Take a Break.

Simple, right? But think about it. We as a society struggle with stopping when we need to stop and resting when we need to rest. As a young mom, I would work, cook, clean and take care of babies until I was physically and mentally exhausted, believing that if I just pushed through and made it to bedtime that all would be well. And it was, until the next morning (or in the middle of the night) when it all began again. But at the time, breaks (or any type of rest, nap, or time away from my kids) seemed like a weakness and was filled with self-imposed guilt. I was choosing to believe the lie that “good moms do it all”.

Which brings me to my current struggle with writing.

As much as I love it, there are some days that it feels like the well has run dry. Sure, I can string a sentence together and maybe even a whole paragraph, but creatively I feel half-full. The amazing things I want to write, just won’t come. I even catch myself believing if I just push through and stare at the screen long enough that the magic will happen. And since this is now my career, and I’m expected to write (even if just in my own eyes) of course there’s that guilt again. I find myself believing the lie that “good writers always write”. 

But then my friend, Chelsea, reminded me about the importance of taking a break. Writers, just like moms, are not machines. We can’t do it all. And the only ones expecting us too, are probably ourselves. We have got to offer grace where grace is due. 

Your best work will come when you are well-rested, both mentally and physically. 

So, to my mommas out there– you have got to be taking care of yourself first. I know there are days that feel impossible, but there are also days where we could get help and are just too proud to ask for it. Take a bath, start a hobby, jog the neighborhood, or meet a friend for coffee– whatever it looks like to get you showered and excited about life again. And here’s the truth: Good moms don’t do it all. They get help. 

And to my writers– same advice. You have got to be taking care of yourself. Writing is not just about words on paper. If you are not out there living life, you will have zero things to write about. Creativity is found in nature, in art, in music, in people. I’ve recently taken up watercolor and found that even when the words won’t flow, the water always does. The truth is: Good writers live life. Creation takes time. 

Wherever you find yourself today, take a break.