Hey friends!
We live in a society that demands us to always be “on” all the time – on the go, on time, on the mark, and on-line. It’s go, go, go 24/7 with no breaks and no excuses. When we start to feel overwhelmed and burned out as a result, we feel like we’re weak, not good enough, or the dreaded Can’t Keep Up With Everyone Else. (The last one is my personal favorite.)
We can keep going, going, going – skipping the chance to take a break, take a vacation… take some time for ourselves. So we just keep going until we either mentally collapse or end up in the hospital under the weight of all the stress of “keeping up.” And even if those things don’t happen, chances are good that we will end up with stress-induced health illnesses that may not put us in the hospital right away, but will be chronic and can shorten our lifespan considerably. It can also lead to overeating, abusing substances, and all that other stuff that isn’t good in order to keep going.
As a society, we need to change how we think about taking a break. We shouldn’t feel like we’re losers when we need some down time and see it for what it is – a natural part of being human. Instead of feeling weak or bad about it, we should actually celebrate it because we are doing the right thing by taking care of ourselves first, which always benefits our work and the people around us in the long run.
Lately I’ve been feeling fatigued and stressed, not to mention my lower back is being a total jerk, which has slowed me down considerably when it comes to doing physical projects for the blog. Even trying to arrange decor will cause my sciatica to scream if I’m on my feet for more than a few minutes.
But, I kept going – or tried to keep going – but it just wasn’t working no matter how hard I tried. All I was doing was spinning my wheels and getting a lot of nothing done. And the whole time I was like “I gotta do this I can’t take a break I gotta get things done!!!”
And all the while, the weeds in our yard that need to be pulled keep getting taller, the house that needs to be cleaned keeps getting dirtier, and the not-for-the-blog projects that need to be done (like reorganizing) keep not getting done, which all adds to my fatigue, stress and general not being a big fan of my life right now.
And then it occurred to me – why? Why am I doing this to myself and pushing so hard when I don’t need to? Is the world going to end if I take a break from the blog? One of the biggest reasons I quit the corporate life in the first place and started working for myself is that I could take a break when I needed to. Yes, I might lose a few readers, but if you’ve been blogging a while like I have, you realize you’ll lose readers no matter what you do (or don’t do). Why should I push myself so hard for those few readers that might leave if I take a break?
So, I’m going to do what’s right for me and take a break – I’m thinking until after the 4th at least. That will give me plenty of time to recoup my back and get things caught up around here. It will also give me time to think about some changes and new directions I want to go with the blog. The changes won’t be major and I don’t have anything set in stone yet; they’re just ideas I’m kicking around to liven things up a bit around here.
Even though I won’t be blogging, I’ll still be “here” as far as answering emails and such, so don’t hesitate if you want to reach out to me. I’ll still be active on my social media as well (maybe even more so!) and share some of my favorite linkups from last week’s Farmhouse Friday.
Until next time, thank you so much for being a constant reader, and a happy and safe 4th Of July to all my readers in the US!
I’m glad to hear other bloggers get tired too! I may slow down a little this summer as well. We all need to smell the roses! Hope your sciatica feels better soon and I will see you when you come back! Happy 4th!!
Many hugs,
Tee @ Teedidldydee
Thanks so much Tee! A happy 4th to you too!
Good for you for taking a break. I could stand to do the same thing.
Do it! You won’t regret it! š
Glad to hear you’re taking care of yourself, Michelle. Hope you get to do some fun stuff during your time off!
Thank you Rebecca! I plan on it! š
Iām a firm believer that you can take care of others better, if you make time to care for yourself! Hope you feel better soon!
Thanks so much Karlene! It’s only been a few days and I’m feeling better already!
Everyone need a break from time to time. Take all the time you need because you know we will all be here.
Thanks so much MaryAnn! š
Well, said, and very much the same shared sentiments and feelings here!
God bless you Michelle while you take your break, may you find peace and serenity as a reward for listening to what your “self” is telling you.
Have a great summer! Love the pic by the way!
Thanks so much Amber! The sunflowers in the pic are volunteers in my garden from last year. You have a great summer too!
Think we all are feeling tired this time of year, Michelle! It’s a great time to take a break, step back and do some analyzing. Fall to Christmas is so busy; now is the time to recharge, definitely! I’m slowing down, too. Need to get some foundational things and learning this summer, so cranking out new projects will be slower. Rest up and heal, girl!
Thanks so much Lora! I agree that it’s the perfect time of year to take a break with fall and Christmas just around the corner (yikes!). I’m using the time to work on some learning myself so I know where you’re coming from.
I think it’s great that you are taking the break you need for your health. As women we often put ourselves last on the list. But if you don’t take care of you, who will take care of everything and everyone else?. You deserve it, so do what you need to be able to get back to bring your wonderful, creative self. Enjoy the break. It will be gone before you know it.
Thanks so much Tammy! And I hear you with it will be gone before I know it – I can’t believe it’s already going to be freaking July next week!!!
Michelle, take of yourself, first and foremost!
If you lose a couple of readers, that means their loss.
Remember this blog is how you see the world and you need to fit and rested to make the future fun and interesting.
Take care
Thanks so much Laura – I really appreciate that! š
Good for you!! Hope you heal and enjoy your break. I will continue to come back and read your blog, I love it! Happy 4th!!
Thank so very much – I appreciate your loyalty! You have a happy 4th too!
Very nicely said! You take a break, you deserve it. We’ll all still be here when you return! Have a great day and rest yourself sweet friend! Happy Fourth of July! š
Thank you so very much DeeDee! Happy 4th of July to you too!
God bless you, Michelle, during your time of rest! Looking forward to your return, whenever you’re ready š
Thanks so much Diana! š
So well said, Michelle and just what I needed to read this morning! I’ve been thinking about doing the same. Happy 4th of July, enjoy your break, and we’ll see you when you return. Living life in real time, that’s what gives us joy!
Thank you so much Marie! Happy 4th of July to you too!
Can you please tell me where the pretty sunflowers came from ?
Thank you
Ni Nanci! They came from my backyard š I bought the seeds from Burpee.
I’m glad you decided to take better care of yourself, you deserve it! Hope you’re already feeling at least a little better. I can’t wait to see what miracles you’ll come up with after your break. Sunflowers from the photo are breathtaking, by the way. Thank you for sharing this, a lot of bloggers needed to hear about the importance of taking breaks from time to time.