Sharpening the Sword

Society has a weird relationship with breaks. For all the “fill your own cup first”s and “rest is important”s there are a million 30-minute lunch-break timers and double-booked weekend plans. In theory, we love a break, but the reality is that taking time off is seen as unproductive and a little bit shameful. The capitalist “millionaire grindset” has infiltrated our feeds and now, if you’re not getting up at 5am to go to the gym and then work all day, you’re lazy. I disagree.

As you might’ve seen on my socials, I just spent two weeks exploring New Zealand. I took 17 days off work (unpaid) and flew to Queenstown to spend a fortnight walking, running, drinking, chatting, swimming and taking pictures with my best friend. I spent days in nature, watching ducks and dogs and journaling; nights drinking pints with new friends or tea with an old one. I made no money, I spent a bit and it was possibly the best few weeks of my life.

After returning home, I have never felt so inspired, energised, happy, calm and productive. Having the privilege to take a break and travel is something I will always be grateful for. It has given me ideas and knowledge and wisdom that I would have never received in two weeks spent at home. It will make my art better in a way that could never have been achieved purely through hard work.

I learnt that Lake Wakatipu’s tides come from a giant’s beating heart and that Cornish culture is strongly linked to Paganism and that New Zealand has way more vegetarian pies than Australia. My nose bleeds from altitude changes, I actually do like Guiness and I can absolutely get sunburnt when the UV is 6. Friends can be made anywhere, beauty is everywhere and, no matter where I go, I will always be okay.

Take a break, sharpen your sword, then get back to the good fight. 

xx Rose