Sometimes you just need to take a break.
Last weekend - "weekend" defined as Friday through Monday - I had a harrowing deadline period with a number of magazine and newspaper articles due, one over 7,000 words! In order to meet the submission date of Monday, June 10, other work on my plate had to be elbowed to Wednesday, thereby affording myself a day of freedom on Tuesday. I didn't rest enough. On Wednesday, here in the basement library I returned to other assignments but still felt burnout. So, I decided to take my person and work to the spot which never fails me when I need inspiration: the local Barnes & Noble bookstore. I arrived, my computer bag in my hand, inside all the necessary folders filled with assignment sheets I use to keep myself in order (and sane), plopped down in a cafe seat, opened my bag, and noticed I had forgotten my computer. I sat for two minutes in silence, pondering my error. I had four hours to kill, during which I had planned to work with fervor somewhat. However, when I saw my bag devoid of my tablet, I decided then and there to do two things: order a frappucino, and just read - for four hours. Making that decision delivered peace to me. I calmed down, stopped calling myself an idiot (yes, I can be rough on myself, sometimes), and grabbed a few books and magazines, went to the cafe counter and ordered my drink, returned to my seat and relaxed. I even turned off my smartphone. So that night, rather than write, I read the work of other writers, fellow members of my fraternity. Although I knew work was waiting for me, I didn't allow it to "knock" at my brain's door and enter. I kept it at bay. It was my best time spent away from writing in a while. Steve
2 Comments
Walker Butler
6/15/2019 07:30:29 pm
Everyone knows a lack of sleep, diet, fitness, and a myriad of other things can be awful to value of ones thoughts and ideas. To be great sacrifices must be made, although I'm pleased to hear that you're getting a well deserved amount of relief.
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Steve
6/16/2019 04:56:25 am
Hi Walker -
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Steve Sears is a New Jersey based freelance writer
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