How to Return to the Page After a Long Break

A writing break can be a good thing.

Let’s be honest—sometimes, we step away from writing. Life gets busy. Responsibilities pile up. And if you're like me, grading dozens of papers can feel like writing overload. My usual morning pages are a goal I often meet, but there are times when I just don’t feel like writing… or worse, I feel like I’m saying the same thing over and over.

So I stop. And that’s okay.

Because writing always calls me back. It’s how I process the world, my emotions, my thoughts. Even when I pause, the page waits for me—without judgment.

And when I return, I don’t need the perfect opening line. Sometimes, I start by doodling. Sometimes, I write my name. Then a sentence finds me. Then another. And just like that—I’m home again.

💫 A Reiki Moment

Breaks in writing are like pauses in the breath—natural, necessary, and restorative. But if you feel disconnected or resistant to returning, you may be experiencing a subtle imbalance in the throat chakra, the energy center for communication, expression, and truth.

Place your hands gently at the base of your throat. Take a deep breath and silently repeat:“I am free to express. My words are welcome.”

As you breathe, visualize a soft blue light expanding with your inhale. With each exhale, release the pressure to sound perfect or profound. Just be honest. Just begin.

📝 Words of Encouragement

I tell my students this all the time: You can’t lose what’s inherently yours. You might feel rusty. You might feel uncertain. But your voice hasn’t left you. It simply needs to be exercised—to be trusted again.

Writing after a break doesn’t require a grand re-entry. You don’t need a powerful topic or perfect grammar. What you need is permission to start small.

Write what you feel. Write what you notice. Even if all you can do is scribble your name, start there. That spark—that willingness to return—is where the magic begins.

✨ Put It Into Practice

🖊️ Prompt: What have I been carrying during my writing break? Write without judgment for 10–15 minutes. Let yourself explore what emotions, experiences, or beliefs have taken up space while you’ve been away from the page.

Or try this gentler start: Write your name. Then, write it again. And again. See what unfolds from there.

💛 Your words are patient. They’re waiting for you to return—not perfectly, but honestly. Start wherever you are. Begin however you need. Just don’t give up.

📬 Ready to stay inspired? Sign up for weekly encouragement at Write-Your-Life.com and browse our free prompts and resources to support your return to writing.