all.

I took a page from my coaching notebook for myself the last three days. I took them off and completely took a step away from writing. Mostly. I still completed my daily journal and took some notes from reading material, but as far as blog posts, newsletter writing, my writing class, and book writing, I took a break. 

It was much needed. Even though I was in a pretty good flow, I could tell that I was wearing down a bit. I didn't feel as sharp with my writing and it was a little sloppy. I didn't have the same energy.

It was good to get away from it for a few days. I wholeheartedly spent my time with family. I went to a concert, got together with my son-in-law's family, and celebrated my daughter's and mother-in-law's birthdays. I sat around and talked and got caught up on what's happening in others' lives. 

What it did was allowed me to be in the moment with family, recognize and reflect upon the sacrifices so many have given for the freedoms I have every single day, and to appreciate that I love what I do. 

As you can probably imagine, I was practically giddy when I knew that I would get back to my writing today. I outlined the rest of the week for Get To It, and then I got to it! 

Sometimes it's imperative to take a break from what we are deeply passionate about cultivating so that we can come back better than ever. 

Listen to your body, your mind, your soul. They will let you know when it's time for a rest. They will also let you know when it's time to get back after it. 

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