Author Rachel Valencourt

This month hasn’t exactly gone as planned.

I came down with a cold that knocked me off my feet. The words for my WIP just wouldn’t come, no matter how many times I opened my manuscript. And to top it all off, a wildfire was burning way too close to home. Between the congestion, the creative block, and the smoke in the air, I felt stuck—physically, mentally, emotionally.

Add in a few emotional teen moments that completely zapped my energy, and it felt like life had me in a headlock.

Normally, I’m someone who pushes through. I pour another cup of coffee, make a fresh checklist (Virgo much?), and get to work ticking boxes. I rally.

But this time, nothing was working. My body was tired, my mind was cluttered, and my motivation was . . . MIA.

So I slowed down. Not by choice, but by necessity.

And in that quiet space, I remembered something I’ve had to learn (more than once): you don’t need perfect conditions to get back on track. You just need the courage to begin again—as you are, where you are.

Sometimes, that means writing one awkward sentence.

Sometimes, it’s choosing water over another cup of coffee, or taking a short walk just to feel something shift.

And sometimes? It’s putting on real clothes—maybe even a little mascara—and stepping outside to clear your head.

I found myself praying a bit more than usual this week, too. It helped.

And today? My spirit started to lift. Because the tiniest changes really do create momentum. And enough small shifts? They can add up to something BIG.

If all else fails, get dressed up and change your scenery.

It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just something that reminds you—you’re still in charge of your story. Meditate. Pray. Move your body. Whatever helps you feel like you again.

It’s okay to crash out for a bit. Maybe even give in to a day (or two) of couch rot. We’re only human.

Just don’t stay there too long.

You’ve got goals to chase, chapters to write, and a life to live and you’re stronger than you know.