I haven’t been able to think straight, I am tripping over words, am easily annoyed and feel dry as a bone when it comes to inspiration or creativity. I am staying up late to read when I should be sleeping because I do not have time to read during the day. I could not even get really excited when I got compared to the Olsen twins on the Huffington Post. Part of it is that I am still not sure if they were making fun of the Olsen twins or praising stylish older women.
I dread thinking about coming up with a blog post when it used to fill me with excitement.Yet, still I make lists and give myself even more things to do. I have on-going work from job number one that extends over the summer months, am taking another course at FIT starting tonight, have a mile long list of things to do, apps to explore, Photoshop to learn for my blog and other social media platforms. Why do I do this to myself?
The worst symptom of all though is that I just don’t even feel like dressing up. This is the kiss of death for a fashion blogger. After not wearing jeans for the last two years, I bought a pair this week. Well, the week before last I acquired a pair of “boyfriend” jeans, meaning I actually stole a pair of Paul Smith jeans from my boyfriend. I also stole his John Galliano belt and wore the jeans and belt with a ruffled white Valentino shirt when I flew to Chicago for a meeting related to a federal grant I am working on. Upon return, I decided to buy a pair of my own boyfriend jeans that fit a little better. I have worn them pretty much constantly ever since. I bought yet another pair of flat sandals when I really need a pair that can add a little height. What is all this trying to tell me?
I have hit a wall and rather than just stop and look at it for awhile, see if there are interesting patterns or textures, I have been trying to climb over it, knock it down and now have fully exhausted myself. A self by the way, that was pretty exhausted after last semester and kind of working two full time jobs. So I guess I need to rest. My brain needs some downtime and my mind needs to wander in completely undisciplined ways. When the mind gets tired the body follows.
It’s time to schedule in a nap, plan an outing to the Met to see the new Costume Institute exhibit (just to look and experience not to write a post about it), take a vacation, go somewhere new, get a facial and a massage instead of a new outfit, stop writing lists, maybe (horror of horrors) take a week off from posting on social media. Perhaps my only summer challenge should be to see how many different ways I can style jeans, white shirts (maybe T-shirts too) and flat sandals while I am going about the business of letting my mind meander and get some rest.
What do you do when you need to replenish your creativity and “take a rest” from your life?
I just let myself rest. It’s called the "incubation period." 😉
What did St. Teresa say about answered prayers? The responsibility of maintaining such a high quality blog/presence must be immense! Take a European-style long holiday from blogging and any other obligations that you can escape.
What did St. Teresa say about answered prayers? The responsibility of maintaining such a high quality blog/presence must be immense! Take a European-style long holiday from blogging and any other obligations that you can escape.
I am experiencing the same problem. The blog does take on a life of its own and become like a job in itself. I think you should take a break, we’ll all be here when you get back and you will be revitalized and better than ever!
I took a "rest" from dressing up in 2004. I quit wearing dresses and skirts in the 70’s, but I wore pantsuits, gabardine and wool crepe slacks, etc. I bought two pairs of Seven for Mankind jeans and was hooked – it’s been jeans 24/7 for 10 years. I’m 71 and don’t plan to dress any differently for the rest of my life. I love black, white and gray tees, jean jackets, leather biker jackets, velvet and linen blazers and a good olive safari jacket. I hate color so I don’t wear it. My uniform style of dressing might seem boring, but I love it and that’s what counts. I think you look terrific in your jeans!
I took a "rest" from dressing up in 2004. I quit wearing dresses and skirts in the 70’s, but I wore pantsuits, gabardine and wool crepe slacks, etc. I bought two pairs of Seven for Mankind jeans and was hooked – it’s been jeans 24/7 for 10 years. I’m 71 and don’t plan to dress any differently for the rest of my life. I love black, white and gray tees, jean jackets, leather biker jackets, velvet and linen blazers and a good olive safari jacket. I hate color so I don’t wear it. My uniform style of dressing might seem boring, but I love it and that’s what counts. I think you look terrific in your jeans!
When you want to "take a rest from your life" and rekindle the creative juices…it’s time to start working from the inside out…otherwise you’ll take yourself…in its current tired and unenthusiastic state, with you wherever you go. So how do you do it….how do you reconnect with your inner soul?…It’s easy…start meditating. You don’t need the full lotus position…special clothes or a sacred temple…just a quiet place where you can sit or lay comfortably…close your eyes, relax and be still. Just the practise of stillness will give your body a well needed rest, and don’t worry about the mind chatter…yes it’s there but don’t get attached to your thoughts right know…just let them come and go. Start slowly and build up to 15-20 minutes once or twice a day. Remember you are working on yourself " from the inside out". Wonderful clarity, creativity and "peace of mind" will be your reward for taking care and reconnecting with your soul. And the best thing is…meditation is portable, quick and is all for you!
When you want to "take a rest from your life" and rekindle the creative juices…it’s time to start working from the inside out…otherwise you’ll take yourself…in its current tired and unenthusiastic state, with you wherever you go. So how do you do it….how do you reconnect with your inner soul?…It’s easy…start meditating. You don’t need the full lotus position…special clothes or a sacred temple…just a quiet place where you can sit or lay comfortably…close your eyes, relax and be still. Just the practise of stillness will give your body a well needed rest, and don’t worry about the mind chatter…yes it’s there but don’t get attached to your thoughts right know…just let them come and go. Start slowly and build up to 15-20 minutes once or twice a day. Remember you are working on yourself " from the inside out". Wonderful clarity, creativity and "peace of mind" will be your reward for taking care and reconnecting with your soul. And the best thing is…meditation is portable, quick and is all for you!
Work is work. Even if it’s what you most enjoy, it takes energy. When I hit the wall, it’s often because I’ve scheduled more of the things I’m enthusiastic about than any human ought to cram into a day. My signals? Irritability, depression, migraines… Sounds like you have some of those same symptoms. Take your time, please. You are one of the most interesting and helpful voices out there. I would far, far rather you take a break than crash and burn and disappear from my universe! Enjoy those jeans, think large, inhale whatever sunshine you can without making a job of it, drink something frothy…. Be well first, then talk to us again… but not before you are ready!
Work is work. Even if it’s what you most enjoy, it takes energy. When I hit the wall, it’s often because I’ve scheduled more of the things I’m enthusiastic about than any human ought to cram into a day. My signals? Irritability, depression, migraines… Sounds like you have some of those same symptoms. Take your time, please. You are one of the most interesting and helpful voices out there. I would far, far rather you take a break than crash and burn and disappear from my universe! Enjoy those jeans, think large, inhale whatever sunshine you can without making a job of it, drink something frothy…. Be well first, then talk to us again… but not before you are ready!
Slow down. As the others say – we’ll be here when you get back.
You are such an inspiration! I love your polished, super chic and sophisticated look!
http://redreticule.com
It can be tough and I experience it too. When you have a website and are active in social media (a requirement for my job) you always have to be ‘on’. I use yoga to break away and go on extended trips which break up the routine. But I can never get away from it completely as the site sometimes breaks, I have to respond to emails from course students and update the site. I love my job but it’s the one thing I sometimes regret as I can never really have a complete holiday. I’m working on resolving it now by getting a bit more help with the site but that is a long and tiring process in itself. Of course the site is my full-time job so it’s a bit different and it must be tough to do it next to your full-time job. I think it’s important that you keep your side-job fun and that it remains a hobby and a creative outlet. We all enjoy your writings and creativity so much, so just take a break from it. We will still be here when you get yourself recharged! This is a great look by the way!
It can be tough and I experience it too. When you have a website and are active in social media (a requirement for my job) you always have to be ‘on’. I use yoga to break away and go on extended trips which break up the routine. But I can never get away from it completely as the site sometimes breaks, I have to respond to emails from course students and update the site. I love my job but it’s the one thing I sometimes regret as I can never really have a complete holiday. I’m working on resolving it now by getting a bit more help with the site but that is a long and tiring process in itself. Of course the site is my full-time job so it’s a bit different and it must be tough to do it next to your full-time job. I think it’s important that you keep your side-job fun and that it remains a hobby and a creative outlet. We all enjoy your writings and creativity so much, so just take a break from it. We will still be here when you get yourself recharged! This is a great look by the way!
I think it’s so funny we wrote similar posts the same time! When you have a brain that goes a million miles an hour but don’t take that important down-time you do get burnt out. Sometimes what started as fun, such as the blog and social media, can end up as just one more job to do if you’re not careful. Take that week or two off. Rest, read, relax.
I think it’s so funny we wrote similar posts the same time! When you have a brain that goes a million miles an hour but don’t take that important down-time you do get burnt out. Sometimes what started as fun, such as the blog and social media, can end up as just one more job to do if you’re not careful. Take that week or two off. Rest, read, relax.
I’m faced with that same funk myself, Lyn. I’ve lost interest in dressing up and it’s showing in the harried posts, last minute shoots and insipid writing. Ironically, one of the steps I’ve taken to climb out of that funk is inviting you to write a guest post for me which is, incidentally, scheduled to come out on Wednesday 🙂 aside from that, I’ve been taking some extra me time, doing more fun things with my daughter, that sort of thing. This too shall pass xoxo
I’m faced with that same funk myself, Lyn. I’ve lost interest in dressing up and it’s showing in the harried posts, last minute shoots and insipid writing. Ironically, one of the steps I’ve taken to climb out of that funk is inviting you to write a guest post for me which is, incidentally, scheduled to come out on Wednesday 🙂 aside from that, I’ve been taking some extra me time, doing more fun things with my daughter, that sort of thing. This too shall pass xoxo
Lyn, you kind of exploded onto the blogging scene and I can imagine that it has been an emotional ride of sorts. I think what you are feeling is normal for a busy woman with lots going on and a desire to always be learning new things. I work hard to keep everything in perspective and if I need to slow down on something (blogging for example) I do. I think it’s important every now and again to remind ourselves why we are doing what we are doing.
And I choose to believe that article is in praise of the older stylish woman:) Style transcends fashion and that seems to be pearl of wisdom younger women don’t always understand:)
Lyn, you kind of exploded onto the blogging scene and I can imagine that it has been an emotional ride of sorts. I think what you are feeling is normal for a busy woman with lots going on and a desire to always be learning new things. I work hard to keep everything in perspective and if I need to slow down on something (blogging for example) I do. I think it’s important every now and again to remind ourselves why we are doing what we are doing.
And I choose to believe that article is in praise of the older stylish woman:) Style transcends fashion and that seems to be pearl of wisdom younger women don’t always understand:)
You even manage to inspire me with you blogging about feeling yourself uninspired and exhausted! Of course we all know what it feels like and you yourself give the best answer: Look at the wall and at its patterns and textures, and just let go….:)) I will be very happy to hear from you again – whenever you are ready to write about what happened in the meantime to you! Wishing you a great recreation time!! Love from Berlin xoxo
I resonate with your current state. Hoping that you find inner peace and a resurgence of creative energy. I’m one of your committed followers and support whatever you need to do.
Last week I found a book, which met my gaze, as often happens when I’m looking for "something." I’m almost finished with THE UPSIDE OF STRESS by Kelly McGonigal. It came out last month, and I’m finding it very helpful. New research with great self interventions. I’m loving it!
Take good care!
I resonate with your current state. Hoping that you find inner peace and a resurgence of creative energy. I’m one of your committed followers and support whatever you need to do.
Last week I found a book, which met my gaze, as often happens when I’m looking for "something." I’m almost finished with THE UPSIDE OF STRESS by Kelly McGonigal. It came out last month, and I’m finding it very helpful. New research with great self interventions. I’m loving it!
Take good care!
I love this post. The wall! We all hit it, I think. My remedy is a quarterly week-long blog break. One thing – your wall is someone else’s door. By which cryptic phrase I mean, please do style boyfriend jeans, flat sandals, and white tees! Some of us live like that, and we would really appreciate your inspiration. (BTW, you provided inspiration for my recent haircut. Thank you. http://amidprivilege.com/2015/06/cut-long-gray-braid/)
I love this post. The wall! We all hit it, I think. My remedy is a quarterly week-long blog break. One thing – your wall is someone else’s door. By which cryptic phrase I mean, please do style boyfriend jeans, flat sandals, and white tees! Some of us live like that, and we would really appreciate your inspiration. (BTW, you provided inspiration for my recent haircut. Thank you. http://amidprivilege.com/2015/06/cut-long-gray-braid/)
I have been blogging for almost ten years and have loved. But in this last six months, it’s been feeling like a burden, a millstone around my neck. It overlays everything and is always there, hovering above me. I wasn’t doing the things I loved like reading or being creative. So, I cut back from five times a week to two or three and it’s much better. I feel like there are other, easier platforms that don’t require as much writing, photography or research.
I have been blogging for almost ten years and have loved. But in this last six months, it’s been feeling like a burden, a millstone around my neck. It overlays everything and is always there, hovering above me. I wasn’t doing the things I loved like reading or being creative. So, I cut back from five times a week to two or three and it’s much better. I feel like there are other, easier platforms that don’t require as much writing, photography or research.
There you are wearing the fabulous shirt you had on the first time I found you! As fabulous now as it was then.
We all hit that wall. Blogging is work, hard work.
When I begin to see blog post titles in every thought pattern I know it’s time to recalibrate.
This has been a wild ride for you with massive popularity, in quick order. Bravo, now step back, take a break, and we’ll be here when your fabulous self returns.
I love your look proposed is simple and so chic!!! 🙂
I love your look proposed is simple and so chic!!! 🙂
Just read the HP article. They were mocking the twins slightly, but you know they were praising stylish older women or Ari would not be involved.
They design stunning clothes. Period. They have been fodder for gossip for years.
The commenters I read, did appear to be moronic haters. But I’ve always heard, if you’re not pissing someone off online, you’re boring, which you’re not. Chin up doll, it was a huge compliment.
I would be thrilled to see how you style with jeans. I’m sitting over here in black pants, because that’s all I like. I love black and white, too.
What I like about your style is that I could relate to the chicness of comfort and limited pallets with pizazz from the heart, plus you make everything look so darn hot. You’ve got that something.
I’m enjoying the style communes with surroundings. I hope after your break you’ll be inspired to find unusual and usual places and style for it.
You’ve get plenty of good content. So as long as it’s up, I can honor your break. (smile) But, I’ll miss you, though.
As far as the article, personally I don’t like things that compare people with each other. I’m usually pretty opened minded about the arts, but this thing of "blackening" the face and comparing bodies was a little over the top for me. It sort of reinforces, for me, that whole thing about body size being the only thing to be attentive to. Anywhoo..
I think artists need creative breaks( Julia Cameron’s "artist dates") to get fueled up and restored. Just resting and taking the neurons into different directions, somehow, wakes something up.
Sounds like you need a rest to refresh. We’ll all be here when you return. Blogging is hard business!
Sounds like you need a rest to refresh. We’ll all be here when you return. Blogging is hard business!
Lyn, since you started your blog you have made such an increadible journey and you are so successful. And I am sure, this will continue.
But I know how much time we spend on our blogs and they become a second job. I think every blogger goes through this sooner or later, I often ask myself why I am doing all this!
Take a well deserved break, your followers will stay, no doubt!
Much love,
Annette | <a href="http://ladyofstyle.com/"><strong>Lady of Style</strong></a>
Lyn, since you started your blog you have made such an increadible journey and you are so successful. And I am sure, this will continue.
But I know how much time we spend on our blogs and they become a second job. I think every blogger goes through this sooner or later, I often ask myself why I am doing all this!
Take a well deserved break, your followers will stay, no doubt!
Much love,
Annette | <a href="http://ladyofstyle.com/"><strong>Lady of Style</strong></a>
Congratulations! You’ve got creative burn-out, not unlike writer’s block. And you’ve already discovered something new – that jeans and shirts, flat shoes and sandals can look great, too. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! Many of us live our daily lives that way, especially if we don’t go to a workplace. It’s exhausting to think of the constant pressure fashion bloggers must be under to present something fresh and captivating each day. Like producing a daily issue of Vogue.
Sounds like you live in NY – start looking at it from a fresh perspective. Bill Cunningham comes to mind. Can’t wait to see how you interpret what you start seeing!
It’s the same with me, there must be something in the air. Maybe it’s just the air, summer? I’m really into siting in cafés watching the world go by. I’m considering it research. And the Olsen twins, love them, just love them.
Anita
It’s the same with me, there must be something in the air. Maybe it’s just the air, summer? I’m really into siting in cafés watching the world go by. I’m considering it research. And the Olsen twins, love them, just love them.
Anita
I sit in my favorite chair with my 3 pound Chihuahua on my lap and do nothing but read……….
Take a rest from Life….put your watch away and remove technology for a week…..in a quiet place, with earphones listen to a Louise Hay subliminal affirmations cd ….walk on the beach, breathe the salt water, enjoy the wind in your hair …. … don’t be dictated by the clock, take time to eat when hungry, sleep when tired and laugh in the company of family & friends. This works for me. We will be here when you get back.Take care.
Lyn, I’m so glad with your post. I feel the same, l love what I’m doing, at the same time I’m thinking ‘why’? Take a break and make al long walk every day. Forget about us, we won’t forget you!
Lyn, I’m so glad with your post. I feel the same, l love what I’m doing, at the same time I’m thinking ‘why’? Take a break and make al long walk every day. Forget about us, we won’t forget you!
I write for a living and have been through a few such spells over the years, exploring other forms of creativity often helped. Seeing how other people are expressing their creativity in all forms of art gets the juices going again and refills my own well. It is not a break or a solution to a problem; it is a vital and integral part of my entire ongoing creative process. I would love to see your take on jeans and white shirts over the summer. Have at it!
Love this post Lyn! I for one am always interested in hearing how people make their life work … even more than the end product of creativity. It’s the process to creativity that always garners my sincere interest. Thank you for sharing yours my dear! And may I add I would love to see your artistic spin on two, or three of the most basic wardrobe staples. I know you will breath new like into them all.
Until then, do take good care of yourself … in the manner that works best for you!
All the Very Best,
Tamera Beardsley
Love this post Lyn! I for one am always interested in hearing how people make their life work … even more than the end product of creativity. It’s the process to creativity that always garners my sincere interest. Thank you for sharing yours my dear! And may I add I would love to see your artistic spin on two, or three of the most basic wardrobe staples. I know you will breath new like into them all.
Until then, do take good care of yourself … in the manner that works best for you!
All the Very Best,
Tamera Beardsley
Uh-oh, this is a creativity 911!
Dig into those jeans. Revel in those jeans. Sleep in those jeans. Rip them. Paint them. Slash them. Who really cares? You are living in them right now, right? They address a need you have. You don’t need to live in them for us but yourself.
How do I handle these situations? I try to surrender to the chaos. The wave you think you want will come back but this one may give you a good ride too if you let it. (This probably doesn’t help. Sorry)
I went through a jeans phase. Really, how can one NOT? They are EVERYWHERE! Ubiquitous. Insidious advertising gets under the thickest of skins. I’m wearing runners sometimes too. Gaaa!
Uh-oh, this is a creativity 911!
Dig into those jeans. Revel in those jeans. Sleep in those jeans. Rip them. Paint them. Slash them. Who really cares? You are living in them right now, right? They address a need you have. You don’t need to live in them for us but yourself.
How do I handle these situations? I try to surrender to the chaos. The wave you think you want will come back but this one may give you a good ride too if you let it. (This probably doesn’t help. Sorry)
I went through a jeans phase. Really, how can one NOT? They are EVERYWHERE! Ubiquitous. Insidious advertising gets under the thickest of skins. I’m wearing runners sometimes too. Gaaa!
love your honesty- I found myself in a pretty similar situation but made a pretty drastic lifestyle change and am happy to focus on myself rather than personal relationships, which has helped but is not for everyone
http://secret-hipster.blogspot.com/
So funny to read your post Lyn. I have had a little blog burnout myself lately and have taken a bit of a break from everything. What started as a solely creative outlet has become a real job and obligation. Feeling as if I don’t post I will be disappointing those who follow me. After much back and forth, in my own mind, I came to the conclusion that I am only disappointing myself. I started blogging for fun, and when it became not so much fun I pulled back. Rethought things. And, I had to say to myself, don’t feel like you have to think about posts, instagram, Facebook, pinterest, etc. everyday, all day. We can’t possibly keep up with everything. I think every blogger must go through this transition, and they either take the road of I can’t do it anymore or they continue to do it, but on their own terms. So, I’ve take some pressure off myself by doing what I can do and enjoy and leaving the rest. I find when I take a creative rest, I come back with gusto and am renewed. Thank you for sharing how you feel. It certainly makes me feel better that I’m not alone in my feelings. Your fabulous style hasn’t gone away because if you’ve got it, you’ve got it. And, you’ve got it!
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
So funny to read your post Lyn. I have had a little blog burnout myself lately and have taken a bit of a break from everything. What started as a solely creative outlet has become a real job and obligation. Feeling as if I don’t post I will be disappointing those who follow me. After much back and forth, in my own mind, I came to the conclusion that I am only disappointing myself. I started blogging for fun, and when it became not so much fun I pulled back. Rethought things. And, I had to say to myself, don’t feel like you have to think about posts, instagram, Facebook, pinterest, etc. everyday, all day. We can’t possibly keep up with everything. I think every blogger must go through this transition, and they either take the road of I can’t do it anymore or they continue to do it, but on their own terms. So, I’ve take some pressure off myself by doing what I can do and enjoy and leaving the rest. I find when I take a creative rest, I come back with gusto and am renewed. Thank you for sharing how you feel. It certainly makes me feel better that I’m not alone in my feelings. Your fabulous style hasn’t gone away because if you’ve got it, you’ve got it. And, you’ve got it!
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
Love your honesty. You should do a series of post styling Jeans, flats and Shirts.
You look amazing!!!!!
Thanks! I did take that challenge in my following posts. See what you think.
Love your honesty. You should do a series of post styling Jeans, flats and Shirts.
You look amazing!!!!!
Thanks! I did take that challenge in my following posts. See what you think.
Disconnect & go somewhere new; but above all disconnect, from all technology, social media, and electronica. It’s amazing how freeing it is NOT to be available, not to update, take a call or check in!
I realize this is rather a late comment but I’ve only just found you!
Cheers,
M&M
Disconnect & go somewhere new; but above all disconnect, from all technology, social media, and electronica. It’s amazing how freeing it is NOT to be available, not to update, take a call or check in!
I realize this is rather a late comment but I’ve only just found you!
Cheers,
M&M