taking breaks (self-published author edition)

This weeks topic one I am still learning myself. I decided to make this one more specific to see-published authors as I can’t entirely speak for authors who are traditionally published. For self-published authors we take on projects differently. We don’t have a contract we sign with a publisher or an agent which outlines out schedule for the year. We, in fact, make out own schedules. We plan out the books and stories we want to write, and sometimes need to write, and hope we can achieve those goals by years end.


What proves to be an ongoing struggle, however, is taking time for ourselves to rest.


Sounds odd doesn’t it? Needing to actually take the time to schedule a vacation or even a night off, but it’s true. Especially when you’re used to being your own boss and making your own schedules, time off is something that can get away from you. In the past, I thought a simple night off here and there along with the occasional weekend was enough. I was wrong. Such things need to be taken as seriously as our own storylines because when we don’t make ourselves a priority, we can experience burnout. Something I’ve done on several occasions now if I’m being honest.


Sure we can write a book and publish it within a year, or maybe two books, or maybe even three! But at the end of the day, what we need to remind ourselves is that we are our number one employee. We’re the ones that do the marketing. The ones that do the cover designs. The ones that do the editing. The ones that do the formatting. And, of course, the ones that do the writing. Now, I know quite a few authors who have an epic team on their side, and I am no different. People whom we turn to to help lighten the workload is okay. Having people in your life who are helping you along the way of achieving your dreams is a phenomenal thing. Especially for those who used to think that there would be no one around when we finally took this step. But never forget you are just as special a part of that team as anyone else. That you deserve the time for yourself.


I was inspired to write about this topic especially recently when I went on a vacation to Punta Cana and just enjoyed myself and gave myself permission to relax. I got caught up on my reading, I took a spa day, I even walked along the beach in the ocean a couple of times and lost count of drinks and calories I consumed. As one should while on vacation! But when I got back home, I noticed a change. I felt AMAZING. I felt well rested and recharged for the first time in a long while and I realized that a night off here and there isn’t enough sometimes. Now, I’m not saying to go and blow your savings on a trip and abandon everything for several days there, but take the time for yourself. Take a week off here and there when possible and just enjoy yourself. CELEBRATE for crying out loud! Because here you are! Living out a dream you once thought would never happen!


Now, this dream can be becoming an author, or it can be having a family of your own, getting a PhD, starting your own business, or so many other things. But I can bet, that at one point in your life, you may have wondered if it was ever going to happen. Right? So enjoy yourself, celebrate what you’ve accomplished! And for those who are still hustling and going towards that dream, KEEP AT IT AND NEVER GIVE UP, because one day, you will get there. But until then, remember to make yourself a priority!


All the best,


Céline
xo