Ahhh! What a difference a day can make, especially if you spend that day boating across the channel and hiking 6 miles on a warm summer day along an island bluff with the sea breeze in your face. Except for the sound of wheels bumping along the dirt trail, it was an absolutely glorious day. Yes, one hiker carried his belongings, not in a backpack like the rest of us, but in a suitcase with wheels. My hiking partner said, “I feel like I’m in an airport.”
We broke free of him as soon as possible and thoroughly enjoyed the magic and peace of Santa Cruz Island. (If you’re into woo woo stuff, this is thought to be the site of Lemuria.)
Just when we thought the day couldn’t be more ideal, on our way back to the mainland, the skipper of the boat treated us to a huge pod of mom and baby dolphins playing, jumping and rolling in the waves. It was spectacular. I noticed that I wasn’t the only one who couldn’t wipe her smile off of her face while watching these amazing animals.
Another thing that made this day perfectly magical was the fact that, as soon as I got home, I got a call announcing the birth of my first great grandchild. Adam weighed 8 pounds 6 ounces and came into the world surrounded by his parents and 13 grandparents, aunts, uncles, great aunts/uncles and cousins who are eager to love him. Cell phones signals filled the air as each of those family members made calls to the rest of us who were eagerly awaiting Adam’s arrival.
It’s difficult to concentrate on writing or marketing work when you have your mind on something as special as the birth of a baby. And it’s hard to get back to work after you’ve had a wonderful, relaxing day off.
On the other hand, these events and activities can provide fodder for your articles, stories and books. And the time off, I’ve discovered, can rev up your idea factory and restore your level of inspiration.
Think about what’s happening in your life. Can you use aspects of it to replenish your idea file? Can you turn it into chapters for your book in progress? Are you filled with inspiration? If so, use it before it fades.
Do you get invitations or opportunities to experience new things—attend events, enjoy nature, visit sites, try new things? And what do you say? Say “yes,” more often and it could benefit you personally as well as provide material for your writing projects.
I’d offer more commentary, but I’m off now to visit my new great grandson. Oh, happy day.