That Irritating Little Thing Called: Real Life
It seems posting late is the name of the game around here. If you're like me - anticipating updates or blog posts or emails - that bugs you. And it especially bugs you when you are the one to blame.It's almost 6PM here on the West Coast, and I'm just now sitting down to blog. Why? Real Life got in my way today. A hectic morning of errands followed by a preschool field trip that took up more time than I expected, an afternoon of overly-rambuctious kids and a DH who wanted to chat about his day. When I got home this afternoon I sat to compose a professional email and found it took me over an hour to get anything coherent down because I was constantly interrupted by, "Mom, can I have this? Mom, I need this. Mom...mom...MOM!" It's enough to make a woman insane.
Looking back, I'm not so sure the email I sent made any sense at all. Score one for chaos. Sometimes, real life sucks.
We are all pulled in a thousand different directions, a hundred million times per day. The distraction of life as I know it is the reason I don't write during the day. I usually (today seems to be the exception) can email, blog, even crit chapters between the insanity that rules my world, but never write. And when I don't get that time in the evenings to sit and put fingers to keyboard, I feel bad. It also really grates on me when I have obligations (like this blog) and I can't get to them. Why? Because I view this writing gig as my job. My career. And I always want to give it 110%, even when I can't.
Balancing writing and life is something I'm constantly working on. I know there are things I can't control. A houseful of small kids being first and foremost. Learning to roll with the punches and knowing when to accept the small defeats is something I continually struggle with. And I know it's something I will toss around throughout my writing career. Because, let's face it, most of the time, I'd much rather sit and write than do anything else.
Since I'm frazzled tonight, I'm not going to drone on and on like I normally do. (Aren't you thrilled?!) I'm simply going to ask: What strategies do you use to stay sane when real life gets in your way?
posted by Elisabeth Naughton at 5:48 PM
8Comments:
Get divorced, teehee ;-) Just kidding.
I meant to add, it worked for me. lol
I'm with Lisa--not sure I have any answers but the 50 things to keep you writing list that Lisa posted was a good start. Oh and I heart Flylady for chaos management.
Remember there is a light at the end of the tunnel! The kids will grow up and move away and the dh will eventually figure out to leave you alone when you are on the computer! Granted it's taken mine about 15 years, but hey! It happens! LOL
Actually once the kids hit middle-school, they understood writing makes mom a happier person and let me be when I closed the door and banged on the keys. Again, the husband was slower. Must be a guy thing???
Hang in there, it does get better!
LOL, Lisa. Remember, I have three kids. Divorce would mean one less adult around to take some of the burden. LOL - And since I kinda like my DH, that option's out.
Strategies? They kinda change with circumstances.
What stresses me out the most (and it sounds like you, too) is when I WANT to do something but CAN'T.
The only way to really kill that frustration is to accept the fact that it's not going to happen and instead of concentrating on what's NOT happening, accept the writing won't get done that particilar day and concentrate on what IS happening. That way you're not pulled in one direction when you want to be going in another -- THAT's what really stresses you out.
Its a "staying in the moment" concept I got from that guy who writes the Don't Sweat the Small Stuff series. I think it was him anyway, in one of his other life management books.
When you let go of the struggle, you don't have the stress.
Ah, J, a point I'm always working on. Not stressing the small stuff.
Yeah, you're right, I get stressed when there's something I want to do but can't because something else gets in my way.
Bethany - I'll check out Lisa's list. Good tip. I did try flylady years ago, but there were too many emails and it made my eyes cross. And cleanliness isn't my issue - it's the constant noise, tugging, demands my world puts on me. Yesterday was a particularly hairy day though and - luckily - most days aren't like that. (cross fingers)
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