Summer pause: Practicing what I preach

Flowers to brighten up my writing space - I used to think I didn’t like roses. But I’ve since learned that it’s red roses I’m not particularly fond of.

I’ve been sitting with this decision for a while now, and it’s time to share it with you.

I’m taking a publishing pause through June (and likely into July) to restructure how The Story Temple operates.

Real talk: I’ve been feeling overwhelmed despite controlling my own schedule. Client work has increased significantly - which is wonderful for keeping the lights on and food on the table - but it’s left me struggling to maintain the monthly rhythm I committed to for Temple content.

This month, I pushed myself to deliver Fire element content while managing a full client load. The result? I couldn’t finish the Fire essay I promised, and I felt that familiar creative burnout creeping in. The very thing I help writers avoid.

I realized I was violating my own principles about sustainable creativity.

I teach writers to honor their natural rhythms rather than forcing productivity. I advocate for quality over quantity. I encourage boundaries that protect creative energy. Yet here I was, grinding myself down trying to meet self-imposed deadlines that served no one when I couldn’t show up authentically.

So I’m practicing what I preach.

What This Means

• Moon Letters will continue (if I have the energy) - they’re part of my natural rhythm and I enjoy writing them

• Community Spotlights are pausing - I’ll reach out to those who’ve applied when the series resumes

• Monthly essays are on hold while I determine a more sustainable publishing schedule

• Client work remains my priority - it pays the bills and feeds my soul in different ways

What I’m Learning

Taking this pause isn’t failure. It’s an act of creative wisdom. It’s me giving myself permission to rest and get back into alignment.

Just because I can publish frequently doesn’t mean I should. I’m discovering that my Aquarius rising energy of serving community is better honored through depth than through constant output.

I’m remembering that sustainable fire burns steady and long, rather than bright and fast.

When I Return

When The Story Temple resumes full programming, expect:

• Deeper, more intentional content

• A publishing rhythm that honors both seasonal energy and practical sustainability

• The same spiritual-meets-craft approach you love, but delivered with more care for my own creative ecosystem

I’m grateful for a community that understands the difference between consistency and exhaustion. Your patience as I model healthy creative boundaries means everything.

The Temple isn’t closing - it’s just entering a period of quiet renovation.

Until the summer pause ends,

Lakeisha | Founder and High Priestess of The Story Temple

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