Give Yourself Permission

Image Credit: Naguo Lisin/PhotopinCC

I think all of us can pinpoint times in life that are punctuated by craziness.

Job stress, illness, and unforeseen events are just a few examples of what can happen in a heartbeat. And if we’re already exhausted, it doesn’t take much to topple our walls of resolve.

The farther I go in the writing process, I realize just how critical self-care is. Giving ourselves permission to step away and take breaks occasionally is crucial.

I’ve written for 20+ years and seriously pursued publication for about the past three. If you’ve followed me here for a while, you know I had to put my writing career on hold for various reasons. (You can catch up with parts of my story here, here, and here.)

Besides working on various writing projects, I’ve blogged for about three years, too. In fact, I reached my 450th blog post milestone with my previous post.

Over the years, I’ve worked despite my daddy’s aneurysm, my mama’s open heart surgery, and during additional heartache and adversity.

I’ve stayed up late and given up sleep. I’ve denied myself simple pleasures.

I’ve plowed through rejections and overcome writer’s block.

At times, I’ve cried and railed and given into fear. And then– I’ve rallied again.

The point is: I’m not a wimp.

I’m used to work and hard stuff and all the in-betweens. I don’t expect a medal– it is what it is.

Writers’ lives are unique. There is no one-size-fits-all for the creative lot of us, but I think there are a few things that are universal when it comes to our craft.

I do have to say, within the past few months (even weeks), I’ve taken a new stance on some things.

I’m not sure what lit this fire except to say that maybe it’s a nudge from the Lord.

Recently, I decided to just give myself permission.

• Permission to take more breaks.

• Permission to step back from my computer occasionally.

• Permission to enjoy life outside of the four walls of my office.

• And this biggie–permission to pop in and out of my social media networks on more allotted time frames. (This is hard because I adore interacting with folks.)

And as I’ve said before, I don’t do every social media outlet known to man. That’s great if you do.

I’ve found that what works best for me is being active in those areas that I genuinely like and feel I can handle. (Ohhh, the lure of Pinterest is so strong! Right now, however, I know my limit and I’m putting that one on that back burner.)

I’ve attempted to give myself permission before and I thought I did a pretty good job. It’s funny, though, how old habits tend to creep in and steal your intent and motivation.

When I read this post by Ruthie Dean, it was somewhat of a lightning bolt moment for me. Ruthie summed up beautifully things I’ve considered.

Many of you are experiencing hardship today.

You may be afraid that if you give yourself permission to step back, take time away, or turn off the noise for a while, your mission will get lost in the shuffle.

Not true.

God’s got your back.

Here’s what I want you to know:

Dazzling Debbies and Dynamic Dans are here to stay. You can’t change them or be them. Acknowledge their…er…attributes, but give yourself permission to develop your own.

You’ll feel better!

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What do you need to give yourself permission to do?

Blessings Always,