Why pushing through isn't always the answer.

Last September, I fell out of love with writing.

I stopped working on my book about authenticity, because I just wasn’t feeling it.

Now, I could have listened to what we’re told. To push through. Be consistent. Finish what we started, no matter what.

But what if that’s exactly what’s holding us back?

You see, I believe in only spending time on activities that energise me and where I feel I can add value. So, if something or someone doesn't energise me ...I don't spend my time there!

My Mum used to say this was very “diva-ish!”

But for me it’s simple.

If I’m not feeling it, and if I’m not energised by it, I know I won’t perform at my best!

And pretending otherwise? Well, that would be the complete opposite of authenticity!

And so, I paused.

People asked about my book. And I could’ve forced myself to keep going. To meet other’s expectations. To do what others thought I “should” do. But my soul was whispering, “You’re doing the right thing.” And sometimes the bravest thing is to listen to your intuition, instead of all the external noise.

Around the same time, I also stopped running (although that was due to a slight injury.) But what I realised was, when I started running again in the new year, something magical happened. My creativity came flooding back.

I had this big aha moment: running is my gateway to creativity - it's not just exercise. You see, when I'm running, surrounded by nature, something shifts. The external world falls away. No distractions. No expectations. Just me, my breath, and my thoughts.

So here I am, four months later, back in my creative space again.

But instead of picking up where I left of, I felt pulled to go back and revisit what I’d written. To start from the very beginning and reconnect with my own words.

And wow. As I read it, I sat there with goosebumps. And every now and then, I found myself wiping away a tear.

It felt real.

It felt raw.

It felt like me.

And I remembered exactly why I started this journey in the first place.

You see, we spend so much of our lives going along with what others tell us to do. Following the rules. Meeting expectations. Staying on track. But what if stepping away is exactly what we need to come back stronger, clearer, and more us than ever before?

So, if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, ask yourself, “Am I doing this because I truly want to? Or because I think I should?

Maybe it’s time to pause, breathe, and trust the process.

Creativity, clarity, and energy have a way of coming back to us when we’re ready to receive them.

I’d love to hear your story. Have you ever had the courage to pause? To trust your gut despite the pressure to keep going?

Share in the comments, message me privately, or simply take a moment to reflect. Whatever feels most authentic to you.

Until next time

Andrea - your "Soulful Challenger."