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Confessions of a (Slightly) Burnt-Out Author
Published 6 months ago • 2 min read
From Eden's Desk
Hey there, readers!
August has been… interesting, to say the least. If I’m being honest, Im enjoying a much-needed break. My entire family headed off for a reunion, and for the sake of my mental well-being, I opted out. Navigating family dynamics can be tough, especially when it involves setting boundaries with people you love.
So, I’ve been taking advantage of the quiet time to recharge. That means slow, intentional cleaning (battling the cats for supremacy, of course... and they are winning as expected), catching up on shows like The Umbrella Academy, and giving myself permission to simply be for a while.
This downtime might seem unproductive on the surface, but I’m a firm believer that rest is essential for creativity. When we push ourselves constantly without breaks, we risk burnout and creative stagnation. Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do for your writing, (or anything else), is to step away and let your mind wander.
It’s like hitting the reset button on your imagination, allowing new ideas and inspiration to bubble up.
What Are You Relaxing With?
I’m curious, what are your go-to ways to unwind and recharge? Do you have any guilt-free pleasures or relaxation rituals?
Queer Women Making Waves at the 2024 Paris Olympics
The 2024 Paris Olympics are in full swing, and you know what really gets me pumped? Seeing so many incredible queer women absolutely owning it on the world stage! These athletes are smashing records, making history, and proving that love, identity, and athletic excellence go hand-in-hand.
A Whole Crew of Record-Breakers
Get this: there are at least 170 out queer women athletes competing in Paris, part of a total of 193 openly LGBTQ+ Olympians—the highest number EVER. That's something to celebrate, right? It shows just how much progress we're making in terms of acceptance and inclusivity in sports.
Gold Medals & Groundbreakers
These women aren't just showing up, they're bringing home the hardware:
Emma Twigg (New Zealand, Rowing): Not only did she snag the gold, but she did it with her wife and son cheering her on! Talk about heartwarming.
Amandine Buchard (France, Judo): Made history as the first out LGBTQ+ athlete to win a medal (bronze) at this year's Games. Way to go, Amandine!
Team USA Women's Rugby Sevens: These badass women secured the bronze, with several out players, including Alev Kelter and Kristi Kirshe, proving they're a force to be reckoned with.
Teams Making Waves
U.S. Women's Basketball: With 7 out of 12 players identifying as LGBTQ+, including superstars Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi, this team is a powerhouse of both talent AND representation.
Shout-out to Sha'Carri Richardson (USA, Track) and Nikki Hiltz (USA, Track), who are making their Olympic debuts with speed, style, and a whole lot of inspiration.
Beyond the Labels
It's important to remember that while we celebrate visibility, we also respect everyone's privacy. Let's focus on cheering these athletes on for their dedication, skill, and the incredible things they're accomplishing on the world stage.
These Olympics are a powerful reminder that things are changing for the better. Seeing so many queer women living their truths and pursuing their dreams with such passion is incredibly inspiring.
Now, let's get back to cheering on these amazing athletes!
Thank you for spending part of your day with me.
Eden
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