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The end of summer is approaching and when I think of what I’ve accomplished in the hot months of this year, I realize I’ve learned a lesson, one I’ll probably have to re-learn multiple times, but one that is present in my mind as I think about the IWSG and today’s post.
I had to make peace with myself about not getting as much writing done as I would have liked. I learned to give myself permission to take a “vacation” while my husband is not in school. To be with him. To be with my mother in law when she came. Allowing myself this time to just be with those who I love and who love me was at first hard. But then when I gave into it and realized this part of my life deserves my full attention especially at this time, I have really enjoyed what I’ve done instead. When the school season starts later this month my husband will be in the university world and I will have all day to write. So, I really appreciated giving myself permission to not write.
Have you ever done this? I know Chrys Fey has prescribed this in her Bactine posts, and even though I don’t have writer’s burnout, I’m glad I paid attention to them. If you haven’t read them, you should!
August 7 question:
Has your writing ever taken you by surprise? For example, a positive and belated response to a submission you’d forgotten about or and ending you never saw coming?
I love when my characters start telling me the story, guiding me, making it more about them than about me as a writer. It almost always comes as a wonderful surprise... sometimes it's scary, but is always interesting.
Please go to their blogs and thank them for co-hosting! Happy Summer!
"Self employment" should not mean you have no personal life. I think taking a break to connect with the real world, and those we love, is good for the writing muse. Afterall, we condemn work-aholics in every other career :)
ReplyDeleteLife is meant to be lived. It's all right to just live in the moment for a bit. Gives us more to write about.
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa - it's difficult switching off isn't it ... so glad you've been able to and give your time to be with your hubby and his mother ... and your family and friends. Still you'll be back at the table soon scribbling away ... good luck and just enjoy - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteYes, I have chosen family and friends over writing from time to time. I've never regretted it. I often think of writers that I adore - like Mordecai Richler - big family, lots going on - how did he do it? He had a wife. I don't. I have a very supportive fella but I make different choices for my art than people like Richler. It will have to do. Sometimes I wish that I didn't live a separated life - we talk about it in Buddhism - the choice the monastics make and I feel a longing to completely dedicate my life to practice or art but I am a householder as they say and must practice and write around the edges.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely lesson. Going with the flow makes so much sense. Stopping to smell the roses isn't just a cliche. Since Hubs & I are retired, we often take unexpected short trips. He says "Let's go up to xxx" and even though I should write, he needs some of my time, too. Babysitting the grandkids cuts into my writing time and I think "so what?" They are only this little so long. Soon they'll be so busy they won't have time for us. Enjoy the time with your husband and visitors. Live in the moment.
ReplyDeleteI knew how little of anything was getting done this past two weeks with two seminars and two cons. And I was very okay with that.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! Making peace with our choices is important. Otherwise, we end up being neither here nor there and not really enjoying anything.
ReplyDeleteI never seem to get as much writing done as I want. Some days I see nothing but a big 0 on the page.
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely important to take time with loved ones when you have the chance. The writing will still be there.
ReplyDeleteI honestly believe it's just as important to not write as it is to write. We're not machines and we shouldn't miss out on life because someone claims writers write all the time.
ReplyDeleteA vacation once in a while is good. It is a recharge time.
ReplyDeleteIt's important to take breaks when you need them, just so as NOT to burn out. Sounds like you've had a lovely summer, and knowing that you'll have time to write come September means your break is even more acceptable. I bet you'll be delighted to sit back down when the time comes.
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