Breathe Deeply This Summer!
On seasonal creativity, books, slowing down, and being grateful
Hello friends! :) Who’s excited that the first day of summer is in less than a week?
Seasonal creativity…
Maybe it’s just me, but I cannot believe how fast 2025 is going. We are almost halfway through this year, which just seems so hard to believe. I can still remember New Year’s Day very clearly. But, here we are! School is nearing a close for another year, and the natural busy rhythms of life are giving way to opportunities for greater stillness, rest, and reprieve. I love the beauty of summer.
In Scripture, Ecclesiastes 3:1 reads: “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.”
How will you intentionally enter into this new season on the horizon within your creative works? Summer is often a time where I break from some of my nonessential creative tasks in order to spend more time with family and friends, enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.
I do believe that there are seasons in our creativity, and understanding what season we are currently in can give us greater perspective:
Are you currently in a season of inspiration and newness? Celebrate the excitement of new opportunities and a full creative well at your fingertips.
Are you in a season of consistency and follow-through, where things are going steady as you chug along with what’s before you? Keep that motivation and perseverance going and enjoy the predictable routine.
Are you in a season of dryness, stagnation, or burnout? Consider this your invitation to step back, take a breath, and lean into the break.
All creative seasons have value; we need times of accelerating full speed ahead, times of riding along consistently, and times where we put on the breaks and enjoy what’s around us before getting back on the road.
The Church has seasons, our lives have seasons, and our creativity has seasons. Embrace them, and don’t feel guilty for whatever season you are currently in. God can do good work with you in them all.
On books…
Summer is a great opportunity to spend time outdoors and breathe in the fresh air...with a good book by your side! Since the month of May, I have started going for runs outside on the BPA trail right near where I live, and I have been soaking in the time of reflection running provides me. I’ve found it to be therapeutic even, and I make it a point to smile at those I pass and stop for little birds and bunnies I see alongside me on the trail.
What has also been a joy for me was writing this book on the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. This book is near and dear to my heart not only as my debut book, but as being written for anyone who struggles with anxiety or stress. If you are looking to deepen your sense of peace in your faith and in your life, I had you on my heart when I was writing this book. :)
Recently, I had this beautiful review come through on Amazon for my dear little book. It brings me great joy to know my words are having a positive impact, especially on those who are Christian, but find themselves struggling with anxiety in various areas of their lives. This little devotional journal is meant to be encouraging and uplifting, and I encourage you to check it out yourself or share with family or friends who you think might be interested!
[ALSO! If you have already read the book but haven’t left a review, this is your friendly reminder to please consider doing so! Reviews are so impactful. :)]
Slowing down…
I’m the first to admit I have a Type-A personality, and I like to feel accomplished. Not having anything to do can feel stifling, but I have found that in doing less—but doing that “less” with more intentionally, clarity, and trust—is a lot more rewarding in the long run than doing lots of things sub-par or without being fully invested.
I have really condensed what I do in my small business into three areas: writing, editing, and coaching, and this has brought me SO much joy and helped me to really do those three things well. My content creation (like here on Substack) is meant to support the work I am doing in the above. It is easier to go deeper when you are responsible for less, and it creates space to spend time on other non-creative things that matter, such as prayer, volunteering, hobbies, and of course, relationships!
Are there any areas in your business or creative work where you feel you need to slow down? What would slowing down allow you to do more of?
Being grateful
Last but not least, I want to share the often-underestimated value of gratitude! In a world that calls us to constantly compare and measure ourselves up against others, what if we took more brain power in counting our blessings and expressing our thanksgiving for what we do have? It truly makes all the difference. :)
God has and desires to bless us just as much where we are right now then where we hope to be. Gratitude makes us truly satisfied with where we are, even as we make goals and plans for the future. I have been calling to mind my blessings, and every time I do I feel content.
What are you most grateful for in your business or creative work?
