Category: Self Care

May 2025, Self Care, writing-tips

What to Do When May Didn’t Go as Planned (for Writers)

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Encouragement and a Fresh Start for Creative Souls

May was supposed to be your month.

Maybe you had a plan—new stories to start, revisions to finish, a creative routine you promised yourself you’d stick to. But here you are at the end of the month, wondering where the time went and why your writing goals feel just out of reach. If that sounds familiar, take a deep breath. You’re not alone, and you’re not behind. You’re simply human—and creative energy doesn’t always follow a calendar.

So let’s talk about what to do now—when May didn’t go as planned.

1. Release the Guilt

Before you try to “fix” anything, pause and let go of any shame, guilt, or frustration you’re carrying. Life happens. Energy dips. Plans shift. Some months are filled with distractions or unexpected detours. That doesn’t mean you failed—it just means you’re living.

Give yourself credit for wanting to write, even when you couldn’t.

2. Reflect with Kindness

Take a few moments to look back—not with a critical eye, but with compassion.

Ask yourself:

  • What did I do this month that supported me creatively (even in small ways)?
  • What got in the way—and was it within my control?
  • What surprised me or taught me something new?

Even a single journal entry, a vivid dream, a story idea scribbled in the middle of the night—those are seeds that still count.

3. Reclaim Your Momentum with One Gentle Step

Instead of jumping into a massive writing sprint or committing to a new goal immediately, take just one doable step:

  • Reread something you wrote that you still love
  • Freewrite for 10 minutes without pressure
  • Organize your current works-in-progress folder
  • Make a list of story sparks or characters calling to you

Tiny steps help you rebuild trust with your creativity—without overwhelming your system.

4. Create a Fresh Start Ritual

Sometimes what we need is a symbolic “reset.” Try one of these:

  • Light a candle or incense before a short writing session
  • Clean your writing space (even if it’s just clearing the clutter)
  • Write a short note to yourself: “Dear Writer, I’m proud of you for coming back.”
  • Set a soft theme for June—like explore, breathe, or reignite

These small acts can make your creativity feel welcomed again.

5. Make June About Curiosity, Not Perfection

Let June be your month of curious creating. No pressure. No guilt. Just exploration.

Ask:

  • What lights me up right now?
  • What character or idea won’t leave me alone?
  • What if I gave myself 15 minutes a day, just to play?

You’re allowed to write messy, unfinished, or “pointless” things. Sometimes that’s exactly what leads to magic.

Final Thought:

Your creative rhythm doesn’t have to match the world’s pace. You are still a writer—even if you didn’t write much (or at all) this month. You are still allowed to begin again.

So here’s your permission slip:
✨ Start fresh. Start small. But most importantly, just start.
We’re turning the page together.

What’s one thing you’re letting go of from May—and one thing you’re looking forward to in June? Share it in the comments. Let’s reset together. 💬🖊️

Happy Writing ^_^

About Myself, May 2025, Self Care

What May Taught Me About Writing (and Life)

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

This May didn’t go the way I thought it would. I had plans. Big creative goals. Projects I wanted to finish. But somewhere along the way, I got caught up in other things—life, responsibilities, the unexpected. My writing ended up on the back burner.

At first, I felt guilty about that. Like I had let myself down or fallen behind. But as the month winds down, I’ve realized something important: sometimes we need to step away to see clearly.

When I finally opened my story drafts again, something happened that always surprises me. I felt the story again. I read the words I had written weeks ago and remembered why I loved them. Even better, I saw things I hadn’t seen before—new details, emotions, ideas. It was like my characters had been waiting patiently, knowing I’d come back when I was ready to listen.

This month reminded me that creative blocks aren’t always about being stuck—they’re often about needing space. Space to live, to breathe, to gather new energy. And that’s okay. Writing doesn’t have to be a constant push forward. Sometimes it’s about stepping back and letting the story bloom again when the timing is right.

So what did May teach me?
– That rest is part of the process.
– That creativity doesn’t vanish, it waits.
– That coming back with fresh eyes can open up new paths.

If you’ve been struggling to write lately, I want you to know you’re not alone. Your words will wait for you. Your story will still be there when you’re ready to return.

Here’s to stepping back, starting again, and finding joy in the quiet rediscovery of what we love. 💫

Happy Writing ^_^

May 2025, Self Care

5 Refreshing Drinks or Teas to Enjoy While Journaling

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

There’s something magical about sitting down to journal with your favorite drink by your side. Whether you’re freewriting your thoughts, setting intentions with the moon, or diving into character development for your fantasy novel, the right drink can help set the tone. Here are five refreshing drinks and teas to try—each with a different flavor profile to match your mood and taste.

1. Lavender Mint Iced Tea – For Calm Clarity

Flavor Profile: Light, floral, and cooling

This herbal blend is perfect for grounding your energy while boosting focus. Lavender relaxes the mind, while mint gives a subtle mental refresh. Steep dried lavender and mint leaves, let them cool, and pour over ice. Add a touch of honey or agave if you prefer sweetness. This is ideal for reflective journaling or emotional check-ins.

2. Iced Green Tea with Citrus – For Energized Planning

Flavor Profile: Zesty, earthy, and invigorating

If you’re journaling your goals, setting up a writing schedule, or mapping out your next creative project, this one’s for you. Green tea offers a mild caffeine boost and antioxidant support, while fresh lemon or orange slices add a zing of inspiration. Serve it chilled with ice and a sprig of basil or mint for a creative twist.

3. Strawberry Rose Coconut Water – For Romantic Dreamers

Flavor Profile: Fruity, floral, and hydrating

Perfect for love letter journaling, character backstories, or poetry, this drink is both nourishing and dreamy. Muddle a few strawberries with a splash of rose water, then mix with chilled coconut water. It’s lightly sweet, naturally hydrating, and subtly floral—just the thing for writing from the heart.

4. Spiced Chai on Ice – For Cozy Creativity

Flavor Profile: Warm spices with a cool finish

Prefer something a bit bolder? Brew a strong chai with cinnamon, cardamom, and clove, then pour it over ice and add your favorite dairy-free milk (oat or almond works beautifully). This is ideal for autumn journaling, fantasy story outlining, or getting lost in world-building sessions. The spice energizes, while the coolness keeps it refreshing.

5. Blueberry Lemon Sparkling Water – For a Light Mood Boost

Flavor Profile: Tart, sweet, and effervescent

For those who prefer a caffeine-free, low-sugar option, this drink feels festive without being overpowering. Muddle fresh blueberries and lemon slices, drop them into a glass, and top with sparkling water. It’s great for quick journaling sprints, gratitude lists, or midday creative pick-me-ups.

Which one matches your journaling mood today? Whether you’re in the mood for something floral and calming or tangy and uplifting, your drink can become part of your writing ritual. Let it inspire your words and enhance your creative flow.

Have a favorite journaling drink of your own? Share it with me in the comments 

Happy Writing ^_^

May 2025, Self Care, writing-tips

Tracking Your Writing Goals with a Seasonal Theme

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Align your creativity with the rhythm of nature

Do you ever feel like your writing goals lose momentum a few months into the year? You start strong with big plans, but life gets in the way—and suddenly those goals feel distant or forgotten. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. One way to bring more balance and inspiration to your writing practice is by tracking your goals with a seasonal theme.

Seasonal goal-setting isn’t about rigid deadlines or pressure. It’s about syncing your writing life with the natural rhythms around you. Each season offers a different kind of energy—one that can guide, inspire, and renew your creative process.

Spring: Plant New Ideas

March – May

Spring symbolizes new beginnings. It’s the season of growth, curiosity, and fresh ideas. Just like flowers pushing up through the soil, this is the perfect time to explore new stories, experiment with genres, and brainstorm freely.

Spring Writing Goals Might Include:

Outlining a new novel or story idea Starting a daily journaling practice Brainstorming character profiles or world-building details Participating in a spring writing challenge

Creative Tip: Use a seasonal tracker or mood board with bright colors and flower themes to visually map out your ideas and goals.

Summer: Nurture and Create

June – August

Summer brings warmth, light, and longer days. This is a great season to dive deep into writing. Use this high-energy period to make steady progress on your projects—whether it’s a novel, a blog series, or a collection of poems.

Summer Writing Goals Might Include:

Hitting weekly or monthly word count targets Writing consistently (even short sessions count!) Finishing a draft or long-term project Attending a writing workshop or virtual retreat

Creative Tip: Try writing outdoors or early in the morning when the day feels full of possibility. Track your word count in a bullet journal or digital app with a sunny theme.

Autumn: Reflect and Refine

September – November

As the leaves change, it’s a natural time to pause and reflect. Autumn invites you to review what you’ve created, make edits, and prepare for what’s next. It’s also a season of transformation—perfect for deepening character arcs or tightening story plots.

Autumn Writing Goals Might Include:

Revising and editing your summer drafts Submitting work to journals, contests, or agents Organizing your writing files or workspace Reflecting on your progress with a seasonal review journal

Creative Tip: Use warm colors, fall-inspired stickers, or themed planner pages to cozy up your creative space. Set aside quiet time each week to reflect on your journey so far.

Winter: Rest and Reset

December – February

Winter is often a time of stillness and quiet, but that doesn’t mean your creativity disappears. This season is ideal for rest, reflection, and planning. Let yourself dream about future projects, read more, or dive into journaling for emotional and creative clarity.

Winter Writing Goals Might Include:

Reading for inspiration and craft Journaling about your writing journey Planning next year’s writing intentions Revisiting unfinished work with a fresh perspective

Creative Tip: Create a “winter writing nest” with cozy blankets, tea, and soft lighting. Use this time to reconnect with your inner storyteller without the pressure of producing.

Final Thoughts: Let the Seasons Guide You

When you track your writing goals with a seasonal theme, you give yourself permission to flow instead of force. You align your creativity with nature’s rhythm—planting, growing, harvesting, and resting.

So as the seasons shift, check in with yourself:

What do I need right now as a writer? What energy does this season bring me? How can I honor my goals and my well-being?

Your writing journey doesn’t need to be rushed—it needs to be nurtured.

What season are you in right now—both in nature and in your writing life?

Let me know in the comments, or tag me on social media with your seasonal writing goals!

Happy Writing ^_^

May 2025, Self Care

🌸 Self-Care for Writers: May Edition

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Gentle Practices to Support Creativity and Wellness

As we move into May — a month filled with blooming flowers, warming sunlight, and the soft hum of renewal — it’s the perfect time to reflect on how we care for ourselves as writers. Writing is deeply personal, and sustaining our creativity means tending to both our minds and bodies with care.

This month, let’s explore gentle self-care practices that help nourish your imagination, protect your energy, and reconnect you with the joy of writing.

🌼 1. Embrace the Morning Bloom Ritual

Start your day with intention. Even five minutes of quiet reflection can help you feel grounded and open to creativity. Whether it’s journaling, sipping herbal tea, or standing outside in the sunlight, allow yourself to ease into your writing day with mindfulness.

Try this: Keep a notebook by your bed and write a few pages each morning — no rules, just thoughts. Let your mind stretch before your pen starts creating stories.

🌷 2. Schedule Soft Breaks

Writers often get caught in long writing sessions without stopping to rest. This month, try adding “soft breaks” into your routine — pauses for stretching, mindful breathing, or tending to something simple like a plant or a pet.

Gentle tip: Use a timer to work in 45-minute blocks, then step away for a short walk or a warm drink. These pauses are part of your writing rhythm, not a distraction from it.

🌸 3. Write in Nature

Let the beauty of May inspire your setting. If the weather allows, take your notebook or laptop outside. A park bench, balcony, or even an open window can bring the world’s sensory magic into your writing.

Creative bonus: Keep a “nature journal” on hand. Describe the sound of birds, the smell of rain, or the feeling of the breeze. These moments might just spark your next scene or poem.

🌱 4. Say Yes to Nourishment

Writing can be emotionally draining, especially when we’re diving into deep or personal topics. This is the time to nourish yourself — with whole foods, calming teas, and emotional support. Remember, your creativity thrives when you feel safe, cared for, and seen.

Nourishment idea: Sip a warm turmeric and ginger tea while writing. These anti-inflammatory herbs can support both body and brain — and they taste comforting too.

🌺 5. Reflect Instead of Push

Not every day needs to be productive. On days when the words won’t come, allow yourself to reflect instead of pushing forward. Journal your thoughts, sketch something, or meditate. Creativity doesn’t disappear — it sometimes just asks for patience.

Ask yourself:
“What does my creativity need from me today?”
“What am I feeling that I haven’t acknowledged?”

🌙 Final Thoughts

Self-care for writers is about honoring your unique rhythm. This May, give yourself permission to slow down, to bloom gently, and to find peace in the process — not just the product. Your stories matter, but so do you.

Take a breath. Stretch your fingers. Let the words arrive like blossoms — soft, intentional, and full of quiet beauty.

Happy Writing ^_^