Welcome, fellow IWSG'ers! October is my favorite month, mainly because it's smack dab in the middle of fall, my favorite season. In my mind, it doesn't get any better than cool days, changing leaves, and hot cider.
Fall also marks a return to my day job, and a shift in attitude. Summers are laid-back and easy-going, but when the fall semester begins, I hit the ground running and don't stop until December.
No matter your career stage, be it unpublished author or multi-published superstar, it can be really easy to get caught up in work. When you have deadlines, self-imposed or otherwise, it seems like every free moment is devoted to working toward that goal.
I'm not going to say that hard work is a bad thing. Far from it. But when we spend all day, every day working (day job, errands, chores, writing) it leaves no time for fun. And if you're anything like me, down-time and fun help to rejuvenate my creativity.
I've been spending a lot of time working lately, and not a lot of time relaxing. I've justified this because of my day job and looming deadlines, but I need to slow down and take time for myself. If you find yourself in the same boat, I encourage you to do the same!
It's taken me some time to learn that down-time is super important to fuel the creativity.
ReplyDeleteThat's an excellent tip. We all need some time to breathe even if it's 10 minutes a day, or it can start to feel like a slog.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree! It's hard to remember sometimes that your brain is working on a problem even if you aren't actively thinking about it. I've solve so many plot problems and character issues just by taking my dog for a walk and forgetting about things for a while.
ReplyDeleteI agree. We all need to get away from our writing desks from time to time and experience the world.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth Hein - Scribbling in the Storage Room
Down time helps give you energy to be productive! Thanks for stopping by my blog on Blitz day. I really appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteI love your attitude. We need to rejuvenate so we can be at our best whatever we set out to do. That sense of well being makes every day wonderful, even when it's not top of the list for wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI too love the fall, the cooler weather recharges me. I agree with you full heartedly, slowing down and taking the time out to relax is imperative for ones state of mind and physical wellness. Glad to be a newbie to IWSG!
ReplyDeleteBest regards,
Donna McDine
Award-winning Children’s Author
Ignite Curiosity in your child through reading!
Write What Inspires You Blog
That's why I play guitar - for fun. Well, I am also in a band, so I have to. But it's still fun!
ReplyDeleteThanks for contributing to the book.
It's difficult to be creative when you're exhausted or burdened with too many demands. Great advice we all need.
ReplyDeleteYes! We all need down time, and we all probably also need strong reminders to take some :) Thanks, Lara!
ReplyDeleteGreat reminder to take care of ourselves. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteIt's important to have some fun. I have not realized it until recently. I'm putting more attention on that part as well. :) DRagon Hugs!
ReplyDeleteOkay, now this is smart and true. I've been so focused on what I have to do and get done I didn't think about myself. Great reminder!!! :)
ReplyDeleteAnd yet I feel so guilty because I feel I'm never moving quickly enough on edits and continuing to submit my writing... On the other hand, I do take a lot of time for reading and never feel guilty about that!
ReplyDeleteI'm right there with you on October being my absolute favorite month but I would add that it's because it also contains my fave holiday: Halloween!!! But I appreciate the reminder that all work and no play make all of us dull writers- and what better time to play than October!!! Great post, lara!
ReplyDeleteSeconded! As soon as the middle of September hits, the year is over as far as I'm concerned. Too many birthdays and holidays... It's definitely been a crazier year for me than normal, and I'm feeling that need to chill, but I don't think it's going to happen until January--unless the pregnancy forces me down. (Pregnancy, please don't do that. I don't have time to rest!) ;)
ReplyDeleteSo true! If we take down time for ourselves we actually become more productive. We tend to forget that though.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to the 13th, because my children will still be at school, my husband will be at work, and I have the day all to myself! :)
ReplyDeleteOctober is my favorite month too! Sometimes I feel I'm working too hard, so I "take it easy" by working in front of the TV. Yeah, it isn't really relaxing, but it makes the work go by more easily. Great post, Lara!
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