by Rebecca Yauger, @RebeccaYauger
Do you remember first starting out with writing? Or attending your first writers conference, or even entering your first writing contest? While there may have been feelings of fear, trepidation, and doubt, there was also an excitement and a certain energy as you took your first steps into your writing career. I remember those days fondly, and oh, how I want that energy back!
But at this time in my life, I am tired. I am burned out. I don’t seem to have the energy for much beyond my day job and my family. There are so many extra things I need to do, like make phone calls, send cards, or even dust my house! But right now, I only do the absolute necessary things and let the rest sit. Then of course, it drives me crazy that things are piling up because they’re moved to the bottom of my to-do list.
Yet I am worn out. When I look at the list, I get even more tired.
What to do?
Step One: Rest. Sometimes we need to accept that we need a break. We need to step back to find renewal and refreshment. The dreaded to-do list isn’t going anywhere.
Step Two: Re-Evaluate. We need to examine why we’re off our game. Are we out of our routine? Are outside pressures impacting our schedules and we haven’t made the adjustment? I know when I’m tired like this, it means I’m not keeping to my regular schedule. My routine, while flexible, is important, because it keeps me in balance. If I’m being buffeted by the winds of busy-ness or only reacting to the next thing I need to do, then I’m not accomplishing what needs to be accomplished.
Step Three: Pray. Finally, when you’re overwhelmed and tired, don’t forget to pray. Remember those words from Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (NIV).
In summary: Take a break, or at the bare minimum, take a deep breath. Assess your situation, then take it one step at a time to get going again. Block out time for those nagging things that keep getting pushed to the bottom of the list. Once those are out of the way, you’ll be amazed at the weight that’s lifted from your shoulders. Sometimes, by slowing down, we feel like we speed up, because we accomplish more when we take it a single task at a time.
When you rest, re-evaluate, and pray, then God provides the rest, including that spark of energy and creative passion that started your writing life in the first place. Keep going. You can do it!
Rebecca Yauger is a writer and blogger who writes about real friendship and relationships, and all the ties that bond us. She’s been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul and Guideposts Magazine. She is a three-time cancer survivor and church life group leader. Rebecca grew up in a military family, and now after living all over the world, she makes her home near Dallas. She is married to her high school sweetheart and is a proud mother and grandmother. Visit her at www.RebeccaYauger.com.