I’m a huge music fan. Normally it has to be LOUD, lots of guitar and drums. Occasionally, I need to take the time out and relax. I say occasionally, as I find this something very difficult to do.
He himself, exists like he is permanently hypnotised, in that way you say ‘sleep’ and he is, and ‘rest’ and he does. I find relaxing more stressful than working, it’s just how my brain works.
One of my go to music artists for relaxing is Gabrielle, I can close my eyes and delve deep into the simple lyrics.
When I listen to Rise it’s not a broken a relationship that has me thinking, but the end of a writing project. I won’t add the lyrics here, go and have a listen to the song yourself.
But time is great, so after every project I have forced myself to take time, for ME.
It’s taken me years, like all good therapy, to be able to say those words without feeling even a tinge of guilt. No, that’s a lie. There is still the odd moment I do.
Yet here I am as a writing coach telling you to take care of yourself. Let go.
To follow your dream you need to be of healthy mind and spirit. Mainly, because you will still be working 8-5 and writing in your ‘spare’ time.
Before the lockdown, I had my regular photoshoot booked with the wonderfully relaxing Maryanne Scott. Unsure what props to take, I decided in a mini hissy-fit that it shouldn’t be about always looking my best!
I am a writer for godsakes, not some catwalk model 😂😂 my working clothes are paint stained yoga pants, and my office is my front room. So, I decided to go au naturel, sans makeup and colour branded clothes.
Many years ago I trained as herbalist, nothing too ‘woohoo’ but I had health issues that conventional medicine was failing to help, I needed answers. Along that journey, I discovered Rosemary. I have since then kept a plant on my desk. A gentle squeeze and the aroma wakes me up, refreshes me. I learnt that is also helps with memory, in other words, the perfect writing companion!
My downtime is my garden, pre-virus it had sat in the backseat being engulfed in nettles (check out my other blog- Mandi’s potager garden) it was an understated apocalyptic example. The idea, this was my relaxation area, my go to studio. Without this I can’t relax. Well I now have no excuse.
The last few weeks have seen me keep busy, not relax, but this is MY WAY, and for the sake of yourself, you need to discover yours. WHATEVER IT IS.
Don’t let anyone tell you how to relax, we all do it differently. I actually find being busy my relaxation.
So the point of this post, is do not let ANYONE, make you feel guilty for who YOU are or how YOU look after YOURSELF, but to please make sure you do, guilt-free
Only you know what makes you feel good. Keep safe mentally and physically.
Mandi x
The Coffeehouse Writer 