This year I took two vacations, within two weeks of each other. And I'm here to tell you that vacations are an important part of keeping creative.
I can easily become obsessed with the projects I am working on. I'll wake up at 3 in the morning, my mind racing with ideas. Usually when that happens, I just get up and start working - I know I won't get any more sleep! In my old career in the corporate world, I considered myself somewhat of a workaholic, but that's just who I was. I figured it would be different once I gave up that lifestyle. Imagine my surprise when I realized earlier this year that I am just as driven about my art. Hmmm, some things don't change.
I don't believe that type of drive is a bad thing in itself. It represents a passion for what you do. I think it becomes detrimental when it takes over your life. When you can't stop the chatter in your brain long enough to enjoy the fall breeze, or the migrating hummingbirds, it's time for a break.
My vacations were both short - four days each - but I left my work behind. No email, no deadlines, just enjoying myself with my family. And I came back with lots of ideas to keep me awake at night! A lot more ideas than I'll ever have time to act on.
When was your last vacation? Is it time for another?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Good for you! And you are ABSOLUTELY right! Creative time needs reflection, rest, no agenda. It is the rain on the roots...
ReplyDeleteLisa, I'm glad I'm not the only one that wakes up in the middle of the night with ideas. Your advantage is you can go to bed after youve put your idea to work. ME?? I have to stay awake ...and go to work.
ReplyDeleteI take off from work a 2-3 days every three months but definately (2) TWO WEEK vacations..even if its to do nothing. Well..almost...creativity is relaxing too.