For 493 Fridays since November 13, 2015, I’ve sat down to write this blog. Rain or shine, holidays or travel days, whether inspiration was overflowing or playing hard to get, I’ve shown up.
And I love it!
Writing this weekly post has been one of the most grounding and rewarding habits I’ve ever taken on. But lately, I’ve been thinking about something that might sound a little counterintuitive: the value of stepping away.
Not forever. Not even because something’s wrong. Just… because. Sometimes, taking a break is the right thing to do. It’s like closing a book, not because you’re finished with it, but because you need a moment to sit with what you’ve just read. That space between chapters? That’s where reflection lives.
There’s something powerful about pausing. It makes room for clarity, fresh ideas, and, frankly, rest. When we’re deep in a rhythm, especially one that’s lasted this long, it’s easy to go on autopilot. But creativity, like anything else, needs air. A little distance can shift your perspective or reignite a spark you didn’t realize had dimmed.
It’s kind of like going on vacation. You leave your usual surroundings, maybe even forget what day it is. And then, without warning, you start missing the very routine you needed to step away from. You come back not just recharged, but often more focused on what really matters. The same goes for work, relationships, and yes, writing.
You’ll see this in all kinds of creative and professional spaces. Many well-known writers, artists, and thinkers have found that their best work came after a break, whether it was a retreat, a sabbatical, or just a step back from the day-to-day. The mind tends to connect dots differently when it’s not busy grinding.
Stepping away doesn’t mean giving up. It’s not about abandoning the commitment. It’s about honoring that consistency takes effort, and sometimes the best way to sustain it is by taking a breath.
And here’s the funny thing: when you finally give yourself permission to pause, you often remember why you started. That’s the magic. Breaks don’t dull the edge, they sharpen it.
So, no, I’m not stepping away just yet. But I think about it the same way I do any good habit. Even the most consistent rhythms need rest notes. And when that time comes, whether it’s a week, two, or more, it won’t be an ending. Just part of the beat, a breath in before the next thought out.
“Sometimes doing nothing makes way for everything.” ― Hiral Nagda
Have you ever wrestled with the idea of taking a break from a habit, a project, or a role? What helped you decide? Or maybe, like me, you’re just starting to explore the idea. I’d love to hear how you’ve made space, and what you found in it.
Have a great weekend, and don’t forget to take a break.
Vijay