If you follow me on social media, you’ll have seen that this weekend I went away for an annual writing trip with some friends. I’m calling it annual even though this was only the second one because it was amazing and has to happen every year. Ha.
This weekend, like last year, was about writing fiction. I went with published authors who are some of the most loveliest people I have in my life. Supportive, driven, creative and kind. That’s a mixture for success.
We spend the weekend writing, laughing, and learning from one another and I didn’t realize how much I needed it until I was there. I wrote so many words, took a new direction in my narrative and got some clarification. I’m by no means a published author, but I’m working on a second fiction book and love the process. The editing and revising process and I don’t get along as well, but that’s another story!
What struck me the most while I was away was how cloudy my mind had become. We came back from our March Break trip relaxed and happy but I found it took longer to get out of vacation mode than usual. Coupled with the fact that the beginning of April was swamped – baseball season starting for my son, swimming lessons for both kids, work deadlines, new plans, blogging commitments and more -and suddenly I found myself with fitful sleep; a problem I haven’t had in ages.
The overwhelming feeling that I was getting didn’t manifest itself into much of my daily life, but little by little, space was carved out in my mind for added pressures and stresses. I was managing, but the cracks were starting to form.
This weekend away came at an ideal time, and I noticed instantly how different it felt to be focused on only one thing. I just had to write all weekend, there were no other deadlines, no interruptions or disruptions (my day while working at home is typically filled with these) and this freedom allowed my mind to open itself up and let go of what wasn’t needed. It felt wonderful.
What did I learn? Aside from my creative drive being re-energized into me after this weekend, I learned I need to find ways to reduce the amount of clutter in my brain. I’ll review my systems, calendars and plans to maximize efficiency. I’ll find ways to prioritize things that bring me joy (writing) and reduce the triggers for stress. This is my spring focus. And I’m feeling happy about it.
