Life happens. To the best of us. Things change; we lose a job, move to another city, break up with a significant other, lose a loved one. And when life comes crashing down or sweeping in sometimes you have to take a step back to regain your footing. Being sidelined by life is never easy but it is natural and it’s imperative that you take time to get yourself back to 100%.
Case in point: Things have been a little slow around here lately. For this I do apologize. My recent move to New York and getting acquainted with myself in this new place has taken a bit of the gust out of my sails. Between packing, moving, commuting, working, commuting, reading and writing there hasn’t been much time in life for well life.
It beeeeeeezzzzzz like that sometimes.
So what do you do when life gets in the way of doing the things you love?
Freeze. Have a Seat. Reset
Freeze
Stopping can be the most beneficial thing you can do when good or bad fortune befalls you. It may seem nullifying or like you’re stuck in quicksand but stopping can prevent you from spinning your wheels, messing things up due to lack of focus, even burning yourself out. When I moved I made the conscious decision to give myself some time to just stop. It felt horrible and I missed writing for you guys but doing a half-arsed job was not an option.
When life is happening and your focus shifts it’s okay to hit the pause button and tend to the things you have to do. Your work, personal health and well-being are your top priority.
Have a Seat
After you’ve come to terms with stopping (or considerably slowing down) have a seat. Not a literal seat, but a figurative seat. Get your bearings straight and try, TRY, as you might to keep your mind off of the world going on around you.
Sometimes taking a break can feel like you’re taking a step back or conceding defeat but don’t fall into the mind trap. When you have to get your bearings straight that’s the only thing that matters. And instead of worrying about what you’re missing our on or what other people are doing, focus on what you can do to restore yourself and get ready to return to your normal routine.
Read lots of books. Watch movies. Spend time with family and friends. Reconnect with yourself. Personally, I’m taking this time to focus on areas of my life that I’ve neglected like my health, finances and other creative endeavors.
Reset
Each stop is an opportunity to reset ourselves and prepare for the road ahead. By resetting your mind, body and spirit you are allowing the lessons to sink in and propel you forward.
But how will you know when it’s time to get on with your life as usual? You will know. The path will be clear and there will be space to do the things you need to do. You will be able to get back to your life and plans with more knowledge and a renewed spirit.
Sometimes we’re heading down a path and life comes in and interrupts our journey or puts us in an uncomfortable place. Don’t begrudge these changes, roll with them. Embrace them and let them teach and propel you to the next stop on your destination.
Have you ever been interrupted by life? How did you manage? Please share! We can benefit from each others’ stories!
I absolutely needed to read this post. It as they say “Right on time”! I am moving toward the direction of making a transition in my life. And when you hear some much.as i call it ying/yang around while you are having your life happen; be it good or bad, its best to stop, seat and reset things. I have been checking here lately for some style juice; so im glad to hear you are doing good. Best wishes to you in NY!! You can make it yours, it just takes time!!! Thanks for always delivering!!
I think having that big blubbering cry in the shower works for me when all else fails. I can look my ugliest and get it all out…then 20 minutes later I’m like, okay, world I’m ready for you again.
Being someone who lost herself trying to be like everybody else, then found herself through her relationship with Christ, I can honestly say that my six word memoir is: Even beautiful flowers grow from dirt. It takes going through a little of the yucky stuff to be exactly where you were always meant to be!
This post couldn’t have had better timing! Between the exhaustion of my last weeks of pregnancy and having my baby a few weeks ago, everything in my normal life has taken a back seat. Some days I feel like I can never get back to my writing and hobbies like I used to but I’m learning to just take it slow and remember what’s really important. Awesome advice!
Congratulations MJ! And kiss your bundle of joy for me! I’m so happy for you
You will certainly get back to writing and you will have your new love to propel you.
i have a really hard time stopping too, but it’s completely true you need to take that step to regain balance.
i know you will make great decisions and make stylish thought everything you want it to be. love you, boo!
I know exactly how you feel. I just moved and got a new job and haven’t had a moment to exhale. Thank for this post. Good luck in NY, maybe we”ll bump into each other.