After my first short hiatus... 042122
Today I'm reflecting on breaks and breathing space. What's on your mind today? Day 52!
After writing Morning After Thoughts for 51 days straight, I needed a little pause due to the stress of finishing my taxes on the 18th (last minute, yes), receiving my second booster shot, and then being out of commission with a migraine and other ailments. But I’m back, I’ve missed you!
While I was not sleeping the last few days, I was mentally tormented by what I’ve been through during the last two years health-wise. I suppose this is what happens when I get sick now, unwelcome and wretched flashbacks from the hospital and doctors’ offices. PTSD is a fucking bitch. It is no way to relax, and probably (and thankfully) why science (and pharma) discovered Lorazepam.
I’m beginning to recognize the importance of allowing myself time to recover and rest if I don’t feel good, even if I have daily writing goals, deadlines, correspondence, the weight of things to do. Taking this necessary breather could only help me to figure out what to do next creatively and get going again, right? (I mean this, and it’s impossible to work with a mind-numbing, light-blinding headache.) The pandemic alone during the last two years really pressured civilization to prioritize patience, and perhaps it was a necessary lesson. Thoughts?
From sex and family drama to travel and hangovers, what's on your mind today? Welcome to a space to reflect light on three things, and please share if you're comfortable doing so. Happy Thursday, friends.
Glad you are back, missed these pieces. Sorry you had side effects from the booster.
It’s very important to take time for you, and reboot.
I agree, the pandemic has taught me patience.
Here’s to good health and this summer of seeing family & friends. 💚🌻
I'm glad you're back! I've always believed that adversity often helps put things into perspective, for better and worse. And taking a breather is vital, both for mental health and for creative vitality. So I always applaud taking a step back. Once upon a time, I worked for an organization that claimed to encourage us to take "mental health days" but didn't offer any assistance to actually make it possible, so if someone took a mental health day, it meant more work for everyone else, and the reality became an annoying joke. Nowadays, it's a more accepted practice and many companies plan better than mine did. Anyway, your writing is always a breath of fresh air, making me think and reflect. Thank you, and Happy Day 52!