take a break

Writing breaks. That’s the epiphany of the week. I mean honestly I used to know it and have a good handle on taking a break and coming back to the computer after a few minutes. I used to remember how much smother the words would flow when I’d take a break when I got stuck, instead of just staring at the screen hoping it’ll magically make sense. How very silly of me to have to be reminded that needing to take a break isn’t a sign of laziness but simple mental fatigue. 


It finally clicked yesterday when I took a break to take a shower and eat supper. I had left off the chapter having finally understood why it was feeing so stunted. Realized it and then wasn’t sure how to fix it exactly and thought it would take a lot of work. Again very silly of me, I had it fixed in no longer than 20 minutes after I sat back down. 


All I needed was a little bit of a break, that was it. I hadn’t all the sudden become a terrible writer, my identity wasn’t at stake, I hadn’t overnight lost the ability to effectively string together words. It wasn’t nearly as big of a deal as I was making it. It’s not something I can scientifically explain, but it’s like those few minutes or short hour away from the desk create space for my unconscious mind sort it out without my input. 


Often times it’s the little things, taking time to actually sit down and eat a meal without rushing to be back to the task. That one is a simple one, but makes a massive difference to me. Another is just doing the everyday domestic tasks without feeling like I should be doing other more productive things. Because what ends up happening is that I’ll sit down to write and get distracted thinking about all the other things I have to do besides write. 


Really, my brain is a very silly place. 


At the end of the day it’s about self compassion and knowing my own capacity. It’s simply said and more perseverance based in action. So take the break, walk away form the desk, have a stretch, get some water or make some tea, eat some real fuel food. It doesn’t have to as complicated as it’s sometimes made out to be, you just have to be willing to trust your own basic needs to be needs and not be masquerading as selfish wants. Just, take a break. 

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