I know I've posted about this before: how to balance real life with writing and everything in between. As it stands, I feel like I have two jobs that I am barely keeping up in, and lately that has meant very little writing, as I spend a lot of time trying to maintain my blog and other media outlets in the name of "marketing." (Or, as I regularly think of it, "my attempts thereof"...)So what am I saying? I seriously suck at balance. I love writing. I know I need to do more of it to maintain some semblance of sanity in my life. But with a release coming up shortly (a few weeks now, eep!!) everything feels like a mad rush toward getting ready for that. And, let's just say my day job is a solid 55+ hours a week of utter insanity (which I love, too, but man am I tired when I get home at night).
What I will say helps me, though, is a few small things: exercise (nothing clears my head like a long run), good music, some time alone (with no distractions, so preferably at a coffee shop), and very little TV (not because I don't enjoy it, but because I get a lot more done if I'm not parked in front of it). If I can keep myself off the internet, these things help. But it does mean that I may miss some blog posts (especially with A-Z going on right now), and I may not be the most social person ever. Don't hate me for it! Summer will be here soon, and with it more time to chat with you all!
My question for you? What helps you get through the never-ending to-do list?
What you're doing seems to be the only thing that really works. TV and the internet are HUGE time vampires.
ReplyDeletelol, I love that--Time Vampires. So very true!!
DeleteI try and just do a few things a night. Like do the dishes and one load of laundry. Then I feel like I've accomplished something, and 'earned' time to sit and write/and or social media. Though I'll admit the latter sometimes gets done more frequently! =/
ReplyDeleteI hear ya there--social media generally always gets handled...and not my dishes. Doesn't help that hubby refuses to help with them.
DeleteTime has a way of taking time...
ReplyDeleteI like the picture above, and the fact that it is reminding me to breathe.
Breathing: it's a good thing! :)
DeleteI suck at balancing. It's supposed to help to admit you have a problem, right? So, there. I've admitted it.
ReplyDeleteLike you I have other things that prevent me from writing (edits--ugh, don't ever say that word again. HA!), (non) marketing, kids, hubby, my ailing mother who lives with me (I'm her full-time caregiver), still dealing with my dad's death (yeah, it's been a year, but man do I miss him), medical issues with my son, and so it goes...
But just when I think I get a good grasp on the "normal" things, other crap has to come shooting out (ha-ha pun intended.) Like, I just fractured my leg. Then, I had a car accident. Then my dog (my baby, although he's nearly 10) had a seizure and we are waiting for news on that ($$$), my son's issues took a turn for the worst, my husband's job isn't stable, and on it goes...
So, am I whining? NOPE! I hope it doesn't sound that way. 'Cuz I love my life. Love, love, love it. But man, I wish it came with directions and a schedule to follow. It would make things SO MUCH easier, because while time management is my strong skill...what to manage when isn't. LOL!
Michelle :)
Ack! Okay, you're giving me heart palpitations just reading this! Sending you hugs and reinforcing my desire to go have a girls night!!
DeleteTelevision's a huge time drain... but I don't watch much of it anyway.
ReplyDeleteMe either. Only at the gym, where I have the excuse of doing something else, too.
DeleteAwww Meradeth, I totally relate. I think that regardless, you have a done a phenomenal job connecting with people (like me!). I am really grateful for the work you've done and the efforts you put out there. It's really inspiring, especially for someone like me who is trudging along a similar path. All I can add is to take it slow, keep exercising, and keep smiling. At the end of the day you know you've worked hard and that's all you can ask of yourself. :)
ReplyDeleteI think sometimes I'd love a day where I could say "hey, I didn't work hard and that was okay!" A day in a hammock somewhere warm...with a good book and cold drink... :)
DeleteMY CALENDAR. If I can plot out tasks in a reasonably spaced fashion, they feel doable. I've established a routine and rhythm for what gets done when, and if it wasn't for that, I'd be a nutcase. Still, did the laundry get done? No. The dishes? Maybe. Is that where that smell is coming from? ;)
ReplyDeleteOne day at a time.
Oh, I LOVE my calendar. Google calendars and tasks are the best things ever! Though sometimes I look ahead at my week and want to crawl under my desk :)
DeleteOne day at a time. You can't take the week approach for sure. ;)
DeleteHi Meradeth,
ReplyDeleteI can relate. I have a to-do list as long as my arm, yet I never manage to do all in the day.
I have diaries, calendars...everything marked. And lists made. Sometimes I wonder if I'm making unrealistic demands on my time?
Nas
I wonder that, too...
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ReplyDeleteI've heard release (or pre-release) times are WAY hectic. Hang in there! And good for you, finding ways to relax--music and exercise are fab for that. And no TV helps a lot too (I always get more done w/o it). I'm pretty busy too, and will get busier soon...mostly when I have a ton to do on my list, I just try to knock off the Most Important things first. Then dogpaddle like crazy for the rest!
ReplyDeleteHah! Dog-paddling sounds just about perfect!! :)
DeleteBalance? That's when you're carrying two children--one on each hip--a backpack on your back, a purse on one shoulder, a diaper bag hanging off the other arm, and dogs running around your feet, right? If that's the case, then I have this balancing act down pat!
ReplyDeleteUnless you're not. Then I'm as clueless and sinking as any boat bearing too much weight.
Hope things calm down for you!
And that's why I don't have kids ;)
DeleteI have a full-time job and it is hard. Since I teach, I'm glad I have winter, spring, and summer vacation time. I'm also a list maker and follower.
ReplyDeleteThe best thing about teaching sometimes is the breaks :)
DeleteI suck at balance. There are times when I don't write at all because of 'real world' things to do. And time the 'real world' suffers because I'm busy writing. I just hope it all balances out in the end!
ReplyDeleteMe, too! That end balance is what counts, right? :)
DeleteI agree with you that it is hard to find a good balance. I struggle with it all the time. I try to focus on what I need to do at each moment (report cards, parent conferences, author interview, deadline for my editor). Lists help me because I can see what needs to be done. I also think spending time in nature helps to clear my mind. Best of luck finding some balance- and do whatever you need to keep yourself sane. :)
ReplyDeleteGetting into nature really does help, I completely agree!
DeleteMeradeth, I think you do an awesome job at balancing everything. I know how busy you are and you never let me down. I know I can always count on a blog post comment from you or a Facebook like. I bow down before your time management skills :-)
ReplyDeletelol! Well, thank you, but I definitely think you have it down better than I do! You have quite the system, I've noticed!! :)
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