The importance of taking a break

 I'm a workaholic. (Why do I feel like I'm making a confession at an AA meeting?)

I work two jobs, and I work on my novel when I'm not at either one. When I'm not doing that, I'm reading books with the intention of picking the brains of those published before me. If I'm not doing that, I'm helping a fellow writer with their work. When I'm not doing that, (and I won the war against my bed) I'm sleeping.

Work, work and more work. I never realized how very little time I take to sit down, and figure myself out. Just me time. No one else. Where I do nothing but sleep in, maybe groom my plants, read a book for the sake of the story and shut down the part of my brain that edits it into oblivion.

While I do take small moments to relax, have a cup of tea in the sunshine, take a nape on the floor with my cats (Who are excellent teachers of relaxation,) It seems I've forgotten, or never knew, the benefit of really putting some time aside for myself. Which is probably part of the reason I don't have an identity. At last one that's hard to come across outside the written word.

So, tomorrow's it. It has to be nice out because I'm taking a day off. Throwing in the towel, calling it quits and holding up a big middle finger to life and all it's limitations. I'll go find new pots for my plants, get more soil, maybe a flowering plant this time, and just enjoy the colors.

I've been really drawn to the vibrant energy of flowers lately. I think I want to surround myself with them this spring and summer. I'll stray away from my jeans and tang top self, and get some summer dresses and bright colors. Maybe I'll get myself random bouquets just to brighten up my room, and my life a little bit.

Whenever I used to paint, I notice I never had a knack for realistic colors. Instead I painted with bright, vibrant shades. Maybe that's all I need. Something bright.

How long has it been since you took a break? Just laid on the grass and made sense of the shapes in the sky, or counted the stars till you realized they never end? 

Comments

  1. Everyone deserves a little me time :)
    I think I am a little bit of a work workaholic although you sound busier.
    You should plant bright colorful plants.
    Hope you have fun :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think I'm becoming a workaholic too, back to two jobs, 8 to 5 then 6 to midnight. ugg. I need to start working out or drawing again to relax! (LOOK, I READ YOUR BLOG FINALLY)

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    2. Except your under anonymous! lol

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  2. I've been through phases in my life which I could aptly consider to be lazy slumps, and found not only that they are really difficult to get out of, but also that they tend to degrade my emotional health. I've also had productive phases, which exhibit the same kind of positive feedback, only I feel better rather than worse. I resolved a long time ago to spend as much time as possible in the latter category.

    Of course, if the work is too grueling, you can wear yourself out. You should totally take a break if you feel that way.

    Flowers and summer dresses sound like fun. I'm looking forward to my flowers too, when (if) they grow up!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I get the same way with not working for long periods of time, and I prefer to stay busy, but a month straight without any rest is a little over kill. Besides I need to do some me work, speaking from an emotional and psychological stand point.

      Just one day. It's all I need.

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    2. One day will be fine. Enjoy it! :)

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  3. Loved the post. It is a recurring unversal theme and concern in today's world. I think Gita has best solution for it, if one could follow it and half the stress will be gone - "Karmanye Vaadhikaraste, Maa faleshu kadachana" (Yours is to work, not to desire the result).

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    Replies
    1. I like that, and your right, people are working themselves to death because of this absurd notion that they need to work until they drop to get the things in life they want.

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  4. I hope you enjoyed your day of rest!

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