I've been working hard on so many different projects these past few weeks. I have been promoting my first novel, which I am extremely proud of, but I'm also attempting to write my second novel at the same time. I've had to deal with set backs in the form of bad editors and Amazon formatting issues. I've been working over at my day job. I'm still trying to get healthy both mentally and physically.
But this post isn't about me complaining, it's about what I realized as I laid down for a nap during my lunch break earlier today.
Sometimes, you just need to rest.
We get so caught up with deadlines and expectations that we forget about ourselves. Many of our deadlines and expectations have been put in place by ourselves, and while it's good to push yourself to that next level, it's never good to run yourself down. It's never good to lose yourself while trying to better yourself.
Basically what I'm saying is this, we all need to take time to relax and reflect on what's important.
While I want to get my second book out there as soon as possible, I know that I also have other important projects, such as losing weight and spending time with loved ones. I also know that rushing my writing will only produce bad writing.
So, I'm challenging all of you to take an hour, ten minutes, five minutes even to just reflect on what's important. Take a nap. Watch a TV show. Read a book. Listen to a podcast. Take some time to do something you enjoy before you lose yourself in your work.
Sarah Emily Lelonek