Have a break, have a creative sabbatical
I'm going on holiday! (That's a metaphor to say I'm taking a break from writing here) Do you need one too?
Hello you,
I’m wishing you a cosy and nourishing Sunday. How are you doing right now?
One thing I’m feeling is *excited* because of a decision I’ve made.
I have decided to go on holiday.
A holiday from writing my weekly letter here.
I’m packing my rucksack, turning on my ‘out of office’ and lacing up my exploring boots.
As someone who would not use the word ‘consistent’ about myself, I’m pretty bloomin’ proud that I’ve managed to share a creation here every Sunday for a whole flipping year. (Go, Janelle!)
And sooo many wonderful things have come about as a result, namely connection with you and many other wise, courageous and fascinating people.
That’s why initially the idea of break was out of the question.
WHAT ABOUT YOUR STREAK? WHAT IF YOU NEVER COME BACK TO IT?
WHAT IF YOU’RE RUNNING AWAY BECAUSE IT’S HARD?
WHAT IF YOU’RE A QUITTER?
(Oh, hello inner critic. Fancy seeing you here.)
At first, I thought I.C made some valid points. Permission for a break was not granted. I couldn’t be trusted to return, so I must keep on powering through.
It’s not like I can’t create anything in this current state. I’ve been managing to write something. But if I’m truly honest, it’s not flowy and enjoyable. It’s not me at my best.
writes about the sponge metaphor. Sometimes we need to be in ‘absorb’ mode, sometimes we’re in ‘squeeze’. This feels pretty bang on. I can keep squeezing and I might produce a droplet but…there is not much more left to give. I can feel that.So, important reminder to me:
I CAN trust myself. I’ve got a lot of evidence to prove it.
I can trust that this is a temporary sabbatical. I can trust that I will return, brimming with inspiration and stories to tell.
I am actively deciding that this is a time to rest, consume others’ art and process lots of things I’ve been learning about and connecting. And it’s time to play. (Also it’s time to overcome resistance finish my novel which is 97.9% done)
I only have to observe my gorgeous darling cat, Victor, to see how instinctive rest should be. Vic doesn’t have an existential crisis or feel any guilt when he gets those rest signals. When he knows it’s time, he finds the softest, cosiest little corner he can and curls up there and then. What a role model.
I’m gonna do that, starting today.
And there are plenty of creative rest role models in this Substack corner too including
to name a few.So, even though I know I didn’t need to tell you and I know you support me all the way. This is me letting you know I’m off for a few weeks.
It’s also permission for you to take a break from that thing if you need it.
Thank you so SO much for reading, for supporting me, for connecting and sharing. I really do love writing here. And I can’t wait to return in a few weeks, in peak spring, ready and raring for ‘season two’ of because she has to.
All my love,
Janelle
I love seeing posts like this Janelle, normalising that it's OK to take a break and rest,and honour how your creative energy feels. Instead of feeling like we have to power through no matter what. Enjoy your break ❤️ x
This was so refreshing! I nowadays find writing every Tuesday a chore (not always but a bit too often) and not a joy and want to rebel against consistency. Do enjoy your holiday and welcome back when it's time! 😊