After a heavy shower of rain recently, I found myself on the shoulder of the road sinking deeper into the soft earth as I continued to push the gas pedal to the floor. Except for the sound of splattering mud hitting the rear wheel rim and quarter panel, I made no progress.
So I stopped.
Backed up a bit.
Redirected my wheels.
Slowly then, I eased back onto the road.
I have read enough inspirational material to feel as though situations like this aren’t just coincidental happenings, but often a key to something much deeper. So I asked myself what I thought that was supposed to teach me.
The answer came rather quickly. It’s exactly what I’ve been doing lately – pouring on the gas in the direction I started out in and just spinning my wheels. It’s time to stop – back up – find a new direction – and ease back into things again.
Nine months ago I made a list of things I wanted to accomplish over the course of the next twelve. But I am not where I need to be to make those goals achievable. So, I’ve signed up for a few webinars and critiques and hopefully this will redirect me.
To get the most out of these sessions, I will need to temporarily stop something in order to free up the time. Quitting my day job isn’t an option. (The bank still expects the mortgage payment on time – go figure!) And I’m still several years away from retirement.
So, I’m following in the footsteps of a few of my blogging buddies – Georgette and Darla to name two – and taking a summer break from blogging. I will definitely return by Labor Day and hopefully with a few new insights on ‘writing and life’ – the goal of this site.
I may even treat my website to a whole new look. Who knows? Just watch for the incoming message that writingfeemail has returned and hopefully I’ll have something new and exciting to share.
HAPPY SUMMER EVERYONE!
Writingfeemail's Blog 
I totally understand. A long break can be refreshing. Have a wonderful Summer! 🙂
Enjoy your summer! We’ll see you when you return 🙂 MJ
Have a great summer and as they say in the song, “See you in September”. 😉
This is great. You’re just like me, how you’d think it out. I believe it did have meaning, getting your wheels “stuck” – just like a dream would. Life speaks to us in all ways. You heard it clearly today, I reckon.
My dear Renee, how Zeitgeist, de rigeur, flavour of the season you are. As they say in the newspaper trade when Parliament goes into recess. Summer is sour gherkin time.
Will miss you. Good luck,
Ursula
It’s not always easy to tell when we’re spinning our wheels. Great job not only recognizing but working on a solution. Have a great summer!
I’ll definitely miss you, but I hope you have a great summer! Look forward to your return in September.
Hoping you meet your goals. As you’ve told me, breaks are necessary from time to time. Enjoy the rest of summer!
I’ll miss you, but understand. I’ll see you, refreshed, in the fall.
Have a great break, Renee.
Enjoy your summer – taking a break, soon…fall is always very energizing. So float for a while and have fun. Hasta later!
Renee, I too believe there are no coincidences and things happen for a reason. A break is sometimes necessary so that we can regroup and focus. Blogging, while gratifying, can also be very time consuming. I think a break will indeed allow you to meet some of your goals. We’ll be here when you get back, lady! Have a wonderful and productive summer! 🙂
Good luck and enjoy your summer. We’ll be here when you return.
Enjoy your summer. I’ll be waiting to see what you’ve been up to!
I completely understand. I look forward to connecting again in September.
Good luck! Have a wonderful summer, Renee, and hopefully, we’ll see you again on the other side!
Hi,
I hope you have a lovely break, and get some of your goals accomplished, and above all else enjoy your summer. 🙂
I wish you luck and much success during your blogging break!!!!!
Have fun and get yourself on track lady! Let me know when you are back!
Good luck Renee! I completely know how you feel. I hope you have a much need rest and time to recoup and accomplish your goals. See ya when you get back 🙂
Ashley
You’re right – something always has to give. Best wishes with the break. I will look forward to seeing you when you come back!
Happy Summer to you too….See ya in the Fall!
~d.
HAPPY SUMMER to you to !See in the Fall!
Renee, hope you have a great summer. I, too, am thinking about taking a break. Blogging is a wonderful thing, but sometimes we need a moment to recharge. Summer is a perfect time. We will be waiting your return. Have a blast!
We’ll miss you but look forward to seeing you again in the fall. Good luck!
Renee, I hope you have a wonderful and amazing summer, and that you accomplish your goals! I struggle with this myself. Sometimes I ask myself if my blog is sustainable. I enjoy doing it, I love the connections with other bloggers, but I do not want to be owned by it! It is a challenge to be consistent without feeling obligated to produce. After all, I started this because I wanted to, not because I had a mandatory writing assignment!
Good for you to recognize that you need to focus on something else for a time. I’ll look forward to hearing what you’ve leaned and experienced when you return! ~ Sheila
Have a great summer. And If you are planning to change the look of your blog, then go for a new theme too. There are lots of new themes available now. I hope it will help your cause.
I hope you’re enjoying your break! Summer goes just way too fast for me to spend it on the computer too much.
Renee, there’s no doubt you’ll have plenty that’s new and exciting to share. Meanwhile, good luck with your other pursuits.
Looking forward to watching your journey. Blessings!
I think you attitude is admirable. And the way you learned something out of a quite ordinary situation speaks to your credit. Stop, return and redirect is a good way to get forward when you are hitting an obstacle. Good lock with the summer webinars and critiques. And I look forward to seeing your new blog. Have a nice summer.
May your blogging pause be fruitful and may you return refreshed and reinvigorated.
Have missed you Renee and look forward to meeting up again. Hope you are enjoying your summer despite the heat.
Just wandering around again and stopped in to say HI ….new directions is always an intriguing title….and the muddy opening got me thinking again….but it’s still too hot for much change …wishing for those brisk fall breezes