Is It OK to Take a Writing Break?

We are taught consistency is the key to success.

Whether we are exercising, dieting, or writing, experts tell us consistency separates the people who succeed from those who don’t.

I believed them. I believed in the people who look great in their skinny jeans, and I believed in the writers who love to show me their statistics and how much they make.

There were moments when I felt like I was a hamster in a cage. Keep moving, keep writing, and consistency will pay off.

But like the hamster in the cage, I was not going anywhere.

My desire to go somewhere lies the problem especially when writing.

For me, writing is a love because it gives me time to reflect. It gives my life meaning and dimension. When I am writing, I am often the best image of myself.

When I started chasing goals, I lost that. So I took a six-week break. I am reading more: reading is my number one teacher. I am paying attention more: writing has taught me to pay attention.

I suppose maybe it lies in what kind of writer you want to be. Journalists and content writers may need to rely on consistency. I do believe these are noble writing professions. We need both in our society.

But for me, I came to write because I love stories. When I read a story and am touched deeply, I desire to be able to do that for others.

I want to write well. I want to continue to learn and grow as a writer. Sometimes, I taking a break and walking outside as the winter chills my cheeks and bluebirds fluff their feathers is the best use of my writing time.

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