Episode 113: Taking a Creative Break and Finding Your Way Back
It’s been over two months since I last released an episode, and coming back feels both exciting and awkward. I didn’t plan to be away for this long, but life, a little bit of burnout, and shifting priorities led me to take an extended break. In this episode, I open up about why I stepped away, the emotions that came with it, and what I’ve learned about the importance of creative rest. I hope it resonates with you and helps you evaluate your own life and needs.
The Guilt and Shame of Stepping Away
While stepping away, what I wasn’t expecting was how much guilt and shame would come with taking this break. I felt like I was letting listeners down, and I questioned whether I was failing by not showing up consistently. I wrestled with the fear that stepping away would make it harder to return or that people would forget about the podcast altogether. But in hindsight, I see now that rest isn’t failure—it’s a necessary part of the creative cycle. If you plan to take a break, frontload yourself that these feelings may be a possibility.
The Awkwardness of Coming Back
If you’ve ever taken a break from something and struggled to return, you know how weird it feels. Sitting down to record this episode, I felt rusty, hesitant, and full of self-doubt. I forgot how to use my recording software, how to structure my show notes, and even how to open the episode naturally. It reminded me of those times when you accidentally ghost a friend and then feel awkward reaching back out. But just like in friendships, returning to creative work is always possible—with a little grace and patience.
How to Ease Back After Taking a Break
If you’re in a season of stepping away from your creative work—or struggling to return—here are three small steps that helped me ease back in:
Set No-Pressure Goals – Instead of committing to a rigid schedule, start with a single small step. For me, that meant recording this one episode without overthinking the long-term plan.
Experiment and Play – Taking a break shifts perspective, so use that fresh energy to explore new approaches without the pressure of perfection.
Embrace the Awkwardness – It’s going to feel weird at first, and that’s okay. The important thing is showing up again, even if you feel a little rusty.
Creativity is Always Waiting For You
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that my creativity isn’t going anywhere. Even when I’m not actively podcasting, making art, or building something new, my creative energy is still there, ready when I am. If you’re in a season where you need to step back, give yourself permission to do so. And if you’re in a season of returning, embrace the discomfort and trust that you’ll find your rhythm again.
I’m so grateful to be back and so thankful for everyone who reached out during my time away. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow creative who might need the reminder that breaks are okay—and that returning is always possible.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Taking breaks is a natural and necessary part of the creative process. It’s not a sign of failure but a strategic way to rest, reset, and come back stronger.
Stepping away can bring unexpected emotions like shame and guilt. Reframe rest as productive rather than seeing it as quitting.
Returning to creative work can feel awkward and uncertain. Embrace the discomfort, knowing that hesitation is normal after time away.
Ease back in by setting small, no-pressure goals, experimenting, and allowing yourself to be a beginner again.
Your creativity doesn’t disappear just because you take a break. Life may require pauses, but your artistic identity remains.
Identify where you are in your creative journey—whether you need a break, are on one, or are ready to return—and move forward with self-compassion.
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