Proving naysayers wrong is indeed a lot of fun. I think that taking a break and having space is vital for inner equilibrium. And it is never necessary to give explanations because in the end life goes on regardless of what people think you do or not do. But reinforcing your belief in a project is definetely good. Creative people will always need to escape once in a while. From others, from themselves. The ability to take time off and do whatever you feel like doing is freedom.