Chapter 1: Rediscovering the Joy of Writing

It’s been quite some time since I last penned my thoughts—nearly three months, to be precise. While I could attribute this gap to being preoccupied with various commitments (which I was), the reality is simpler: I lacked the motivation to write.

However, today, I found myself opening my laptop and starting to type, and it feels refreshing. I don't want you to expect too much from this piece; I merely felt compelled to express my current state and share what I’ve been up to.

During my three-month break, I didn’t invest time pondering what to write or what direction to take. Instead, I assisted my brother-in-law with his business, focusing on air conditioning repairs and various handyman tasks. This experience was truly liberating!

Picture this: waking up each morning, savoring a cup of coffee, engaging in light-hearted banter, and then hopping into a work vehicle to troubleshoot and repair issues or create something from scratch. It was an exhilarating experience that reminded me of my time as an engineer in the Navy.

The nature of this work was meditative; it provided concrete outcomes. Completing a task or constructing something beneficial for others filled me with immense satisfaction. As the day wound down, we would prepare dinner, share stories, and peacefully drift off to sleep.

There’s an unparalleled simplicity in manual work. While everyone finds fulfillment in their own ways, the meditative and revitalizing qualities of working with one’s hands are undeniable. Think about how you feel after tidying up your workspace; that sense of peace and achievement can be transformative.

Accomplishing a tangible goal is incredibly rewarding. So, what does all this imply for you? It suggests that dedicating time to engage in hands-on activities can help alleviate issues like writer’s block or the mental fatigue that often accompanies prolonged screen time.

Many individuals advocate for activities like walking or exercising, which are indeed beneficial. However, I encourage you to seek out tasks that allow for deep concentration and focus, such as:

• Gardening
• Cleaning
• Pruning plants
• Crafting furniture (tables, chairs, frames, etc.)
• Assembling models
• Working on puzzles

These types of activities demand your attention, unlike walking or exercising, which may still leave your mind preoccupied with writing or other tasks. While that’s perfectly fine, it’s vital to disconnect from those thoughts for a while.

Engaging in mindless, meditative tasks grants your brain the opportunity to unwind. Upon returning to your writing or laptop-driven tasks, you’ll likely be surprised by your newfound productivity. Allowing your mind the space to relax and focus on a single, simple task can help clear the fog often associated with complex thinking.

So, take a moment to log off—right now. Grab that broom you’ve neglected for weeks and start sweeping. Use that Swiffer duster that’s been sitting unused and dust every surface in your home.

Spend an hour doing this. Then, return to your work and notice the positive impact that dedicated focus on a manual task has had on your productivity.

In this video, "Transforming Burnout into a Spiritual Awakening, Feminine Leadership, and Practical Tools for Joy," discover how to turn periods of exhaustion into opportunities for growth and fulfillment through mindful practices.

The second video, "The Power of the Hand: The Importance of Manual Labor in American Society," highlights the significance of hands-on work in our lives and its impact on our mental and emotional well-being.