Leanne Margaret

Today's post comes to you from an hour hauled from my overstuffed schedule. This year, I've tried to do it all: continue reweaving the tenth draft of my memoir, create writing class content, teach two writing classes at Coonara Community House , and teach a Majickal Bellydance class at Dashanti Yoga . And I have managed it all, except – if you're a writer you've probably guessed – the memoir almost slipped from the edges of my rapidly spinning world. But I grabbed it in time, by setting a deadline. Then I realised that if I wanted to meet the deadline I'd set with a writing mentor, something had to be compromised.  This means I'll be taking a little sabbatical from teaching Majickal Bellydance . I'll be back – I always come back. I've returned from several 'retirements.' So with that knowledge, the door isn't locked, just closed for a little while.  If you're a writer, you will know that writing a book takes enormous mental focus – free ...

Do you struggle to work to a daily routine? Me too.  No matter how hard I try to get up, get organised, and get to my computer by 10am, I just can't seem to stay consistent.  Over time, I've noticed that the creative work cycle is different to the nine-to-five work cycle. It breathes with its own rhythm of intense creativity, followed by intense periods of rest and reflection.  This is the cycle of nature, as natural as the bodies that we haul to our computers. The flower doesn't flower every single day, but in an intense burst of creativity, then rest.  Plants and animals rest. Nature rests. We are nature. Knowing this cycle helps me to use my energy in the most efficient way. I've learnt that trying to work when it's time to rest isn't the best use of my precious time. I've learnt to develop rest strategies. When I can't get another word onto the page, it's time to put words back in. This might mean catching up with friends, reading, music or TV. S...