TAKING TIME OFF
A Journey of Self-Reflection and Healing from Burnout
DEAR READER (This sounds like an introduction to a Bridgerton series )
After a long sojourn from this space I had cultivated for 10 years. 10!!! We are in double digit years and if you had told me this when I did my first post in 2012. I would have roared in laughter.
In hindsight, I am grateful for this blog, for the multitude of connections that happened because I took THE LEAP! For this post, I felt it was important to indicate my WHY… A YEAR AND A HALF is a long time!
What happened?
In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of responsibilities and commitments. As a creative individual, passionate about writing, I have always found solace in the power of words, but there came a time when the demands of my craft took a toll on my well-being. In this blog post, I want to share my personal journey of taking a year and a half off from writing due to burnout, and how it became a transformative period of self-reflection and personal growth.
Writing had always been my passion, but as the demands grew, I found myself struggling to keep up. Full time school and work. The constant pressure to produce, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality content left me physically and mentally exhausted. Burnout slowly crept into my life, draining my creativity and leaving me feeling empty and uninspired. It became clear that I needed to step back and prioritize my well-being.
Acknowledging the need for change, I made the difficult decision to take a hiatus from writing. It was not an easy choice, as writing had been an integral part of my identity. However, I knew that in order to rebuild and recharge, I needed to distance myself from the source of my burnout. This period of time allowed me to explore other aspects of my life and engage in activities that nourished my soul. I did a couple rounds of the “Artist Way” which served as a jumpstart to channeling a spiritual path to creativity. Highly recommend this book by Julia Cameron.
Self-Reflection and Reassessment
During my time off, I embarked on a journey of self-reflection and introspection. I delved into understanding the factors that led to my burnout, examining my work habits, priorities, and personal expectations. This process helped me identify areas where I needed to set boundaries, delegate tasks, and re-evaluate my approach to my creative process. I also sought therapy and support, which played a crucial role in my healing process. Grateful for my family and friends during this period.
Rediscovering Passions
Without the pressure of writing deadlines, I had the opportunity to reconnect with activities and passions that I had neglected. I explored hobbies like knitting, watercolor, crotcheing, traveling, spent quality time with loved ones, enjoyed reading books that had been collecting dust and immersed myself in nature. Engaging in these fulfilling experiences rejuvenated my spirit and reignited the creative spark within me. It reminded me that life is not solely defined by one's profession, but by the joy and fulfillment found in various aspects of our ordinary existence.
Working on Self-Care
Taking time off allowed me to prioritize self-care and establish healthier habits. I focused on nurturing my physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Regular exercise, meditation, and mindfulness practices became integral parts of my daily routine. I learned to listen to my body, set realistic expectations, and embraced moments of rest and rejuvenation. Away from the posts, I had my instagram page to highlight this journey in different posts.
The Path to Renewal
After a year and a half of introspection and self-care, I slowly eased back into writing. To my art. I approached it with a renewed perspective.
I started by journaling in my notebook which made me enjoy the joy of writing. For myself. I set realistic goals, created a healthier work-life balance, and prioritized self-compassion. The passion for writing that had once felt overwhelming now flowed naturally, and I found joy in the creative process once again.
Taking time off from writing due to burnout was a challenging yet transformative journey. It allowed me to reassess my priorities, heal from the effects of burnout, and rediscover the joys of life beyond my vocation. This period of self-reflection and self-care not only rejuvenated my creativity but also taught me the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and setting boundaries. As I embark on this new chapter, I carry with me the invaluable lessons learned during my time of introspection, and I'm committed to nurturing my well-being as I continue to pursue my passions.
I look forward to sharing more of this journey now that we are back with more clarity. A reminder to give myself grace in these moments and to trust the process. Burnout is not a badge of honor.
Thank you my dear reader for being here. I appreciate you and a massive welcome back! 🤗🥂
Photography: Mariama Hurston