One only has to look at the calendar to see we’re in the thick of the holiday season.  This time can be especially hard for those who choose to walk the journey of a

writing career. Maybe you have a full-time job outside the home or you are the main caretaker for young children or elderly parents. Throughout the year it’s hard enough to carve out consistent time to write, but when faced with a whole month of preparations, celebrations, and special occasions, writing can quickly be buried under a mountainous “to do” list.

I want to take a minute to encourage those who chose this sometimes crazy, yet rewarding lifestyle. While schedules and perseverance are important to consistently reach your goal of publication, it’s okay to give yourself permission at times to take a break.  I find for myself when I push too hard for too long, my creativity suffers, my mind goes blank, and every task becomes twice as hard.

Sometimes taking a day, a week, or a month off to rejuvenate your mind, soul, and body can do wonders for your career.  How much time you can spare depends upon where you are in your journey.  For instance, do you have deadlines that have to be met or are you in between projects? However, it’s important to recognize when you need that break and then to take it, guilt free.

After all, ten years from now when you are published and meeting deadlines has become second nature, is it really going to matter if you took two weeks or a month off in December 2013 to refresh?  Who knows, maybe it was during that time of rejuvenation the inspiration came for your first best seller.

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Cheri Swalwell is a Christ follower who thoroughly enjoys her calling to be a wife, mother, and writer, in that order. She has a degree in spoken from the heartPsychology from Illinois State University and enjoys writing regularly for Book Fun Magazine and LIFE TO THE FULLEST. Cheri’s first book, Spoken from the Heart: Journey from Fear to Faith, is available through Amazon.  She is also a contributing author in the book 31 Devotions for Writers. To contact Cheri or to read one of her many articles on marriage, parenting, or relationships from a Christian perspective, visit her blog www.journeysfromtheheartofawifeandmother.wordpress.com. She loves to interact with her readers, so send her an email at clSwalwell99@gmail.com or “like” her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/cheri-Swalwell.

Buy her book here: http://www.amazon.com/Spoken-Heart-Journey-Fear-Faith/dp/0615929281/ref=&tag=cheswaficfrot-20