Hey, you! Today I’ve got an important announcement to share.
Thus declareth my parents: I have to take a break from writing and blogging, for hopefully no more than eight weeks.
WHY?
I have physical and mental burnout. Since I started blogging and writing seriously in 2016, I’ve been running at a breakneck pace.
Fast forward to now, and I’m running three websites, two YouTube channels, and writing a series of historical fiction epics with the goal of being traditionally published.
You know me: pedal to the metal until the car crashes!
Well… the car has crashed. My health and creativity have taken a serious downfall.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN, “BURNOUT”?
- No sleep. Not only am I exhausted all the time (literally falling asleep at my desk!), but I wake up three or four times during the night for no reason.
- Real stress. I treat myself like an adult in my head, not a student, so I give myself adult-like work hours in hopes of accomplishing mountain-sized dreams. But because I’ve been taking on too much and taking care of my health too little, I’m unable to accomplish even a third of my weekly to-do lists. Everyone thinks I’m going to start sprouting gray hair at 20.
- Lack of creativity. I hardly ever lack inspiration, but some days I just sit and stare at the screen with no motivation to write at all. I’ve given all that I’ve got.
- Health problems. All that adds up to exhaustion, fatigue, and weariness, which I found out kids aren’t supposed to have? XD
OH, AND A DEMONIC ATTACK.
Who remembers when I posted my healing testimony?
Well, that didn’t make the devil too happy. Nosireebob.
And then I expounded on it fully here. I painted a huge target on my back with that one.
He freaked out and attacked my health again, hoping I’d feel silly for declaring Jesus is still in the miracle-working business while I deal with rheumatoid arthritis in my knee.
But a team that’s undefeated had to have played a few games. If he thinks he can try to turn the volume down on what I believe, I’ll rip the drums out of his ears.
Of course, the devil’s shooting himself in the foot; I can’t wait to see how much huger of a testimony I’ll have when I overcome this flare-up!
But I need to take some practical steps, too. Like getting enough sleep. Doing fun, meaningless stuff. Finding exercise that won’t hurt my knee. Eating healthier. That sort of thing.
I DIDN’T WANT TO TAKE A BREAK.
Everyone doubted I could keep up with three websites and boy was I determined to prove them wrong.
I am not a lazy person. I never take breaks. This isn’t the first time I’ve felt tired or stressed or dealt with arthritis. I’ve pressed through all that.
But then my dad was praying about my health, and God let him know that if we didn’t take care of my exhaustion and stress now, it was going to turn into something much more serious down the road.
I can sleep when I’m dead, I’ve always believed.
But I’ll be dead a whole lot sooner if I don’t take care of this now.
HOW LONG WILL THE BREAK LAST?
Hopefully, no more than a few weeks, but my parents haven’t set a particular time.
When I can sleep well and am refreshed and revived every day; when my health is under control; when I’m just bouncing to get back to work; that’s when I’m allowed to push the pedal through the floor again.
For now, I need to fill back up on gas.
WHAT WILL THIS MEAN FOR THIS BLOG?
I won’t be posting here during my break time. But since posting on my doll blog is super fun and relaxing for me, I’m allowed to spend an hour a day on that.
You may not be interested in dolls, but in case you enjoy my posts, I will still be mildly active there.
WHAT WILL THIS MEAN FOR YOU?
Am I disappearing off the face of planet earth? No! Am I throwing my phone out the window and shunning all wifi to go live in the mountains? No! ?
You can email me anytime. I’ve got an hour a day to blog, so I’ll definitely keep in touch with anyone who dares enter into conversation with me. (Not many do.)
AM I LEAVING FOREVER???
You don’t know how many amazing blogs I’ve discovered that have been authored by someone who lost interest, took a couple breaks, and then finally left for good. (One person actually died and their mom posted the goodbye message! That was sad…)
Yeah, that’s not happening here.
*In Terminator voice* I’ll be back.
COULD I HAVE SUMMED ALL THIS UP INTO A FEW PARAGRAPHS INSTEAD OF MAKING A FULL-BLOWN POST ABOUT IT?
You bet! But is that any fun? No! ?
I’ll be back just as soon as I can.
For now, comment moderation is off, so have fun with that and I’ll have fun taking my break. (I plan on re-organizing my room, getting back into art, doing more swimming…)
You can email me here and keep up with my posts on my doll blog here.
See you when my tank is full and my engine is ready to rumble!
Madi out.
WAAAAAAA NOOO!!
I totally understand though. Get some rest, girl!! Oh and email me whenever you can. ??
Thanks, Hope! And I sure will.
WAIT!!!! BEFORE YOU GO!!! WHO DIED?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
I actually don’t remember! It was the blog of some girl with a disorder. I came across it somehow yeeeears ago.
GOSH. that is so sad!!
It is!
Oh Madi! I hope you get better!!! GOOD JOB for taking care of yourself! Please rest and heal up soon! Praying for you!
M&M-
Aww, thank you sooo much, M&M! I definitely will! <3
Aww, I’ll miss you, but I totally understand! And I’m super glad you’ll still be posting on DWOD! I hope you come back feeling refreshed!
-Anna
FromaDollsPerspective.com
Aww, thank you so much, Anna! Me too! Thank you so much again.
Of course!! I totally understand!! I hope you start feeling better soon, and I’m praying for you always! 😀 <3 Go treat yourself to some ice cream. Kick back and relax. You've accomplished so much more than you think 😉
Awww, thank you so much, Maddie! You’re the sweetest ❤
Aww I’ll miss you dear! I always love your posts. But I think this break will definitely be good for you. Good job making that decision to take a meaningful break to slow down. *hugs* Are you still going to be on Ydubs?
Aww, thanks so much, Liv! You’re the best. *hugs back* Yes, I’ll still be on! Just a little bit every day.
We totally understand! Everyone needs a break from blogging every now and then! Have a wonderful break!
Thank you sooo much, Bella! ❤️
Of course!
I hope you have an awesome time and you better go swimming because I wish I could (we don’t have a pool), hahha! 😛 I can’t wait to see the dolls post again on DWOD! 😉 Feel better soon! <3
Thank you so much, Livy! Haha, I’ll swim in your honor!
Aw, I am sorry about the burnout. <3 I hope this rest will be wonderful for you! ENJOY!! 🙂 <3 < 3
Aww, thank you, Gracie! ❤️
Anytime! <3 <3
Girl, I’m gonna miss you, but if it’s really this bad, then by all means GET. SOME. REST. I hope you get better, and see you then! I’ll be praying for you. 🙂
I actually have the opposite problem… XD I’m naturally a sleep lover, and I honestly hate that about me. I’m working on it, though! XD
Yes ma’am! *salutes* Thank you so much!
Oh wow XD Hehe, I love sleep too, I just can’t seem to get it!
Awwww, gonna miss you. 🙁 But you should definitely get some rest!! I’ll be praying for you 🙂
Aww, me too! Thank you so much, Zielle! ❤️
I totally support you in you and your parents decision, Madi! It is really really important to care for your health, so just spend some time relaxing and doing stuff at a slower pace. It’s important to have down time every so often. 🙂 And when you do come back to blogging, maybe don’t go at breakneck speed? 🙂 Anyway, I’ll be praying for you, and I hope you have a great blogging break!
~Sassafras
Thank you so much, Sassafras! That’s so true. 😀 Aww, thank you so much again!
Awww, I hope you have a wonderful break, Madi! I’ll definitely miss you, but I know you and your parents are making the right decision for your health – I’ll be praying for you! AND NOW GO AND GET SOME SLEEP AND TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF YOU HARDWORKING THING. XD XD
Thank you so much, Rebekah! I’ll miss you too — awww, thank you so much! YES MA’AM. XD
Hope to see you back soon Madi! And I hope you’ll feel better as well 🙂 I’ll be praying for you!
-Katie 🙂
Thank you so much, Katie! ❤️
we’ll miss you and your awesome posts!! <3 but blogging breaks can be very beneficial. hope you have a good break! xo
Aww, I’ll miss you too! Thanks so much, Carol.
REST MADI! You deserve it!
You can also feel free to email me any time as well – only if you want someone to talk your ear off tho! ?
This was such a great post! For as someone as tired as you, you sure did take the time to make it an incredibly enjoyable post. ?
I love you, girl! ❤️
-Bekah ❤️
YES MA’AM! XD
Haha, thanks so much! ? Aww, I’m so glad you liked it! Love you too, and thanks for commenting! ❤
REST. PLEASE. THAT IS AN ORDER. idontwantyoutodie:(:(:(
I hope you have a fantabulous break!!!! Drink lots of sweet tea and relax, for goodness sake 😀 And I can’t wait to see you back!
Tess
*nods and salutes* Resting!
Aww, thank you so much, Tess! I can’t wait to come back too!
I hope you feel better soon. I know I don’t comment much, but your posts come to my inbox and your energy is so amazing! Your style for posts is always so refreshing! I love hearing how close you and your family are with God. That’s inspiring. <3
I know breaks can be frustrating, but they are so helpful. Praying you feel better! <3
~Ivie
Aww, thank you so much! That means a lot — I’m super, super glad you like my posts.
Thank you so much again, Ivie! ❤️
Madi Grace take care of your health. Relax,rest and do something fun. Prayers for you to feel better.
God Bless
Marion,Marilyn and Joan
Thank you so much, you guys! ?
I want to have you, your blogs, and your books around for MANY, MANY, MANY MORE YEARS, girl!! Don’t you dare work yourself into the grave before its time!!! You treat yourself to some TLC and RELAX. We all love you, Madi. <3
AWW YAY! Thank you so much, Kendra! Will do. Aww, I love you all too! ❤️
*loud sobs*
I’ll miss you so much!! I hope your break goes super well, and it revives you. We certainly don’t want you dead!
*sniffs* I’ll miss you so much too! Thank you so much, Kendall!
Thank you for the time and help interactive online math tutorials
Gasp… it’s a sign I need to work on my math…
*dies laughing* I need to work on my math, too. XD XD
Awww, man! It’s really too bad that you have to take a break; going at a breakneck pace is fun, and doing it with someone is even better! ;P XD We will dearly miss you during your how-ever-many-week-long-break. BUT, somehow, we’ll manage. ;3
I will pray for you in dealing with your spiritual attack, too. Currently, I and my family are in the throes of a large attack, and I totally understand where you’re coming from. (I’m not sure if tech problems can be considered part of a spiritual attack, but tech problems are one of the main problems that we’re dealing with right now….)
Can’t wait until you come back to writing and blogging, etc. well rested, and stronger than before! (But really though, you shouldn’t push yourself too hard, cuz it’s not healthy for you, and everything should be in moderation. God is a god of order, and not chaos. 😉
Haha, yes, it is! ?
Aww, thank you so much, Skipper! I’m sorry about all those tech problems! I hope you’re able to get them resolved soon.
Thank you so much again! Yes, so true. 😉
You should really consider shunning all WiFi. It’s really relaxing.
Hmm, maybe I should!
Take care of you, Madi! You are your own main priority. Your creative endeavors will be here when you are rejuvenated AND your fans and friends will be too!
~Xyra
Aww, thank you so much, Xyra! That means so much! ?
I hope you have a wonderful break, Madi! 😀 <3
-Clara <3
Thanks so much, Clara!
Feel better & Take time for yourself! ? — https://emilyryannblogblog.wordpress.com/
Thanks so much, Emily!
I hope you have relaxing break Madi! Praying you feel better! Just wondering, there was a little confusion in our old cabin about this Camp Nano. Will you be taking a break from Nano this summer? 🙂
Sorry for the confusion, Sapphire! Thanks so much for praying. Yeah, I won’t be doing the July Camp NaNo this year.
No problem! Thanks for clearing that up! Some of the girls said you had joined another cabin or something! I totally understand not doing July Camp! You did enough writing in April for three Camp NaNo’s! 🙂 Praying for you! Hope you feel better soon! <3
Thanks so much, Sapphire!
I’m not gonna say stuff like “Get well soon” or “Noooooooooo don’t leave” or even “God Bless You,” because many people have been saying that and you don’t need another person to thank. I just wanna say make sure this doesn’t happen again. And God Bless You (I know, such a hypocrite right?) XD
Hahahaha, thanks so much Starling XDD
You’re welcome!
So proud of you for taking a break! As an adult, I can definitely tell you that you are doing the right thing. Take care of yourself and enjoy your time resting and refreshing.
Oh no! Please rest as much as possible Madi! I’ve only just found your absolutely amazing corner of the blogosphere!
I’m sending so much love and well wishes your way girl ?❤️?❤️?
Rhi xxxx
Thanks a million, Rhi! (Apologies for another late reply, lol) That means so much. ❤️
Hey. Sorry to here you have arthritis again. 🙁 But could you please check out my blog if you have the time https://welcometomiasworld.wordpress.com
-Mia (aka little miss)
From:Fakingitmostly
I hope you come back soon! I’ve missed your posts. 😉
Awww, thanks, Kendra! As much as I’ve hated not posting, I’m really glad you like my posts enough to miss them! ?
I didn’t keep up with you lately, sorry about that! I hope you get better! <3 See you soon!
No problem! Thank you so much! ?
You’re welcome!!
Hi.
It’s been a bit.
I haven’t seen you in forever. How are you doing? Are you getting any better? What’s it looking like for your GET BACK HERE date?
Doing well, hope you are too!