Permission to pause: Reflections on my short hiatus
Oh hey, it’s me.
When we launched From Heart to Byline, I’d made a personal goal to write new blogs weekly. For the most part, that’s totally doable. But what about on weeks when it’s not?
For a few weeks there, I started to lose momentum. I was planning to write a review about the current trendy read all over Booktok and Bookstagram, Shield and Sparrows by Devney Perry. However, every time I’d sit at the computer, I’d become distracted.
After a couple tries, and fails, I used some of the mindfulness skills I’ve learned from my meditation app and tuned into my mind and body. Here’s what I noticed:
My stomach felt tight. My brain was foggy. I was downright exhausted from work and kids, the new puppy, a sick older dog, an unexpected surgery, my husband traveling, and, and, and…
I needed a break.
The lying guilt crept in: “I’m failing.” “I should have known I’d fall behind.” “I will lose all my readers if I don’t post constantly and consistently.” “No one will care if you post about something that was trending weeks or months ago.”
Of course, managing any successful blog or business relies on some form of consistency. After all, your target audience needs to know what they can expect from you, and when. But what good is consistency when it’s lacking in quality?
In 2011, TODAY.com reported that 94 percent of moms experience guilt. When so much of the responsibility around managing the household rides on our shoulders, denying ourselves of any moments of self-care becomes all too easy.
That’s why I created this blog–to build up a community of mothers who are rediscovering themselves, even if they only have ten minutes a day. How ironic that I was allowing guilt to find me even here, my safe space. My little corner of the World Wide Web.
Finally, I took the break I needed. Guess what? The world didn’t collapse around me. In fact, I bounced back fully productive and ready to tackle my to-do list.
Here are just a few of the fun things I’ve been up to lately:
I started learning Korean! Fun fact: I pick up new languages pretty easily, having grown up in a bilingual household. I can speak Spanish, read Portuguese, and I’ve dabbled a tiny bit in German, Italian, French, Chinese, and Japanese. It’s just another one of the many ways that I am fascinated by how communication connects us as humans.
I’ve been practicing painting watercolor birds! My sweet in-laws gifted me Simply Paint Birds by Tom Shepherd, and I’ve been slowly working my way through the book. I’ve never been the best at painting animals or people, but this book makes it very simple to create beautiful depictions of the most fascinating birds. My favorite so far are the penguins and cardinal.
You may remember we adopted a new puppy, Onyx. Boy, he keeps me busy. From 6 a.m. wake-up whining to making sure he doesn’t eat the kids’ LEGOs, it’s like trying to contain a toddler with pointy teeth and the agility to outrun you. Still, he’s training very well, and loves his bedtime shoulder snuggles. We are all in love.
As for my blog? Still thriving. In just under two months since launch, my Instagram followers have steadily increased, and the engagement has been incredible. Yes, even with an unplanned hiatus.
This is your permission slip to unplug for a bit if you need. Step back. Breathe.
It’s okay.
The dishes will be waiting. Your kids will gain just a tiny bit more independence. Your social media will still be there, and you can hop back in at any time.
Keep shining!
With a little help from therapy and a lot of self-reflection, these three habits helped me practice gratitude and grounded me in the present moment.