
A Return to Writing Includes Searching For Balance
Searching for Balance
I’ve returned to writing and the hectic pace I’ve had in the past. I have something “writerly” planned for nearly every weekend in October. November marks NaNoWriMo so that month is full and also begins the holiday season. In the meantime, I am deep in the middle of a marketing class.
Whew!
I’m tired already.
And, therein lies the search for balance.
It would be easy for me to look at my plans for the next several months and let my anxiety overwhelm me. It’s happened before, hence the unexpected hiatus from writing.
Unfortunately, keeping myself from being overwhelmed is often on my mind as I strive for balance in my life.
Tips for Balance
Here are some thoughts that have kept me going in the past and I hope are still helpful during this especially busy time.
1. Do the next thing. This one takes a bit of explanation. When I’m feeling overwhelmed I tend to look at the big picture rather than the small bites of life. That is where doing the next thing comes in. If the next thing that needs to happen in your life is to make the bed or do the dishes or make lunch, do that. Life happens in small moments and getting something done, even for that moment, will have a positive impact on your peace of mind.
2. Stick to your ritual. Every writer I know has a ritual that has evolved over time. My tends to follow the same things each day. I make coffee, light a candle, and write morning pages. Those three pages each morning are my warm up. Once those are complete I write. During normal times (i.e. not NaNoWriMo) my goal is 500 words and in November that bumps up to 2000 words each day. If you have other rituals, stick to those.
3. Keep your downtime. For me, downtime is crucial as too much to do and lots of chaos creates an unbalanced me. I have a building where I can escape but even there, if things are too noisy, I will struggle. Even if the chaos is positive, like having my grand babies over, it still creates stress in me and I need to deal with it.
A Final Thought
One last thing that I need to remember – Be Gentle With Myself! There is always tomorrow.
I am sure there are more ways to find balance during the busy times but having too many things to think about, again, even if they are positive, creates a struggle.


14 Comments
Mandy
Great tips! think #1 is usually the hardest for me. You just have to keep moving, keep trying, even when it feels impossible. π
Best of luck with NaNoWriMo! π
AC Hoekwater
Thank you! I do think that #1 is the hardest but important.
Mom
I like #1 also. It is something I need to remember. Getting overwhelmed is NOT something I need in my life and the last 2 weeks have been just that. It seems when you are the busiest things keep adding to your list. Thanks.
AC Hoekwater
Sometimes no just isn’t in my vocabulary!
T. Powell Coltrin
I do well with 2 and 3. I need to work on one. “Life happens in small moments and getting something done, even for that moment, will have a positive impact on your peace of mind.” That is an awesome thought.
AC Hoekwater
Thank you so much!!!
joylene
Great tips. I like them all, especially #3.
AC Hoekwater
Thank you so much!!!
Madeline Mora-Summonte
Thank you for the reminder to just do the next thing and to not worry about the big picture in that moment. Definitely something I’m going to work on. π
And yeh for NaNo! Good luck!
AC Hoekwater
Thank you so much. Focusing on the big picture takes too much energy. Good luck with that !
Louise (Fundy Blue)
Hi, AC! I’m making the rounds visiting fellow IWSG members. Your tips for finding balance in your life are excellent. Finding balance in my life is something I’ve always struggled with. #1 has gotten me through many days when I felt overwhelmed. #2 I’ve utterly failed at. #3 I’m making progress with. Good luck with NaNo!
AC Hoekwater
Thanks so much for stopping by. The struggle is real!
Michelle Wallace
Hi AC!
Welcome to the monthly posting for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! π
thank you for the great tips!
I love the final thought to: “Be Gentle With Myself!” I think we’re often our own worst critics… all in the name of progress.
AC Hoekwater
Absolutely!!! Thanks for stopping by!!!