Getting Away From it All
With a full-time job and a 5-year old in preschool/daycare, I neither have the time nor the funds to go on expensive, week-long writing retreats. At the same time, there’s nothing like having several days to dedicate to writing. Luckily, fellow organizer of the South Jersey Writers group, Amy, is kind enough to organize semi-annual weekend writing retreats at cabins in local state parks.
This weekend, eight of us will gather at a Pennsylvania state park to write and reconnect with our creative selves. It’s not glamourous but it does give several of us the time to get together, make food, enjoy some wine and dessert, and of course, write without the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Plus a cabin in the woods? What a wonderful way to connect with nature and take some time to meditate and recharge!
Off the top of my head, here are some of the benefits of getting away if you’ve never done so:
Downtime Family and work life can be stressful and even a little break will help you recharge when you remove yourself from the routines and demands of daily life. Depending on where you go, you can recharge with nature or with a bustling city life.
Camaraderie Getting away with a few friends helps you grow or reinforce your friendships with other like-minded people (in this case, writers).
Focus As anyone with family obligations knows, anticipating uninterrupted writing time is like waiting for Christmas or your birthday. It may seem like it will never come but once it arrives, you want to slow down and enjoy every minute. Having the time to focus solely on writing or editing your writing is a gift - no need to wait for the muse!
Have you ever taken the opportunity to get away? What has it been like for you?
(x-posted to Wordpress)