Title: The Lessons Learned From My Unplanned Writing Hiatus
Written on
Chapter 1: The Unexpected Break
After dedicating three months to consistent writing, I unexpectedly paused for a month. Here’s what I discovered during this time.
When I stopped writing, it wasn’t a deliberate choice; however, it turned out to be a necessary one. Life isn’t designed for constant output.
I had been producing blog posts regularly, which felt satisfying until various life events disrupted my flow. I started a new job, went for an interview for a Physics program at university, and began the lengthy process of applying for accommodation. These seemingly small tasks collectively derailed my writing routine.
As the days went by without writing, I found it increasingly easy to forgo it altogether. Before I knew it, a month had passed. Did I feel a twinge of guilt for not writing? A bit. But I realized that life has its ebbs and flows, and what truly matters is the passion that drives us to return to our craft.
What did I glean from this experience? Surprisingly, quite a bit!
Section 1.1: Insights Gained
Nothing Catastrophic Happens
It’s true. When you pause your writing, the world continues to spin. As I've noted in earlier posts, the relentless drive to produce is beneficial for some, but can be detrimental for many. We are not machines; we naturally experience fluctuations in motivation and creativity, often signaling a need for a break.
Mental Refreshment is Essential
Anyone who has attempted to master an instrument knows that progress can be rapid at first, followed by a frustrating plateau. This is often when our brains need a break. For me, I reached a point where my creative energy was depleted. Instead of forcing myself to write, I chose to step back and focus on the other aspects of my life.
Ideas Continue to Flow
Although I wasn’t actively writing, I was still nurturing ideas. Conversations and reflections during my break led to a surge of new blog topics. It turns out that stepping away can foster creativity more effectively than relentless pressure to produce.
Section 1.2: Embracing the Break
Taking a break doesn’t equate to failure. Our brains often know when they need a pause. When you return to your passion, you may find yourself rejuvenated and ready to create.
Chapter 2: Reigniting Creativity
This first video, "Writing Lessons I Wish I'd Learned Sooner," dives into the importance of taking breaks and not being too hard on oneself during the writing process.
The second video, "The BEST Lessons I've Learned About Writing," offers insights into embracing creativity and the lessons learned throughout the journey.
In summary, taking an unplanned break from writing is not a sign of failure. Instead, it can be a necessary step towards rejuvenation. Listen to your mind, honor its requests, and when you return to your craft, you’ll likely find yourself more inspired and productive than ever.