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| Edie Melson |
Oh, friends, we're in for a treat today! Raise your hand if you've ever been burned out in your pursuit of your calling. Yeah, I see those hands in the back. (waving at you with my own raised hand) This fall, I learned about a book written by today's guest that has helped me find rest in the middle of the mayhem. Perhaps Edie Melson's advice will help you as well. Read on! ~ Annette
Soul Care for Writers
By Edie Melson
Those who write have opened themselves to specific
stressors. We pull from what’s inside us to create a gift of words. Our specific
goals and dreams are as varied at the words we use. But ultimately I believe we
each fight this battle to bring forth words to make the world a better place.
We are hope givers, joy bringers, and light shiners.
To do this though, we must have something to pull from.
Writing is an exhausting endeavor and we cannot do it effectively when the well
is dry. So we must constantly return to the One who understands us—and our
craft—best.
God is the ultimate author, and it is His inheritance that
we showcase when we put pen to paper. God planted a seed in each of us that
bears the fruit of words. But this seed must be nurtured—shaded in the healing
covering of His presence and watered by His spirit and His word.
It’s not always possible to stop in the middle of chaos and
retreat to a place of peace. But we know from Jesus’ example that He often
walked into chaos and brought peace. We carry His strength with us, so in the
midst of deadlines, family struggles, even writer’s block we have that same
inner core of peace inside of us. We just need to bring it to the forefront.
1. Stop and Pray. I always pray before I begin writing—whether it’s an email, social media update, blog post or my current work in progress. In the spirit of transparency, you need to know that it took me way too long to develop this habit, but it makes all the difference.
2. Take a creative break. I know, deadlines are looming and it doesn’t feel like you’ve got thirty seconds to spare. But taking five minutes to reignite that creative flame may save you hours of work.
- Free write using a writing prompt
- Download a coloring page and spend five minutes playing
- Write out a Bible verse on a piece of paper. Doodle around it and add color, underline words that speak to you.
4. Turn up the music. When I need creative inspiration, music is one way I get that. I may turn up praise music and sing along, or movie themes and do a little (very private) dancing.
5. Pull out your camera. I’m also a photographer and something magical happens when I take time to view life through the lens of my camera. It helps me remember to filter out and focus in on what’s important. It doesn’t matter if you have a big professional camera or are using your cell phone. The effect is the same.
6. Write in a different place. Go to a different spot in your house. Visit the library (if you like quiet) or a coffee shop.
There are many things that deplete our creative energy, both
outward and inward. We must be responsible to take time to renew our reserves
and reconnect with the One who called us to this endeavor. When I take time for
soul care, I reconnect with God. It’s during these times of closeness, His
Spirit floods mine with truth. It’s the truth of who I am and more
importantly—Whose I am—that brings me relief.
Now it’s your turn. How do you nurture your writing soul?
Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
Blessings,
Edie
~~~~~
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| Soul Care When You're Weary by Edie Melson |
Soul Care When You're Weary
Our lives are busier each day, and the margin we have available for
recovery and peace is shrinking. Edie Melson helps you find Soul Care
solutions using devotions and prayers and opportunities for creative
expression. She has learned that sensory involvement deepens our
relationship with the Father and gives rest to our weary souls. She will
teach you to tap into your creativity. Reconnect with God using your
tactile creativity. Warning! This book may become dog-eared and stained.
Draw in it. Experiment with your creative passions. Learn the healing
power of play. Allow God’s power to flow through creativity. Soul Care
When You’re Weary will become your heart treasure.
~~~~~
Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers
observing life through the lens of her camera. As an author,
blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the
country and around the world. No matter whether she’s talking to writers,
fellow creatives, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live
your story.” Her latest book, Soul
Care When You’re Weary is available online and in
bookstores. Soul Care for Writers
will debut in May 2019.
Her
blog for writers, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands each
month and has been named to the Writer’s Digest Top 101 Websites for Writers.
She’s the Director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian
Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing
Conference, and Soul
Care Creative Conference. She’s on the board of directors for the Advanced
Writers and Speakers Association and the Social Media Director for Southern Writers Magazine. She’s also a regular
columnist for Just18Summers.com and PuttingOnTheNew.com. Connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.
