Listening & Pausing

This post is a little late because yesterday, when I would have normally written my post, I had to step back and listen to my body. In my 40s this is something I am learning the importance of doing.

September has been intense, all.

Two novellas due.

My oldest getting married.

ACFW national conference where I had board responsibilities in addition to co-teaching three workshops with the amazing Pepper Basham.

And three extra speaking engagements in addition to my normal class load.

I can admit: It’s been a lot.

I kept telling everyone, it’s all good. It’s just a lot.

I turned the last book in the 20th. And yesterday, my body told me to slow down. I had a funky headache that was a clear signal I needed to pause or my body would make me. In my 30s and even early 40s, I blew right by those signals. Now, I know it’s better to pause for a few hours than be forced to power through a week of feeling awful.

So last night, I didn’t grade. I didn’t write. After an hour curled up in bed, I took an hour to walk in a beautiful park, an hour to read, and then headed straight back to bed. Today I can think. So thank you for your grace. May we all learn to listen — I certainly have more growing to do. One friend told me “you gave yourself a whole two hours?” For me, that’s growth. Here’s to more growth!

How do you recharge when your body says enough?