Seasons
It took me eight years to figure out that writers and many other professionals create their own seasons. For forty-nine years my world revolved around a school schedule. Long weekends, and spring, summer, and Christmas breaks gave me time to catch up with family, sleep, and projects. Those breaks were built in for me. I had no say in when they were, but I counted on them.
When I shifted from teacher to writer, I didn’t build in breaks for myself. I bought into the idea that writers write every day. In Let’s Make the Last 100 Days Count, I committed to writing every day to complete the first draft of Finding Joy in the East. Immediately, I chased another goal––finishing the second draft by midyear. Meeting that goal often came at the expense of everything else. I couldn’t allow myself a break.
Seasons don’t just happen anymore. I’m learning I have to create them.
Now that my editor has my manuscript, I’m calling this my summer break. And this summer I’m playing the “one thing leads to another” game. Painting the inside of my house led to duct and carpet cleaning, new ceiling fans, knobs, hinges, and a host of additional cosmetic home improvements. I’ve also had my bikes and lawn mower tuned up, shopped for accessories to match the fresh paint, and tackled a host of other neglected projects. Next week, the never-ending landscape improvements will begin. Don’t you love how one project leads to four more?
In the meantime, I’m still fact-checking for Joy in the East, promoting Joy in the West, and planning my next motorhome trip to the Southwest.
Soon my editor will return my manuscript, and a new season will begin. Until then, I’m making the most of this season. I hope you are making the most of yours.
Thanks for being a part of this journey!
If you enjoyed reading this blog, I’d love your support in growing this community! Please share this with your friends, family, or anyone who might find it interesting. Your shares help me reach more people to help them find their joy.
Joy M. Walker
July 16, 2026 @ 6:31 pm
I’m in my “It’s too hot” season! Looking for activities that cool me off!
July 17, 2026 @ 12:58 am
Ha! Reading or writing inside with the air turned down low are the only activities I can think of that would fit that season!
July 17, 2026 @ 8:27 am
I enjoyed seeing the photo of your room being painted. Always a nice feeling when updating or even refreshing a space.
July 17, 2026 @ 9:58 pm
Thanks, Kathy. Yes, it’s a good feeling for sure.
July 19, 2026 @ 7:42 pm
Joy, somehow you and I have different ideas of “ taking a break.” I love that you are your own person and embrace that “ break” doesn’t always mean slowing down.
Enjoy this downtime from writing, creating your new environment is so rewarding ❤️
July 20, 2026 @ 12:41 pm
That’s funny, Lynna. I know you are “taking a break” of a different kind! Aloha!
July 20, 2026 @ 8:40 am
Great to hear you are finding time to “take a break”. I too enjoy staying busy, but there are times we have to slow down and give yourself some rest. I love your house, and cant wait to see the renovations!
July 20, 2026 @ 12:44 pm
Thanks, Sherry. You are right. Sometimes we need to just rest. Maybe that season will come, but I’m enjoying THIS season of getting much needed physical tasks checked off the “to-do” list.