An Ode to Rejuvenation

© amacvean Helmsley Castle Walled Garden

Do you ever feel a bit weary at times? You know, plugging along from day to day, feeling like you need a bit of something to refresh you within, but that mean ol' monster of guilt creeps in making you feel unworthy of taking any sort of break? I'm sure all of us feel this way at times. I certainly do. Being an illustrator requires a lot out of one both physically and emotionally. Throughout my creative journey, I've learned many things and one is making sure to take time out of my often busy schedule to simply care for me - and to be OK with it! Rejuvenation is important for the creative heart and soul. One cannot simply function (creatively) in this world without it. Learning to give ourselves permission, that gentle nudge to step away for that much needed rest from time to time is so important to live life to its fullest.

Taking in the small things around me every day has pretty much become a daily ritual for quite some time now. However, it can be easily forgotten or taken for granted when buried knee-deep in deadlines of various sorts. With a major book deadline completed and behind me, I'm now spending some time enjoying more of the little things in life. We've only a few weeks left here in England, so cherishing every morning at the coffee shop with my husband in this quaint, seaside town is even more important to me. Since being here, I've discovered everything and every place has something unique and often, beautiful to offer. Thus why I desire to soak it all in as much as possible.

I've also started a new routine of planning out each day more accordingly, including making a special list of everything I'm utterly grateful for - like family (near and far), old & new friends, a safe place to lay our head at night and so much more. This has been truly refreshing, bringing to light how I can better manage my day as an artist, wife, mother and friend.