This morning, I allowed myself to slow down during my writing group. I am tired. Sometimes, I put pressure on myself to do the same thing every day. Structure works for me, but I tend to take it too far, and then I burn out. To avoid this, I practice slowing down. I type slowly, letting my fingers feel the keys beneath them. I make my cup of tea with care, watching the steam rise and curl in the morning light. I stop everything to pat the cat, feeling the warmth of its fur against my palm.

Today, I promised myself not to pressure myself with my writing. Yesterday, I reached a part of Dear Sister that feels heavy, one of those scenes I know by heart, one I’ve replayed in my mind countless times. Yet, today, it feels hard. So, I let it be. I write something different instead.

There is often a lingering sense of guilt when I step away from my novels. But I’ve learned that I always come back stronger. Sometimes, I simply need a rest. I’ve been thinking about starting a painting project, something I’ve been pushing aside for a while. Even the thought of it feels exhausting today, but the day is still young. I can rest. I’ve kept the babies home from childcare today, allowing myself the gift of presence, a whole day with them. There’s washing to do, reorganizing to tackle after our beach timeout, but I can take it slowly.

Embracing stillness grounds me. It’s in feeling the weight of my body as I sit, the subtle pressure of the chair beneath me, the stillness of the room wrapping around me. I watch my fingers move across the keyboard, noticing each letter appear on the screen rather than rushing through a paragraph. Stillness is in my soul; in the way I listen to my ego speak and realize that we are working together for my greater good. It’s in watering my plants, in lighting candles in my office, in feeling gratitude for the opportunities I have and the life I am living.

Stillness aligns with excitement and creativity. It is in these quiet moments that I listen and notice what’s stirring within me. I hear where I am heading, what I am craving, and I respond with care. Where are we going, my soul and I? What are we creating together?

Stillness is balance. It is self-discovery. In these moments, I see myself more clearly, with no pretense, no facades. It’s in being vulnerable, truthful, and deeply present. It’s in watching myself without judgment and connecting with who I truly am.

Today, I honor the stillness. I embrace the gentle pauses and allow them to guide me forward.

#WritingLife #SelfDiscovery #CreativeJourney #EmbracingStillness #MindfulLiving #BalanceAndGrowth #Gratitude #AmaraHartwood