There are moments when time blurs. In this overly busy world we sometimes lose our way. Recently, that happened to me. I lost track of some commitments. Like everyone else, I take on a lot more than is reasonable, and that creates life-complications.
Choices, right?
In July I over-extended myself with work and research, and as a result, I found myself floundering in projects and responsibilities. My own fault – mea culpa. Bad self. But, you know what? Sometimes there aren’t reasonable choices. In the greater scheme of things you have to pile on the stress in order to achieve the long-term goal. I’m one step closer to that big plan.
Something did have to give and in this instance it was the writing, the editing, and the blog. My poor crit partner even had to go without input for that entire time – on the last two chapters of her novel. Sorry! I’m out the other side now. Projects completed. Research published. Classes finished. Grades recorded. Grants written. Review passed. Training accomplished. And all those other little things crossed off the list.
Whew. I’m tired.
Now I’m struggling to decompress. After living in crisis mode for six solid weeks it’s a challenge just to accept there isn’t another fire waiting to be stomped out. What’s on your itinerary for the day? Are things going how you envisioned back at the start of this new year? Don’t forget to take a moment to relax.
Lesann Berry 
#1 by patriciasands on August 15, 2013 - 6:45 pm
So true, Lesann. As we all become more involved with our writing, things do tend to become overwhelming from time to time. Breathe in, breathe out!
#2 by Lesann Berry on August 16, 2013 - 4:46 pm
It’ll be nice just to get back to the writing now that everything else has slowed back to the normal pace. 🙂
#3 by Matthew Wright on August 21, 2013 - 2:41 am
There is always that sense of achievement having ‘got through’ something – managed the crisis, put out the fires…and then relaxing afterwards.
For me this whole year has been one of successive crises one way or another – not least externally with the worst storm in years sweeping through the district and then a succession of earthquakes, big enough to damage.. But all that can be done is to roll with the punches and work each problem as it comes through. It’s not over yet, not by a long shot. Somewhere in the middle of it, I am trying to write a book with a contract deadline just four months off.
#4 by Lesann Berry on August 22, 2013 - 11:24 am
I’ve been following your weather/calamity updates and I have to say that New Zealand is really kicking up a fuss. I’ve lived in earthquake zones too but yours has been rather active lately – although I still believe I’ll take tremors over other sorts of natural upheaval. I know what you mean about putting one foot in front of the other with the expectation that eventually we’ll step across to the other side of the crisis plain. It does get better but I’m finding my resilience isn’t what it used to be. I’m grateful though that the writing deadlines I have to meet are all my own idea – I can’t imagine trying to push out a book amidst storms and quakes. Might be time for another visit to the mall to see the modern zombie hordes?
#5 by Matthew Wright on August 22, 2013 - 12:30 pm
Indeed. We had a small volcanic eruption earlier this week too. No question that NZ has had a rough spin this year. Next week: pestilence and plague…
#6 by Lesann Berry on August 29, 2013 - 9:26 am
I just stumbled across this video of the White Island eruption – that was an impressive amount of steam released. Very exciting! Every so often we get a little puff of smoke from our volcano but for the most part the old girl just snoozes. I’m okay with that.
#7 by Tammy on August 21, 2013 - 12:18 pm
Thanks so much for squeezing in some writing time with me in July. I knew you were pressed for time, but didn’t realize how much you had going on. Enjoy your time off and immerse yourself in what makes you feel good. It’s medicinal!
#8 by Lesann Berry on August 22, 2013 - 11:25 am
I love writing with you! I wish your visit could have lasted longer. Thea and the crew send their regrets – they missed writing with you too. Relaxation is medicinal but there’s no rest for the wicked, right? Wait…that can’t be true, look at you! Bwahahaahhahaaha