It's Sunday. I have so much to do, I don't even know where to begin. It's 9:34pm and I think I'm about to call it quits in a half hour or so because, well, I can't do everything. This is the reality. I am not super human. I don't have 10 arms. As far as I know, there isn't a clone of me wandering around anywhere who could pick up some of the slack. I received my copy edits back from my publisher. So much was changed and my editor needs my feedback so that they can get the ball rolling on my book. I worked on them a little, but not as much as hoped too. I'm teaching a new class at the college and it eats up a lot of my time and requires a bit more work. And then there's my lovely blog. Do you know what's funny? I think it was easier to keep up daily posts (I wrote 365 blog posts in 2010). With weekly posts, I tell myself, "I can do that later." Before I know it, later is here and the week is over. It's Sunday. There are no more days left. I didn't have that option when I was posting every day.
So here's my solution:
Do what you can and then give yourself a BREAK!
We are not machines. I need time for myself and I'm sure you do too, so take it easy. Lighten up. I'm writing this post for myself, but if you can also relate, then that's a bonus! It will all get done in due time and if it doesn't, maybe it wasn't that important anyway.
Enjoy your week! Even if you have a lot on your list, may you always find time to stop and nurture yourself. Off I go to read, drink a cup of tea, take a bath and then hit the sack. Until next week!!
I can relate. I have a million and one things to do and there just simply isn't enough time to get everything done. I agree that we need to give ourselves permission to be okay with the fact that we aren't machines.
ReplyDeleteKathy, I do relate!
ReplyDeleteAt times I have had to leave certain things undone for
the sake of my physical health and mental sanity :). Thank you for all that you share.
So, when is the Florida boon tour? ;)
You are doing just great!! just don't get let the word OVERWHELM become your friend. ;) Breath!!!
Love that mantra!! I too have been thinking a break is coming on!!
ReplyDeleteI meant to comment on your last post and didn't. Your blog is fairly new to me, but the words feel like they come from an old friend. I am so enjoying your space and glad you still share amidst all the change and newness that is coming in. Thank you, and many peaceful and warm thoughts your way.
Samantha-So glad I'm not the only one...Yes, there is isn't enough time to get everything done, so my solution is to do what I can. Peace to you, Katherine
ReplyDeleteClau-Overwhelm is definitely not a friend of mine ^_^!!!! Balance...now there's a friend! I'm trying to keep my balance and it's tricky, but so very important. Yes and breathing is extremely important too. I hope to get to Florida on book tour..I'd so love to meet YOU! Next spring things are going to be a bit crazy with the book coming out, but I'm so looking forward to it. Lots of love to YOU!
ReplyDeleteMJ-Thanks for the comment. I write what I am feeling and I'm often surprised how many can relate. So nice to *meet* you here. I think I've seen you here before! Thanks for stopping by again!
ReplyDeleteStopping by from Bella @ gypsyroxylee .. and this post particularly reflected what I'd been going through a while back ..
ReplyDeleteEvery once in a while it really is important to take a step back and breathe - it helps prioritize but more importantly it helps one relax and that helps be sane !!
I agree -- give yourself a break. So although I have A LOT on my "To Do" list, I decided to catch up on blog reading today (that will help me keep my sanity). Editing is part of the writing game. You will get through it. I used to write technical stuff occasionally, and between my boss and I, we would often have half a dozen drafts before the final product was issued, but our (finanical audit) reports with recommendations came out well after all that effort.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post! It seems like we try to do it all & then beat ourselves up about it when we don't get it all done.
ReplyDeleteI know I struggled with this a lot back when we were homeschoolers. I was homeschooling three kids, running an on-line business, and running a household.
Now that I'm older and wiser (or older, anyway, lol), I've learned to let go. Some tasks/things can wait to be done tomorrow. After all, if I do it all today, what will I do tomorrow? I might get bored, and that's just unacceptable! ;)
Mike B-Glad you stopped by my blog even though you have so much on your to-do list! Yes, I will get through the editing phase..it will be okay and this time next year I will have a book in my hands..WooHoo!
ReplyDeleteBrenda-Yes, I like that...some tasks can definitely wait! There will always be something to do....I find I am not one of those people who can work non-stop. I need lots of time to nurture myself and to enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI feel like I'm constantly trying to keep up with everything ... but like you, I am learning to give myself a break and understand I just can't do it all. At least, not to it all and be sane as well. So I have to let some things go ... it's little comfort when I get unexpected guests though and they're judging my messy house (because housework usually is the thing that gets left)!
ReplyDeleteWelcome maid in Australia!....I can totally relate...housework is usually the LAST on my list, unfortunately. ^_^!
ReplyDeleteI love the picture on this post. Is this one of yours? It is a great to do list!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your me time! : )
I read this post early this morning and was about to comment when I saw that I had already commented. But my to-do list is getting longer and longer lately, so it was good to read this post again.
ReplyDeleteI do take some breaks now and then, maybe too many. In fact, maybe my to-do list would be shorter and closer to being completed if I did not take so many breaks. Then again, I add things to my list periodically, so I feel overwhelmed sometimes, thinking I can never get it all done. Problem is, I take on too many projects that really are not necessary (for example, doing things for other people, even when I am not asked) and am pretty much the only person who handles all the big projects around the house.
Oh well, as my brother is sometimes wont to say, "I'll rest when I'm in the box [dead]."
I really needed this, so glad I read this post. It reminds me that it's ok to feel tired and just take it easy. love your blog, especially your post about empyting your mind. :)
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