Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Just Breathe

August was extra-stressful for me. If you missed it, you can read about it here.

At the beginning of September, I made a commitment to myself to stop pretending I was too busy to do things that made me happier and healthier. To pay more attention to my kids and nature. To go outside. To read books. To stop worrying that I'm going to become obsolete if I don't "hurry up and write the next book."

I am just over two weeks into my new schedule. In that short time, I've lost weight, gained muscle, laughed, read great books, daydreamed, felt the breeze, hugged a turn on my motorcycle, written my first speech, done a full moon ceremony, read love letters to myself out loud in front of the mirror, and JUST BREATHED.

That last one is my favorite.

Whether you're a writer or another professional or a professional Momma (or Daddy), if you're feeling the stress (that we've mostly put on ourselves) to do and be MORE than is possible or necessary or FAIR, I encourage you to make your own commitment.

Just like me, you don't have to tell anyone about it when it happens. Sometimes the biggest changes occur in small silences. But do it. Sticking to my promise to myself has increased the quality of my life. The only one I get in this body and this mind. And my soul is grateful.

What do you do to disconnect from the stress and just be in your own body?



2 comments:

  1. Good for you, Heather. We're floating in the same boat. I put out 4 novels last year and have vowed to never do it again. I work at a normal pace but I'm not stressing about deadlines. I, too, am paying more attention to me. I've changed my diet, lost a few pounds, and feel better than I have in years... and more optimistic. Here's to a great 2015 and on.

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  2. I spent most of my Sunday coloring and watching Netflix and I don't regret a single minute of it. There are some days I simply cannot get in front of a computer screen and I refuse to feel bad about it anymore! I usually go on a reading binge or find pretty things on Pinterest, or cuddle my dog extra hard while watching movies on the couch when I need a break.

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