There are seasons we have where the words won’t come to our minds. The energy it takes to sit down and fuel your imagination, create coherent sentences, and check each grammar mistake can be overwhelming. It’s a performance, and before we publish our work, the audience is ourselves. And we are our biggest critic.

There are a myriad of reasons to take a break from writing. Life situations, busy seasons, new changes, and sometimes you schedule yourself a healthy break – I’m of the mind that you don’t have to write something every single day to be considered a writer. However, the “surprise” breaks can weigh you down.

I’m not referring to “Writer’s Block,” as I believe that can happen even when your writing spirit is high, and you are ready for words to flow onto the computer. The reason “Writer’s Block” is so aggravating, is because you are ready to write, you have ideas and energy, but you just can’t come up with the correct things to say.

A break, one that you didn’t schedule, one that snuck up on you and drained you, is a different sort of block to your words. Maybe you are changing as a person, or maybe your perspectives have changed so much, that even mid-project, the point you are trying to make has been lost. You may not believe in your words anymore, or even yourself.

I think such a break is beneficial, but in a different sort of way than simply telling yourself to relax for a little while. I’ve come back to my writing with a new approach, renewed energy, and fresh perspectives. My life has changed a lot since I’ve published my first book…and it may change even more before I begin the next one.

But that doesn’t change the fact that I am still a writer, and an author. I didn’t schedule this break, but I am scheduling my return. I’m going to make myself come back, and write. One word at a time.