Growing up, I realized that life functions on a principle of “reciprocal exchange”. If you don't pour or invest in life, it won't give out its blessings and goodness to you. This principle governs on all aspects of our existence, which includes our physical and mental well-being, relationships, family, education, and professional pursuits.
There is this quote I always hear people say, "You can't pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first." - Unknown.
Around mid June I began finding it difficult to show up on Hive not realizing that I was already burning myself out. I had no time to invest in myself so therefore I continued burning out just because I wanted to stay active here.
The last post I wrote was a struggle for me. Took me hours to complete which shouldn't be unless I am writing a fictional content. That was when I knew I had pushed myself to the limit and I needed to take some time off to recharge. Was I successful? Yes I was but I didn't expect it would take me weeks to recover fully and encouragement from my best friend.
Yesterday, my friend called me to let me know that she was in town. That immediately brought a smile to my face. I haven't seen her since last year. I told her to come over to my house but she insisted we meet at one of our favorite spots in town because she wanted to travel back to her base yesterday.
Seeing her again after such a long time was amazing. I remember as teenagers we were inseparable. We were all always together and doing things together. We fight, we make up, we tease each other, we read together and we gossip together. I don't think this life will be interesting without her.
The lounge we agreed to meet was walkable from my place of work. I usually go there to take a break from work. It's a Nigerian Navy staff lounge/cafe. It also has a little library in it. It is not open to the public except for navy officers. This is where I always meet her whenever she is in town and when I am at work.
We talked about a lot of things, we updated ourselves on our individual activities. Spending time there was relaxing because we had time to bond and share memories together. This is called time investment in a relationship. Without this investment, I wouldn't have a best friend to talk with, laugh with or make memories with.
Yet again, I tried to encourage her to come on Hive but she said, time might not permit her because of the nature of her job. She asked me if I was still active. I told her I was taking a break. She encouraged me to get back into writing again and not stay off writing too long.
Afterwards, we spoke about some of her work challenges as a health practitioner. Some were funny and some were sad to listen to. It made me appreciate my good health. If you haven't visited the hospital since the start of the year, you should keep doing what you are doing to stay healthy. The hospital is not a fun place to be.
We spent more than an hour but still I felt it wasn't enough, but she had to catch her flight back to her base. So I dropped her off at the airport and we said our goodbyes. For us, it is not always goodbye.
At the end of yesterday, I picked up a gift parcel on my way home. It's a portrait of an art piece. When I unboxed it, it was a painting of an African woman with a basin on head in a kneeling position. I love painting so much. So I immediately found a place for it. Isn't it beautiful?
Writing again feels strange and new. I am happy to be back. Now, I can say, I have a full cup to pour from.
When you experience writer's block, how do you deal with it? Do you take a long break or do you take a short one?
All images above are mine
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