Once upon a time, I had… a friend. And this friend was a really, really good writer. She was, in my thirteen or fourteen year old eyes, practically a published author, even though she was about my age.
One day, I asked her if it was okay for me to take a writing break. I was exhausted, my creativity was running dry. I just wanted a little rest.
But she told me no. She told me that real writers didn’t take breaks.
So of course, I didn’t take that break.
Maybe that doesn’t seem like a big deal- but it was.
I went over four months without taking any kind of break- four months added to a month of NaNoWriMo and two months of just normal writing. (No, NaNo is NOT normal writing. Trust me. *falls over*)
That makes about seven months. Of course, I may not be remembering the time just right, but it’s the same thing either way- I went ages without a break.
And then I crashed. Mentally and physically. My creativity well ran completely dry. I couldn’t write a word. I couldn’t really do much of anything creative. Not blogging, I could barely even bring myself to read.
I felt so, so, so guilty. After all, my friend told me that real writers don’t take breaks- anyone who’s serious about their passions don’t take breaks.
But it turns out, she was wrong. At least, I think so.
I’m not saying it’s good to take a break every time writing gets tough, every time you get writer’s block. A lot of times, you just have to push through writer’s block.
But not every time.
Sometimes, you just need to recharge. Do something fun. Or do nothing at all. It may sound lazy. It’s really not. It does wonders. Truly.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that you don’t have to listen to what people tell you. If you want to take a break, if you think you need one, I hereby give you permission to take one. So what if people say it’s not professional? It’s good for you.
It’s good to get off the computer screen and go read instead. It’s good to go outside. It’s good to go a week or two without worrying about how good your writing is.
Maybe you don’t know how to take a break, and that’s okay too. It doesn’t have to be a long break. Just shut off the computer, or at least Google Docs or whatever you use to write. Browse Pinterest to your heart’s content. Watch Studio C. I give you permission to do that.
And please remember that it’s okay to take a break. Maybe you don’t need one now, but if someday you do, don’t feel guilty. Please don’t. I did, and that didn’t turn out well.
I guess this post is just a ramble, but I wanted to say it. I just… I dunno, but here I am, writing it all up, and to be honest, it’s okay if no one reads it because it’s so short. It’s nice to get your thoughts out instead of them being pent up in your mind for eternity. Talking helps.
By the way, if YOU need someone to talk to, feel free to contact me. I think I’m a good listener. I like to listen. So.
Remember that you’re beautiful and loved, dear friend. ❤ You’re a piece of gorgeous art.
Love you guys,
