Be right back!

The next chapter of Hello Friday coming soon.

(photo credit: Nicole Sack)

When I exercise, I enjoy routines that incorporate circuits and intervals. Basically, the whole workout is built around short periods of work, followed by short periods of rest. The reason I’m able to work hard is because I know the rest is coming. After the break, I’m ready to go again with renewed energy.

The structure of the workout creates a level of support that helps me stay present and engaged during the process. Even though I whine and complain sometimes, I actually like to exercise. It makes me feel more alive and the endorphin boost sustains me for a period of time after the workout is done. Using intervals as a general guide for exercise is the reason it’s become a part of my lifestyle. It’s a healthy habit; not something that I have to force myself to do (most of the time).

Output, and then recovery. Both have their time and place. They go together. They are two parts of the same whole, not opposites pulling away from and working against each other.

Lately it’s occurred to me that I could incorporate this concept into my everyday life, and especially my creative life. Why has it taken me so long to make this connection? In my actual life, I rarely take intentional breaks. I go until I can’t go anymore, and then I spend the recovery time feeling conflicted.

To that, I say to myself: Knock it off.

It’s been one year since I began putting my consistent creative energy into this weekly-ish newsletter. I love Hello Friday and the community we’re building here.

A year later, I’m not out of ideas. But it’s time for a moment of rest and recovery. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be preparing for the new season of Hello Friday leading up to the release of my memoir in October. I’ll spend the short time away gathering my ideas and sorting them out.

A creative spring cleaning, if you will.

In the meantime, I’ll continue to connect with photos and stories on Instagram. Here’s a peek at a post I shared earlier this month, prompted by Kerstin Martin’s “Awaken April” community photo project. It reminded me that awakening my creativity doesn’t pull me away from my life. It invites me back in.

angiemizzell

A post shared by Angie Mizzell (@angiemizzell)

(click the image to read the full post)

Question to consider: Do you create intentional time for rest and recovery in your life? If so, how does it look for you? If you don’t, how might it look it you did?

Hi, I’m Angie. My memoir “Girl in the Spotlight” will be published by Publish Her in October 2023. You can also find me on Instagram and Facebook.

I’m so glad you’re here. If you enjoy reading my weekly note Hello Friday, please spread the word.