A Summer Pause
and the link to Wednesday's Writing Room
As we inch our way into June, my heart is telling me to pause.
Summer stretches out before us dangling carrots of relaxation, beauty, and connection. As the days lengthen, possibility invites us to be open to receive all this season might bring.
Maybe it means going no further than our backyard, perhaps it involves road trips across the country, and maybe summer is your busy season at work. No matter what it looks like, let’s aim to pause more and pay attention. Let’s record and recount the glimmers we find each day. You may already have heard about glimmers, but as a reminder, according to The Newport Institute,
“Glimmers are small moments of joy and peace that arise from appreciating everyday experiences, such as enjoying a sunset or a child’s laughter. By recognizing and savoring glimmers, individuals can cultivate a more positive outlook and reduce stress.”
As writers this practice will give us raw materials for our writing but it will also make us more awake and present, attuned to our right-now life and the people we share life with.
Here is something I read that resonated with me, and perhaps it will be just the message your heart needs to hear,
“A world where it’s not possible to take breaks scares me.”
And it does, even though I’m often the very person beating myself up whenever my consistency wanes. I wanted to give the author permission to pause. I want that for myself. I want that for you.
If you’re driven and passionate, chances are you need someone to give you permission to pause. So if you’ll accept it, this is your permission slip. Every once in a while, cut yourself a little slack. Let the boulder sit there for a while.
If God has lit a fire in you to make this thing, to do this thing, to pursue this thing… giving yourself permission to pause will not derail your calling. And even when it happens unexpectedly and it feels like failure, it’s normal. If you’re so in love with this thing, so caught up in wonder about its possibilities and the joy it brings you and others, don’t assume that flexibility is the enemy of consistency. Let them mingle, then watch how you return to the work renewed and determined.
The Writer’s Room will be open on Wednesday for those who are available. Join us if you have time. This is the perfect time to research, ponder new projects, write, or edit whatever is on your heart.
Join Us for The Writer’s Refuge Writing Room
Every Wednesday
2:00-3:30 Eastern
1:00-2:30 Central
12:00-1:30 Mountain
11:00-12:30 Pacific
Our final gathering before breaking for the summer will be on Wednesday, May 27.
Wishing you all a wonderful summer, and much time to pause.
