Stepping Back

I don't want to count how many social media messages enter my life daily. Between the emails from Facebook and the text messages from Twitter, not to mention the time I actually spend navigating these sites, it's probably overkill.

But once in a while you come across something true enough to pay attention to. A few days ago, one of the blogs I follow posted this quote:

If you get stuck, get away from your desk. Take a walk, take a bath, go to sleep, make a pie, draw, listen to music, meditate, exercise; whatever you do, don't just stick there scowling at the problem. But don't make telephone calls or go to a party; if you do, other people's words will pour in where your lost words should be. Open a gap for them, create a space. Be patient.

HILARY MANTEL

True. As much as I procrastinate and allow time to get away from me, It's really the best thing I can do to get out of my office from time to time. Today marks one of my favorite times to get away: the annual Laabs trip to Traverse City. My entire extended family comes up, and we all love it here for different reasons. Aside from the obvious intention of spending time together, I love writing here.


I'm not in a box, I'm not trying to appease my anxious dog, I'm not trying to create just the right white noise to keep me focused, I'm not even looking at the time. As a writer who works largely from home, it's refreshing to hear other people murmur around me. And as a city girl, nothing is quite as restorative as the sound of the water.


I have only been here a few hours, but I already feel that switch click -- the one that associates writing with work -- and now I can get back to that sensation of writing for fun. Sometimes all it takes is that change of scenery.


Writing for a living is a true blessing, I can say without question that it's something I am happy doing. But once it's just you and the words, it's too easy to get in your own way. I know that I try new ways of finding my voice all the time, but sometimes all you need to do is sit in a new chair.


Try it.