You ever just need one of those days? A day where you wander, on your own, with no schedule, no time table. The only thing to do is enjoy yourself. I have to admit, lately, these days have been to rare. I need to have dates with myself way more than I do. Each time I’ve had as little as few hours to myself, I feel like a new woman.
The other day I had been spending the morning with my family. We came back because I was supposed to be headed to L.A. We were running late. Once my husband loaded up the kids to keep rolling with him, I got in the other car to leave. I was getting on the freeway when I looked at the time. I was gonna be super late and instead decided to take the random free time and do something for me. On a whim, I went to get a pedicure. It had been way too long and I intended to relax and enjoy myself.
I sat in the chair and settled in for a little pamper session. It wasn’t long before my brain started wandering – in a good way. Let me give you a little background. For the last year or so, I have been working on my second book. My first book came out in 2012. It’s a book of poetry. I’ve even updated that one with a digital option a couple years ago. But this second book, I haven’t been able to get off the ground. I have started and stopped for various reasons. Most of which had to do with my health. Most of last year was rough for me. I was focused on getting better and let the book, blog and all other things take a back seat. My motivation to keep going was totally lost. I hadn’t even opened up the document in who knows how long.
So as I sat down to treat my feet to some love, my mind was clear and my creative juices kicked in. Y’all, in less than the time it took for my pedicure to be done, I had written a full outline of my next book. It’s a departure from what I thought I was going to write about. I have the topics of each chapter and what those chapters will include (interviews, examples, etc.) I left there feeling so good and proud of myself. It’s amazing what a little time alone can do. My me time turned into a book outline. No I didn’t mean for that to rhyme. That either. lol
I was feeling so good, I texted my friend to tell her what I had come up with. Turns out she had been working on a project as well and hearing that I was making progress was just the motivation she needed to keep going and finish hers. I checked in on her a bit later and she had rocked it out! That’s the thing about goals, we need people to encourage and motivate us along the way. We need someone to share our wins with and someone to cheer us on and keep us accountable. Watching my friends chase and reach their goals inspires me to keep going after mine and vice versa.
I’m saying all of this to encourage you to keep going. Find some alone time. Give yourself the space to have a clear mind and see what happens. Time spent away from our normal routine always gives fresh ideas and new perspectives. That’s where the best aha moments happen. Well, that and the shower. lol
When was the last time you had some me time to just breathe and refresh?
16 Comments on Writing my book started with my feet…
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Love this post! We really need to spend some time alone from time to time.
Belle | One Awesome Momma
I love this encouragement!! It’s actually JUST what I needed : )
I’ve lost the zen of my kitchen. Being a kitchen hoor, it’s usually my escape, but I haven’t been as creative as I used to. I need to reboot….
I totally understand how you feel. I have started and stopped and changed the tooic so many times. It’s hard but like you, after a few random moments of free time, I was able to get going.
Thank you so much! I’m just starting out to take blogging seriously and it gets tiring sometimes but I will keep going! 🙂
<3
I always forget to take awake time for me. Often if I’m taking “me time” it’s literally a nap. Which don’t get me wrong, that’s nice too, but sometimes we need a little more of a break.
Its been awhile but I’m going on a cruise next month!
Yes! Sometimes a break form the norm and some me time is all we need to refocus our efforts or clear our heads! I’m so excited for you!
Good for you for taking a break to get those creative juices flowing again. WRiter’s Block is a real thing and sometimes you just need to relax and take your mind off things in order to move forward in other areas of your life. Wishing you tremendous success!
I pamper my feet every couple of months, especially in the summer. As to writing, I have thought about writing a book, but not sure I would ever finish it. I do like writing shorter posts and articles.
Sometimes we get the most done when we stop and do nothing. I know that when I feel pressured to get something done and can’t think to write or compose something sensible, I take a break and let my mind do its thing. It is amazing how many times I will jump up and be like got to write now, sorry it is flowing. It is a constant reminder to enjoy the quiet.
It’s been a while since I’ve had time to take a breath and refresh. I have a 15 month old and a 7 year old and I love them dearly but they can be exhausting to say the least.
I am desperate for some me time. That is wonderful that you were able to draft your book during a relaxing moment. Best wishes as your bring it to life!
I need more me time in my life! So great that such a relaxing moment allowed you the freedom you needed to get those thoughts out. Good luck with your new book!
Just goes to show how much benefit we get from a little time out, pampering and self care!
What a great way to recharge your mind and body. Best of luck with the book