This past week left me feeling a little overwhelmed. In addition to the house "flood" on Sunday night, we had nightly appointments with the clean-up people, I had to drive to about half the pharmacies in Jacksonville before I found someone who had the prescription I needed in stock, and I realized I was trying to accomplish too much in my literary life.
I was beta reading for a friend, reading one book on my computer, another on my Kindle (both of which I feel pressure to finish and post reviews about on my blog), and trying to do edits on Beneath the Surface. With everything going on last week, I didn't get to exercise at all. Not once. So really, I shouldn't be surprised that despite medication, my blood pressure is still up.
And this next week doesn't look to be much better, frankly. I'll have grandparents in for grandparents' chapel on Tuesday. The kids have no school on Wednesday, of course, which isn't conducive to cooking. Then, we're going to my mother-in-law's for Thanksgiving and the next day driving to my mom's for the rest of the weekend.
Bottom line: I HAVE TOO MANY IRONS IN THE FIRE.
And I suspect I'm not alone in this - especially at this time of year. My advice to myself -- and to all of you -- is to narrow your reach as much as possible. Instead of allowing myself to have 4 literary projects, I'm picking one. And yes, Nikki, it's Beneath the Surface.
I'm also going to try to roll with the holidays and recognize that I will not be able to do as much as I'd like during this season. It's a fact. There's simply too much to do (shopping, decorating, etc.) and not enough hours. I cannot expect to be as productive as I have been in the past. AND THAT'S OKAY!
It really is. That should be our new mantra. It's OKAY not to finish that book you're reading. It's OKAY if you don't finish your beta read. It's OKAY if you don't meet your NaNoWriMo goals.
What's NOT OKAY is stressing yourself out unnecessarily. Figure out which deadlines you've arbitrarily imposed upon yourself, and lift them. Having goals is good. Having peace of mind is better. Take a deep breath. Relax. Enjoy your family & friends.
Easier said than done? Perhaps. But I'm going to try and I hope all of you do as well.
You could not have picked a more perfect blog post. It's like you've been reading my mind. :) I think it is time for me to reevaluate all of the things I have going on. I've been so stressed lately that something HAS to give. Now to decide what...
ReplyDeleteAwe. I hope you get it all sorted out! This time of year is just stressful all around, even if you don't have as much to do as you seem to. That's all you can do, though, is stop trying to accomplish so much all at once. One thing at a time.
ReplyDeleteI think that chaos keeps me grounded sometimes. If I didn't have something to do I would just go crazy. My brain doesn't shut down so I always have something going on.
ReplyDeleteI hope things get better for you.
This time of year is INSANE! Which is why I had to get through those edits ASAP :) Take your time though!!
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