The Value of a Pause

Until the new year, I'll be taking a writing sabbatical to refocus on the more immediate and less theoretical aspects of life.

I need a break. When you're in the publishing/writing business as I was for 40+ years, you're deadline driven. An article, an essay, or a publication must be completed on time, no matter what. And when you're the owner of the business, there are additional pressures, time-related and otherwise. When I retired in 2015, I realized just how much of a toll all of that had taken on me and vowed to slow down. I did for a while. But then, the pressures of the world and the demands of social media to produce lots of words quickly began to weigh on my psyche once again.

Early today, at the end of a sleepless night, I remembered the value of less done well over more done poorly. And, this morning, I'm feeling a strong pull towards refocusing on the more immediate and less theoretical aspects of life. So, I'm setting aside numerous writing projects until the new year. I'll also temporarily mute most of the news sources I've been obsessing over and permanently cancel a few social media accounts I don't enjoy. Much of my time will be spent in my studio, weaving, sewing, quilting, and otherwise stitching together the pieces of everyday life.

I'll see you in the new year. May you experience love, joy, peace of mind, good health, and whatever else you wish for over the holidays. Thank you so much for being here.