Take a Breather

by Stephanie Nickel, CES Editor, Writer, Coach, and Critique Specialist

Easter reminds me as a Christian how important it is to be still and know He is God. We rush here and there, our electronic devices with us even when we’re socializing or “resting.”

My son hasn’t been home for almost a year. He will be visiting for the next two weeks. Yahoo! Some things are going to be put on hold, despite the fact that my To Do list is a mile high—like everyone else’s.

So, what can we learn from these times and how can it inspire our writing? Let’s think about that this week.

1. What things bring your world to a halt and cause you to set aside the day-to-day? Make a list of these things. How many positive things hit your list? We often slow down or stop when something bad happens, but how often do we actually take time to enjoy the positives in life?

2. Write a stop-you-in-your tracks journal entry or short story. Whether “positive” or “negative,” make your reader gasp or cheer at some point.

3. Write a poem reflecting on a joyous time that made you set everything else aside.

4. Write a “darker” poem about a heartbreaking or heart-stopping event.

5. Go ahead. Plan a technology-free day. Spend time with family or friends. Reflect on the freedom. If you’d like to, pick up a paper and pen—nothing electronic—and write a journal entry about your day.

We’d love to read your work. Feel free to share it below.

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