Hi there,
We’re back in action! Thanks for your patience while the Creative Recharge took a break. Hopefully, you got to hang out outdoors or dedicate time to a creative project. However you spent our time away, we’re thankful that you’re still here.
I have to admit I’m not a fan of breaks. I’m the type of person who plans vacations down to the hour. (That is, unless the other chaotic side of my brain says absolutely not, let’s just rot in a new environment). Slowing down isn’t always easy and can feel like a self-imposed punishment. It doesn’t help when my brain goes in all directions with “What if?”
A break usually allows my brain to find new ways to exhaust itself…Does that sound familiar?
In July, I started to feel myself slip into a bout of depression as I was confronted with the reality of preparing for a big move, starting a new position (which is now full-time), managing and completing client projects, and contributing to my kid’s homeschooling—on top of all of the other responsibilities that have yet to be named.
Deciding that I can’t show up isn’t easy, but I had to get real about my capacity. How do you decide when to step aside?
As much as I wanted to handle all of it, it wasn’t possible. Everything felt important and urgent even when it wasn’t. I realized it wasn’t worth sacrificing my mental health. So, Treehouse Annex took a break, then I set up an auto-reply for my personal email that said I was unavailable outside of current deadlines. It was left up for a month, and oh boy, I felt so guilty.
Putting up the auto-reply didn’t stop me from compulsively checking my email. I deleted it from my phone and iPad, which helped. I also kept social media off my phone. I knew that this break wasn’t going to miraculously solve all of my problems.
But it gave me the push to keep choosing myself. I didn’t solve most of my problems, as anticipated. I spent the last few weeks journaling, crafting, re-watching Grey’s Anatomy, playing card games with the family, and slowing down.
Sometimes a break does provide clarity. Sometimes my brain realizes that it doesn’t need to protect itself as much as it does, and I start to find my way back. The break gave me the space I needed to start moving forward and figure out what needs to be let go.
Isn't it grand when we trust in ourselves?
With appreciation,
Keisa
P.S. Stay tuned for our next newsletter for a summer recap, craft ideas, and an anniversary reflection of choosing a new career pivot.
Welcome Back!
- 📺 YouTube: Watch this August mini vlog to see how the month went and enjoy the DIY birthday celebrations.
- 📥 Substack: This essay published on Substack got more traction than I anticipated, and there’s been a great response from those who relate. Make sure to read Do I Have to Be Understood to Take Up Space? An Essay in Three Parts.
- ⌨️ Email us: We’d love to know how the past few weeks have been for you! Have you been creating? Dreaming? Making changes, big & small? Let us know!
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