This fall has been hellacious.
No one to blame but myself of course, and I'm not sure I would have changed much if I could have. Opportunity knocks and there are times that you just don't wanna say no. I had a gorgeous trip to London, gave a couple of workshops and simply over scheduled myself. I had a book release in September as well as handing in a new book and revisions on a previous one. Add in some non-writing life issues and it has been a couple of months of stress and general busy-ness.
But last weekend was the end of the major commitments for the fall. And I finally GOT something that I've known all along but just didn't clue in to.
I spent a lot of time fitting the writing in around everything else when in fact, everything else should fit around the writing. As soon as I figured that out, it was like much of the stress evaporated.
But more than that, I didn't have time for a lot of the things I used to. I haven't been the mom I used to be either and I was starting to resent it.
But a couple of weekends ago I was more like the woman I used to be than I have been for a looong time. I recognized her - and I LIKED her! The one that wrote books but still managed to do all those stay at home mom things I'd enjoyed for a lot of years. The one who...dare I say it...used to have some BALANCE in her life.
I did some baking and froze it for the church bazaar which was this past Saturday. And my kids love doing crafts and I hadn't done ANY with them. Seeing as there is a kids table at the same bazaar, after housecleaning was done on Saturday, the girls and I went to the craft store and blew some cash.
It was great fun...nearly as much fun as starting to put it all together that Saturday night and Sunday. We sat around the kitchen table and had a blast. Saturday night they had bubble baths and I read to them before tucking them in...everything non-rushed. Just enjoyable.
It's been a huge lesson to me to keep things simple. To enjoy the family because the kids won't stay little forever - they're already growing up too fast. To enjoy the little moments and not let myself get caught up in the rat race. And to be thankful for them and the fact that I get to do a job that I adore every day!
10 comments:
Carpe Diem... that is the most important thing I think!
I guess we all forget about the old K-I-S-S adage. In this cass it'll say: Keep It Simple, Sweetie. We all tend to forget the simple things because we can't see them mixed among our daily catastrophes.
I agree. Seize the day. Spend time with people and make every moment last like it's your last with them. Great blog. :)
The most important thing in life is to spend time with your family.
Thanks for the reminder. I think we all need to hear that. My kids are one and four and I don't want to look back with regret.
Case in point - I'm just coming back in because I spent the day at the school (I usually volunteer on Thursdays but went in today because the local opera company was performing). Boy am I glad I went. My eldest was picked to participate in the performance and they costumed her up and she had a few lines. I am so glad I chose to forego the day of writing and got to see that.
Love Donna
Donna, what a great post and a great message. I'm so glad you didn't miss that school performance, bit I bet your daughter is even gladder.
You're so right! It's all those little moments we'll regret missing years down the road. I did make a resolution last year to get down to see my mom at least every two weeks. And it's been wonderful! She loves having me, and I enjoy spending that bit of time. She won't be here forever.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Jasmine Haynes
The Fortune Hunter, in stores NOW
http://www.skullybuzz.com
What a wonderful blog! My husband and I always take time for each other. Whether it is a half hour or more than that. Life is just to short. Take time for the fun stuff in life.
Michele
Great post... we should not stress to much on ideals... they are so difficult to achieve!
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