I sometimes wonder why I push myself so hard. My determination to write a post every day here on WordPress; my aspiration to finish my novel; my involvement in The Community Storyboard, HarsH ReaLiTy, and A Good Blog is Hard to Find; my ambition to read more, and write book reviews; my wish to help out friends by critiquing their unpublished works… the list itself is overwhelming. Most days I barely notice the work piling up. I love being busy with writing and the pursuits that involve it.
But, Spring Break. Yes, it’s that time of year again. While I’ve had much of today to do the things I needed to get done, I know it’s only a matter of time before Alex gets bored keeping himself busy. And just because the kids are home doesn’t mean the shopping doesn’t still need to be done – a task which requires me to leave my Autistic son by himself – and my paper route, and then there’s my mother’s appointments because I’m the only one who can take her… again, overwhelming.
I think everyone gets to this point occasionally. It’s the stage where we just have to start saying no, and not give in. While it’s exciting, and best of all not boring, there’s a limit at which one shuts down and curls up in a little ball with a straw and a bottle of one’s favourite Merlot.
So if I up and disappear at some point this week you’ll know why. And if I do manage to keep it all together AND keep my blog going without consuming a bottle of wine per day, well, give me a cape and call me supermom.
Just don’t push me off the side of a building to see if I’ll fly. I push myself too hard already.
March 12, 2014 at 4:01 pm
The first thing is to look after yourself my friend. If you fold so does everything else. 🙂
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March 12, 2014 at 4:49 pm
True enough. I managed today not to stress the small stuff and actually play instead. It’s working out well. 🙂
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March 12, 2014 at 4:52 pm
Good to hear 😀
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March 12, 2014 at 4:53 pm
I appreciate your support, Sue. 🙂
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March 11, 2014 at 11:48 am
Everyone needs a timeout Linda, time out or burn out! Take some breaths and have some wine, we will still be here.:)
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March 11, 2014 at 7:42 pm
Thanks, D.G. I’ll do my best to look after myself this week too.
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March 11, 2014 at 8:52 pm
🙂
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March 11, 2014 at 5:18 am
Better make sure you’re well stocked with bottles of Merlot! Hope you have a relaxing and calm week 🙂 Julia
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March 11, 2014 at 7:41 pm
Thanks, Julia. I have a good stock of wine in the basement for emergencies. 🙂
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March 11, 2014 at 4:06 am
Do be careful, Linda. I pushed myself so hard in the last decade that I ended up having 4 TIAs (mini-strokes) over one weekend in 2008. Take care.
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March 11, 2014 at 7:40 pm
Oh dear! I hope you’re okay now. I promise I’ll try not to push myself too hard.
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March 12, 2014 at 5:59 am
Good promise. And take the advice of OM!
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March 12, 2014 at 10:46 am
🙂
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March 11, 2014 at 12:22 am
Just remember that your blog is supposed to be for you, for fun and enjoyment. Be careful it doesn’t turn into a job because then what’s the point if it’s causing you stress when it’s supposed to be your relaxation outlet. If you don’t post a blog a day, that’s okay! Your followers will be here when you do post. Also, when your creative juices are flowing you can write more than one post and schedule them to be published different days. That might help you maintain a daily goal and easeyour workload a little bit.
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March 11, 2014 at 7:38 pm
Good idea, thanks! 🙂
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March 10, 2014 at 6:45 pm
You’re certainly an inspiration, I’ll tell you what. I’ll keep you in mind the next time I’m trying to find time to do my one daily post. 😀
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March 10, 2014 at 6:47 pm
Haha! Okay. 🙂 That one daily post can be a challenge though!
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March 10, 2014 at 6:50 pm
Far too true. If I had to come up with my own topics everyday, I’d probably be sunk. That’s why I don’t do a daily personal blog anymore.
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March 10, 2014 at 6:53 pm
Prompts are very helpful! How many do you have to go?
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March 10, 2014 at 6:54 pm
In one week, I will be half way done. Then, I have no idea what I’m going to do.
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March 10, 2014 at 6:56 pm
Half way still gives you almost a year’s worth though. I’ve never seen a prompt quite like yours, before or since I discovered you, but I’ll keep an eye out for you.
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March 10, 2014 at 6:58 pm
Heh, thanks. You keep reading mine and I’ll keep reading yours.
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March 10, 2014 at 7:00 pm
Will do 😀
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March 10, 2014 at 6:34 pm
Finish your book. 🙂
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March 10, 2014 at 6:37 pm
Yes, boss. 😉
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March 10, 2014 at 6:39 pm
Should I help you out by removing access to my blogs for now? As motivation. 🙂
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March 10, 2014 at 6:41 pm
Tough call.
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March 10, 2014 at 6:42 pm
Well I just might now. With a response like that, sounds clear to me! 😉
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March 10, 2014 at 6:43 pm
Nah,leave me on… I might have something important to say. 😀
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March 10, 2014 at 6:44 pm
lol ok. 🙂
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March 10, 2014 at 6:37 pm
Hey wait! You finish yours!
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March 10, 2014 at 6:38 pm
🙂 You have much stronger self-control. My book is going to take awhile, not pushing it.
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March 10, 2014 at 6:42 pm
…if I have good self-control I shouldn’t have a problem having access to your blogs… right? 😉
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March 10, 2014 at 6:42 pm
That depends on if you view it as for fun or as an obligation. 🙂
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March 10, 2014 at 6:44 pm
Am I obligated?
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March 10, 2014 at 6:45 pm
You tell me. If you are don’t be.
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March 10, 2014 at 6:46 pm
In that case I won’t sweat it. I’ll write when I’m inspired. Thank you for that, my dear. 🙂
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March 10, 2014 at 6:25 pm
I think posting a well thought-out piece every day is difficult. Allowing a natural rhythm to flow without pressure, works better for me, though I did try the daily post at one point. Nice to see others have these same task-overloads. Enjoy whatever break you get and everyone will look forward to your next thoughts and reflections.
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March 10, 2014 at 6:31 pm
Thanks Beth. I find some days are harder than others, especially when there’s not much going on that’s noteworthy. But then, it’s not as though I have nothing else to do… 😛
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March 10, 2014 at 5:51 pm
It is hard at times to step back and say no. Society conditions us to believe that putting oneself first is selfish but I believe that going too far in the opposite direction is worse. Helping others is could and in most cases if you can reach out and lend a hand it is the right thing to do. However that does not mean putting your own needs last especially if doing so will cause you harm. So while not wanting to sound ‘pushy’ you could take this as a ‘push’ in the right direction to recognise when you should stop ‘pushing’ the limits. Take care Jen xx
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March 10, 2014 at 5:55 pm
You are so right– saying no is indeed difficult.
Thanks Jenni. I’ll take this under advisement. Glad to see you didn’t get blown away!
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March 10, 2014 at 5:47 pm
I’m with Irene on her advice Linda – stop overdoing before the overdoing stops YOU!
Dr. Chris (TSRA)
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March 10, 2014 at 5:48 pm
I shall do my best. And I’ll take two aspirin and call you in the morning. 😉
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March 10, 2014 at 5:45 pm
I’m too busy reading to post!
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March 10, 2014 at 5:47 pm
Still catching up from your vacation Nav?
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March 10, 2014 at 5:54 pm
This and other things are keeping me busy.
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March 10, 2014 at 5:56 pm
I see. Well know you have been sorely missed around here.
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March 10, 2014 at 6:27 pm
Thank you, Madam Linda. I shall take that as a compliment.
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March 10, 2014 at 6:29 pm
So you should, Your Villainship. 😉
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March 10, 2014 at 7:06 pm
You are loved far and wide with good reason
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March 10, 2014 at 7:58 pm
🙂
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March 10, 2014 at 5:45 pm
Sorry that not able to offer practical help – if thoughts count then you have those…..
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March 10, 2014 at 5:46 pm
Thoughts help. Thanks very much 😀
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March 10, 2014 at 5:38 pm
Linda, you need to remember yourself too. It is good to be there for other souls, when they need you, but what about you? Who are there to help you right now, when you need? Or did you ask for help? Maybe too proud?
Remember to do something good for yourself every day, even it is only for a short time, it is so very important just to be you and give yourself that time. It can end up being the best, you have done for yourself in years.
We will wait for you, just relax and take it easy with blog and all the other stuff, as you do for other souls. If you don’t take care of yourself, who are then going to take care of your kids and your mom?
Best Wishes for you, Irene
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March 10, 2014 at 5:42 pm
My blog is what I do for myself, so as long as you see me here, you’ll know I’m doing okay. As for getting help, I don’t feel that I have anyone to ask this week, as my friend John is spending time with his family. It’s just me.
It’s going to be tough, but I’ll manage. I always do. Thanks so much for your concern, Irene. 🙂
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