Sometimes we just need to press pause.
The signs can show up as irritability, anger, tiredness, pain, lack of motivation and sadness. I pretty much felt all of these in the last week so I stopped pushing and concentrated on the mundane and daily rituals. A bit of cleaning, some laundry, lots of warm baths, clearing out my knicker drawer, throwing away that really dark lipstick that makes me look like death.....you know, those little jobs and a bit of self care.
The downside of this is the feeling of being lazy, not trying hard enough, not earning enough, or being self absorbed. Truth is, we can't keep being busy, working hard and super productive without some time out to recharge the energy and creative levels.
I find that creativity comes in mad bursts for me, and the in between bit is more sedate. One of the reasons I started my daily diary practice was to keep the channels open to my creative side. Even when I'm not feeling 'arty' I can still write a few sentences, pull a tarot or oracle card and rune and think of a message for the day. The little drawings can be stickers that I have bought or made myself when I'm not in the mood for drawing or painting myself. A precious little time out for art meditation and contemplation. These rituals we can create for ourselves are more important than you would imagine. When we are in the desert, even if it is only for a very short visit, we still need water and food and shelter (tea, paper, pen and table or lap!)
If you have an emergency kit to hand and a small amount of time you can still keep the doors open to your magic.
I have been doing a lot of journaling and messing with stickers over the weekend along with some cooking and sleeping. I am so lucky to have the time to do this and I believe it's a vital part of us learning about ourselves and our stories, and coping with the shit that gets thrown at us from time to time. We shouldn't beat ourselves up if we find ourselves here. (or playing Animal Crossing for hours!)
You are exactly where you need to be right now, for you.
That might not always feel fair or easy but the only thing you are actually in control of are your actions or reactions. Make them count, for you......
What will you do today to show yourself love and respect?
Yes, we must realize when we need down time and take it. My years tarot card is the Hermit and I'm taking full advantage of it. I, too, journal some most days and now that Spring is coming... finally...I can work with my herbs and flowers. There are many ways to be creative and they are ALL magickal! I do love your idea of having an emergency kit on hand for these times. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.