Kelly and I in New Orleans
I was up early today, as always. I checked my mail, quickly scanning to see if there was anything that needed immediate attention. There wasn’t. Then I opened this blog page, intending to write something funny. But that’s where my mojo stalled.
My daughter is having major surgery on Friday, so I should be trying to get ahead of my work because I’m moving in with her to help with her recovery—watching kids, cleaning house, entertaining her, because there’s nothing more awful than being bedridden without someone to keep your spirits up, right?
But I’m not getting ahead. Work is piling up. And I’m beginning to feel like I’m drowning a bit. I’m normally a very happy person, but the past few months with all the family illnesses, etc., have kind of whacked the happy out of me.
So, I thought I might see if any of you out there are a bit overwhelmed with real life, too. How are you coping? Do you have any suggestions for how I can shake off this malaise?
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Hey mom! You don’t need to stress. And you don’t have to do it all alone. We’ll get through this. I love you so much! Xxx you are amazing.
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Don’t sweat the small stuff. Do what you can. Take an hour for yourself. Enjoy the visit with your daughter.
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I learned that the work will still be there but people you love may not. Take the time you need to be with your family. Take a deep breath, read a good book and try to find at least an hour or so for yourself each day.
I know that all of this is easier said than done since, even though I’m retired, I still have days when I feel overwhelmed. You are an amazing writer and the writing (and readers) will still be there when you are done helping your daughter.
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Stop and ask yourself…who is putting this pressure on you? The answer is likely that you’re doing it to yourself.
Erma Bombeck had a some very useful quotes..
– No one ever died from sleeping in an unmade bed.
-Guilt is the gift that keeps on giving.
-if the item doesn’t multiply, smell, catch on fire or block the refrigerator door, let it be. No one cares. Why should you?
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Real life sucks sometimes doesn’t it. But we all do what we have to do in order to survive.
I’ve tried to teach myself to not worry about the things I have no control over. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. The thing to remember is, family comes first. Take care of your daughter and your grandbabies and don’t worry bout the other stuff. Especially the books. We’ll all still be here when you have time to get back to writing. We’re not going anywhere.
My only suggestion would be, take time to breathe and take care of yourself. Do what you can and don’t worry about what’s left.
Good luck to your daughter with her surgery. Hope it all goes well. Please keep us posted ~~ that is fi you have time. 🙂
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Wow! Sometimes you wake up in the morning and something is said that lifts you up, makes a point or helps you realize you’re not alone. The quotes by Erma Bombeck – right on point. What’s good is that your daughter is blessed to have such an awesome mom, and you are blessed to be able to take care of her when she needs it most. Somehow, it always seems to get done when we least expect it. Hang in there and know that you are both hugged! Ro
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I’m afraid I don’t have any advice except to take things slow and steady. The more worked up I get, the less I get done. I’m one of those people who have trouble getting much done when I’m distracted and stressed.
I want to say how wonderful it is that you are going to help your daughter out. When I had my first baby, my mother in law came to help out when I had my gallbladder out, and it was very helpful. Other times we were alone and felt overwhelmed when it was just the two of us trying to get through things. I know she will love having you there!
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Good timing on your post. The job I’ve had for the past 11 years is ending and I’m old (but not old enough to retire). The stress is starting to build. I’m taking a “one day at a time” approach and remembering what my grandma always told us, “Everything happens for a reason. You may not understand it now, but it will become clear.” She was a great lady, so I hope those words will help you when you are feeling overwhelmed.
PS – Look at the bright side, you get to spend quality time with the grandkids and they will remember it with love as they get older.
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I don’t know if it’s indicative of authors in general, but being overwhelmed with what I ‘should’ be doing gets me down often.
It’s hard to gain perspective…but in the end, I think that’s all we need.
If a book is submitted late – the world won’t end.
If an email isn’t replied to – the recipient can wait.
I think struggling is a great sign that you’re a hard worker. That you’re always trying to do things right and perfect and professional, even though it may zapp your strength or mojo. But when you finally reach the point of insanity you need to remember that the only thing that matters (well, to me) is love and family.
I wish there was an easy way to balance, but it seems to be a case of placing your foot on the accelerator until you crash, then you take a break, and slowly gain speed until you eventually hit the brick wall again. Over and over and over again 🙂
My thoughts are with you and your family.
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Between working a full time job and going to school (almost full time) has made me do some majoring thinking if what I’m doing it wroth it. I just told one of the doctors I work with daily that I have almost decided that I’m not going to finish some of my classes which will lead me to a nursing degree. I am tired and burned out, big time. I developed TMJ, my hands are starting to hurt from all the writing I’m doing and to try to relax I’ve started back up crocheting (daughter is pregnant) and I wanted to make a baby blanket for her. Some days I just want to say “just shoot me and get me out of my misery”. And here I am starting another day.
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Wow! Thanks y’all for sharing advice and your own woes. It really does help put it in perspective.
Thanks for all your well wishes. Charlotte, thanks for sharing the Erma nuggets. She really was very smart.
Lisa, so sorry to hear about your job ending. That’s a scary thing. I’ve been there a time or two myself. And Icia, I hate that you’re so close. I hope you won’t have regrets not finishing, but good luck and feel better.
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Oh Delilah ~ I wish I had some profound wisdom or fabulous idea that would be just the ticket fore pin’ on ya because I feel you are always giving me so much. Yours is the one post I make certain I read daily so I feel like I’m talking to my friend. The best thing I can say is to just keep on keepin on. Get stuff done that is most important and the rest will wait or take care of itself. Being there for Kelly and taking care of you so you can care everyone else will take over once there. She’s lucky to have a mama like you. ❤️
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You are not alone Delilah! Sending hugs to both of you and healing thoughts, speedy recovery to Kelly. I am at a point in my life where I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, I used to stress a lot when it started, but then I realized that what will come will come. In the meantime, I am trying to surround myself with positive people, read a lot, take time to do things for me that I used to put off in the past. Laughter is the best! Recently I bought an audio with a bloopers reel form various narrators, called “Audiobook Blunders”, it really made me laugh, the narrators are funny how they goof around on some of the words. XOXO
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Liberty! Thanks so much. You gave me a lift. 🙂
Eniko! Love your suggestion of the bloopers audio. And I’ve seen some of your RTC pics. You do look as though you’re ready to have fun!