Some professions are more taxing than others.
No matter how much we adore what we do, any career will leave us emotionally and physically spent if we don’t take a break from time to time.
For those of us who write, all work and no play can also be creativity-killers.
I know from my own experience, spending endless days planted in a chair in front of a computer screen can be more taxing than running a marathon.
Well, okay. I’ve never run a marathon. But I have sat up 10 to 12 hours in a chair, stared at a computer monitor until I thought I’d go bug-eyed, and plotted and typed my way through migraines all for the sake of getting my word count for the day.
I’ve wrestled with back aches, neck pain, leg cramps, headaches, and muscle spasms for days on end. I’ve worked on very little sleep and plowed my way through exhaustion.
And I’ve wondered, too, about the sanity of it all when I couldn’t cook up a scene to save my life even if Betty Crocker herself appeared in my office to lend a hand.
When we’ve finally reached one of the milestones in our career path, I believe we sometimes have the tendency to push ourselves even harder. It’s only natural to nudge ourselves toward the next pretty carrot dangling from the shiny wheelbarrow.
The temptation to work, work, work, and overwork become a way of life.
Over-working becomes a habit. A fork in the road. A creativity-killer.
So this doesn’t happen, I’ve become more intentional about scheduled breaks throughout my day and time away from my home office. As in completely out-of-the-house away. (Would you believe there was a time I actually stepped out of the house only once within a seven-day period? I hadn’t done that since our oldest child had chicken pox.)
Determined not to let myself get caught in that rut again, “family time” plays an integral part in my life. “Me time” is in there somewhere, too.
Since we live in God’s Country (AKA the gorgeous Ozarks) choices of what to see and do abound. There’s a tourist mecca about an hour away. There are parks, lakes, and caves nearby, and of course, the usual shopping malls, restaurants, and sports activities for those who prefer variety.
One of our favorite getaways is to my alma mater, College of the Ozarks , at Point Lookout, Missouri, a short distance from Branson, the mini-music capital of the Ozarks.
What makes this college unique is this: every student at Hard-Work-U (as it’s often referred to) works for his/her tuition and room and board. In other words, because of this, as well as the availability of grants and scholarships, he/she has the opportunity to graduate debt-free. That’s right. As in, not owing a dime.
Besides education, much emphasis is placed on spiritual, cultural, and patriotic responsibilities as adults. These are ongoing themes that shape students’ lives while there and ones that will follow them into adulthood.
If you’re visiting for the day, the first place you’ll see as you drive through “The Gates of Opportunity” is the Keeter Center. This is a massive log building that houses a first class hotel, restaurant, and meeting rooms. There are myriad places with comfy furniture to relax, a coffee and pastry station, and large, immaculately kept restrooms. In short, the Keeter Center is quite impressive.
If you decide to stay on campus overnight, be sure and book your hotel room at the Keeter Center’s Mabee Lodge well in advance. The rooms (though a tad high-priced) book quickly. You’ll see why once you stay there. The rustic suites are beautifully appointed and each comes with turn-down service and chocolates on your pillow. During the evening hours, student workers deliver a mouth-watering treat to your door, too–homemade, chocolate chip cookies and a bottle of ice-cold milk fresh from C of O’s own dairy farm. (I don’t drink milk, but the fam says it’s deelish.)
While on campus, there are multiple points of interest, but two you don’t want to miss are the Ralph Foster Museum and Williams Memorial Chapel.
The museum (dubbed the Smithsonian of the Ozarks) houses three floors of some of the best artifacts and collectibles around. There are extensive collections of antiques and depression glass, guns and weapons, toys, art, taxidermy, and more. It’s a very family friendly, laid-back kind of place, and it’s modestly priced (only $6.00 for adults, and High School students and under are free–a great word in today’s economy.)
Williams Memorial Chapel is a must-see, as well. It’s almost always open and the architecture inside and out is simply breathtaking. It’s a great place to stop in, relax, and spend some quiet time with God.
Wherever you decide to go to recharge, it should be somewhere that’s free of all the hustle and bustle of the busyness of life.
We writers love our “caves,” but sometimes it’s necessary to shake free from the trappings of a clock and the taunt of our own words.
Life is full of self-imposed restrictions, but God doesn’t want us to live a life of confinement.
He intends for us to rest.
Relax.
Refuel.
Produce.
And when it’s time…
Create.
Happy Friday!
******
How do you choose to relax in your season of rest?
When have you been most creative?
Blessings Always,
Comments 12
Beautiful! I almost went to Ozark Christian College. Yup. Yup, I almost did. 🙂
I agree. There must be rest/play in there too. I like to take a break when I get things sent to my agent. For a few days. I read, play in the sunshine, just whatever. Whenever. I nap a lot. LOL
Author
Jess, the Ozarks would’ve been one sunbeam brighter if you’d landed here!
Yay for play! And a high-five for naps!
I get a daily break when I go to Curves or take a walk. The time away clears my head and allows ideas to flow. I return home re-energized and ready to get back to work.
Author
Keli, I love those walks. This week was busy so I didn’t get as much exercise time in as I would have liked. As Scarlett said, though, “Tomorrow is another day.”
That college is gorgeous!
I agree, we do tend to push ourselves harder after a milestone is reached.
Last weekend, Eric and I took a road trip to see the kids. We went down to Indianapolis, and to the Indiana University campus in Bloomington, where my son attends. It was so wonderful to get away…awesome weather, blooming trees, no computer, no phones…just family…and good times. I felt refreshed all week after we returned.
Author
Loree, College of the Ozarks is indeed a beautiful campus. It’s just small enough to slap on some tennis shoes and walk everywhere (which is what many of the students still do).
Good for you for taking some “couple time.” I feel refreshed just hearing your description! LOL
I am the world’s worst about working too hard. I whine and complain about taking breaks, but then when I do, I have SO MUCH creativity. I actually get more accomplished. Sometimes I think it is like working out. We grouse and complain all the way to the gym, but once we’ve worked out we feel so amazing and wonder why we make such a big deal out of it.
My family has a 200 acre ranch and there is no cable and no Internet. I love going there to just be quiet. “Be still and know that I am God.” We can’t hear Him if we are too busy running and racing.
Author
Kristen, no cable and no internet sound lovely.
About a year ago, I just wanted to put my hands over my ears and scream, “Stop the madness!” Priorities, adjustments, and goal re-direction were big fish to fry at that season of my life. While I was tickled that one lifepoint had been met, I just wasn’t quite prepared for the whirlwind months beyond (meaning–working while sitting, standing, and practically sleeping.) Accepting that God had directed my path and would continue to do so with OR without my help was a revelation. Of course, it’s just easier if we’re willing participants. We don’t have to suffer as many life-lessons the hard way. We’re not called to be lazy, but God does expect us to use good judgement. Knowing when to rest and recharge allows Him to finish the work He started within us in the first place.
I know you work too hard. I sense it every time I read your blog posts. You’re a giver and a dream-weaver and because of that you change lives. A big responsibility for one, little ol’ you, but it’s okay to take time off. It truly, truly is.
Thanks so much for visiting!
Yes, God wanted me to read your post today! I’m notorious for plowing ahead, not stopping till the goal is in hand. Therefore, I’ve had many of those bug-eyed days in front of a computer screen, too! Recently, when both my husband and my agent told me to take a break for brainstorming, I knew it was a clue that I needed one.
I really hope to get better at scheduling my time, so I do have at least one full day of rest in there. But you’re so right–writing can be so demanding!
Author
Heather, I just think it’s so important for writers to unite and be gut-wrenching honest. We’re doing what we love to do, but the writing life isn’t all sunshine and sugar plum fairies either. Or something like that. To paint it as such is a disservice to all the budding authors out there.
I’ll tell you what. You hold my hand and I’ll hold yours, and together we’ll be more accountable.
Go, Heather! You CAN do it!
Thanks for the mini-tour, Cynthia. It was a nice getaway from my comfy chair. 🙂 I’m looking forward to a day out tomorrow.
Author
Patti, do it! (I’m taking Good Friday off.)
Enjoy your day, friend!