I believe that
we have an internal switch that gives us a reality check when we’re running in
too many directions. When that switch goes off, it’s as if nothing is so
important that it can’t wait.
I’m at that
point now, which isn’t a bad thing. I can do so much and no more in a day and
having realized that I’m not likely to make the editing deadline I set myself,
I’m enjoying the process and making changes that I wouldn’t have made if I’d
been in a hurry.
I didn’t
manage to submit anything for the local creative writing competition, but that’s
okay too. There’s always next year, assuming I live ‘til then.
For now, I’m
focused on my son’s graduation tomorrow, getting him started in summer school, which
begins next week and preparing him for the shock I’m sure he’ll feel when he
makes the transition to high school in September.The school population will be a lot bigger than his present environment, with a whole new mix of characters.
Both life and
writing goes on and knowing how to fit both in the time I have is important. I’m
not sure why I’m feeling this relaxed, but it could be that I’m thinking about
an acquaintance of mine who was buried yesterday, plus I read about that acrobatic
artist who died during a performance.
Life is short
and although time is precious, we won’t ever achieve more in a day than is
ordained for us to do.
What say you?
I think we often take on more than we can actually chew. Then, we run around feeling stressed, rushed, and pressured. The majority of people are BURNT OUT. It is good to give ourselves some breathing space every now and then. Of course, there is always the time to jump back in and get excited about a new project, but this doesn't sound like the time for YOU. It is good to listen to your internal self. You will know how much is too much and how much is just right.
ReplyDeleteRobin,
DeleteSmart words. Too bad, we don't take the time to evaluate and cut out the activities we can live without and that help add to our stress level.
Ultimately there are very few things that are really of dire importance. Our pastor talked about that yesterday, how we get so busy doing stuff and forget what is important.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your son's graduation!
Thanks, Alex and that's so true. Most of what we stress over will keep.
DeleteLife is a journey. And like any journey you can't carry more than you can handle. Unless you want to make things harder for yourself. Read the article about the acrobat performer, so sad and Cirque is such a respected performance company. Just goes to show that anything can go wrong. And I'm glad you're taking things in stride with writing and congrats to your son.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sheena. Lately, it seems people are dying left and right. Stress is high-factor in terms of contributing to ill-health.
DeleteI like how you're taking the time to enjoy things. It's so hard when life gets busy. Feels good to stop and slow it down.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, Jay. I feel better than I have in a while. Being too active makes me tired, not to mention that I lose interest in the things that should matter.
DeleteCongratulations to your son! You must be so proud of him. And I think you are so right, it's amazing how a death can make you realize that most of the things we stress ourselves out about matter little in the long run.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the graduation! :)
Thanks, Julie. I wish I'd be more consistent and lose the urge to stress over the small stuff. I'll be a proud Mama tomorrow.
DeleteIt's all about the moment you're in and recognizing how wonderful it is. Like your son's graduation.
ReplyDeleteLee, living in the present is something I keep telling my son to do. Wish I'd take my own advice more often.
DeleteCongrats to your son. I bet it's pretty hot in Jamaica right now. Here in Utah it's 104 degrees.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know our limits and to slow down and do things right. Only we know what's right for us too, how much time we need and when we need to stop and take a breath.
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Joy. Life is so ephemeral and spending it with your son is way more important than cranking out a short story.
ReplyDeleteI think the important thing is that we are being productive... a step at a time.. it doesn't have to be big chunks because every little bit counts...
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your son's graduation, proud Mama!
We've just had some family medical stuff that's really drove that point home. Congratulations to your son! Enjoy your summer.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your son on starting high school soon. Relish the state you're in - feeling relaxed.
ReplyDeleteI usually try to drop the thing that's stressing me out the most (if it's possible). It does wonders for your sanity :D
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your son's graduation! High school is a whole new world, but it goes fast. Enjoy it!
This is such an important topic for me right now. And it looks like for a lot of others, too. Finding that balance and keeping it is so difficult. I feel like I may be making a tiny bit of headway. I hope it's not temporary. Especially after reading of the Cirque du Soleil performer and the firefighters in Arizona. Sort of brings home what's really important. Great job here. And congrats to your son!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your son's graduation! But sorry about the loss. It does make priorities hit home. So much tragedy in the news. Stopping to breath is so worth it. Enjoy the graduation!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your son! I've been struggling with losing people in my life, and I know only too well what you're talking about. Take care of you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, guys. I've been feeling not-so-good and the graduation wiped me out. Took some time yesterday to just lie down. Got to bed by 10 and it did me a world of good.
ReplyDelete