I am posting this as the last blog of 2024 as a reminder to all of us that IT’S OK TO TAKE A BREAK. Reading back on this post tugged at my heart and took me back to the feelings of stress that were slowly becoming the onset of depression. Also, my writing style then. I can see and feel the mask I was wearing then, posting about the holiday as I struggled a bit.
I’ve now learned more helpful ways to manage my emotions (more on that in January – our theme is Wellness!), but I’m publishing this in case you feel the push and pull of life. You can also search for ways to overcome depression on this blog; several posts will pop up.
This post is honest and funny, particularly because of the family photos I included from the 2019 Christmas season.
My grandmother, Dot, who you’ll see below, passed away in the summer of 2023 at the age of 97. Although I knew her life would end soon (97!), it was a tough loss for me. Even visiting her during the last years of her life was very emotional because I never knew if it would be the last I’d see her. Maybe you know what I mean.
I posted a lot about it on IG Stories that year, and I’m sure you can find them if you’re bored enough to scroll through the highlights. (Ha!) I’ve been able to sit with my grief and feel I’ve processed it in a way that feels supportive. Plus, I always feel her presence with me. May her memory be a blessing.
Here’s to a happy and healthy holiday for you all! I hope you enjoy this post from the Ghost of Christmas Past.
It’s Ok to Take a Break
First published on 12/26/2019.
Happy holidays to you! We have one more week to go before the season is officially over, and I hope yours has been as stress-free as possible.
“Stress-free” was my goal when I flew from California to the Carolinas to be with my family for the holidays.
With depression bubbling below the surface in my heart, I was conscious of what I could do to keep those feelings from rising to the top.
It turns out that taking a break from writing was the solution. I’ve been working on a memoir since the beginning of October. Every day, I’d chip away, averaging about 1,600 words per day. Some days, I did 50. Some days, over 3,000. I’m at about 80k right now.
And you know what?
It feels great for my mind to rest, letting the words breathe and settle onto the page.
I even toned down my active social media life, too. Those who follow me on Instagram Stories may have noticed I’ve gone from about 20 daily posts to a fraction of that. It was hard at first, but when I caught myself feeling panicked that I wasn’t producing enough content, I took a step back and said,
“It’s ok. It’s ok to take a break.”
I’ll post more about dating a commercial fisherman and the lively emails I’ve received from readers going through relationship ups and downs.
Until then, to take care of my mental health, I’ll journal every night. Read when I can. And generally, not pressure myself into anything that doesn’t feel natural. I hope you can be kind to yourself by giving yourself a break in some ways, too. You deserve it! It’s ok to take a break!
See you next year! Until then, I hope you have a wonderful rest of 2019. Stop and give yourself a pat on the back for all the growth you’ve done this year.
This year’s “you” is proud of all you’ve done and will do.
Do you have any tips or tricks to survive the madness? Please share in the comments below!
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Feature photo: Johnny Nguyen
