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Lilli and Max relaxing. I wish I had time to sit around!
The world keeps spinning along and I can’t seem to keep up. I could blame it on a bunch of things like getting my book launched, answering a lengthy list of emails, taking care of an ailing dog, doing the laundry, and saying “Yes” to too many things. But I’m not going to.
It’s been a busy time, but it’s also been great. I’m choosing to get off the treadmill for the moment, and am taking some time for myself. It’s accompanied by a tiny bit of guilt because I haven’t been reading the many blog posts that I usually read and I haven’t been keeping up with Facebook or Twitter. Here it is Tuesday again, and I haven’t written an informative blog post for you. Oh well, we all have those times.
I have added some new pages here on my website. They are new and not yet complete. But eventually you’ll find my publicist’s contact information, a few photos, and a press release for my recently published memoir in the Press Box. Under News you’ll be able to see what events I have planned for the future, a list of reviews, newspaper articles, radio interviews, and etc. I plan to have it all up very soon. And damn to the load of laundry I keep forgetting to put in the dryer!
I’m trying to quit being ADD and focus on one thing at a time. Instead of continuing to multitask and getting side tracked, I’m trying to make myself stick with one thing at a time and finish what I started. I’ve promised myself I won’t get sidetracked by the pile of ironing that steadily grows or the downed leaves leaves that the wind keeps blowing into the back yard. Then there’s the wilted house plants that need watering, bathing Max, who has some serious skin problems, and taking time to finish the two books I’m reading. Here’s to next week. Hopefully by then, I’ll have a few of the things on my list done!
Do you try getting off the treadmill, too? Take a nap, read a good book, cook some delicious food, or take a walk? The world is crazy enough without any of us adding to the fray. How long is your list and how do keep up, if you do?
Congratulations to Michelle Short and Mary Ellen Gambutti,
winners of signed copies of SCATTERING ASHES, A Memoir of Letting Go,
as offered to readers of my newsletter.
Joan, I think I’m going to let my blog post go this week. That’s how I’m getting off the treadmill as I prepare to give a TED-like talk at my alma mater this weekend.
So, you are not alone.
Here’s to one day at a time one hour at a time!
Thanks, Shirley. I wish I could be there to hear your talk this weekend. I’m sure it will be brilliant!
Oh, I am SO behind on everything right now!
I do take time nearly every day to go to the gym, and this past weekend, I went to two concerts (Dar Williams with daughter and Joan Baez with husband).
I make lists, and then ignore them. 😉
Thank you, Merril. I need to get back into my meditation and exercise routine which I’ve been letting slip. I make lists and ignore them too. I guess that’s how life is these days!
I relate to this post, Joan. I’m not launching a book or give a labor-intensive talk this week, but we have sustained hurricane damage to a house we own (hole in the roof), are entertaining an offer on our house for sale, and ministering to the needs of a loved one in PA. I have been on the treadmill for over 6 months and now enjoying some down-time with my sisters in a mountain hideaway.
Just a short time – but long enough to catch my breath . . . restore sanity. There’s a good book and down comforter awaiting me around the corner in a pine-walled room.
Oh Marian, I feel I have nothing to complain about after reading this. You have just moved and are still settling in and to be hit by hurricane damage and all the rest is enough to rattle anyone’s nerves. I hope your loved one in PA will be fine. Enjoy your brief respite.
Hi Joan, my solution to feeling overwhelmed with how many things I got going is to remember this; How do you eat an elephant?
One bit at a time. The task can seem overwhelming when you are looking at the whole picture, but when you break it up into smaller bits it makes it more manageable.
I love this. I will remember how to eat an elephant when I’m feeling overwhelmed. I’ll also ask myself, “Why do I need to eat an elephant?” 🙂
Joan — I’m so glad that you’re focusing on one thing at a time instead of multitasking. For me, it makes life a much more pleasant experience AND the things I solo-focus on are done much better!
Oh yes, taking ones time and focusing in on what is in front of us, is the only way to go!
I hear you Joan. I’d love to get off the treadmill. I’ve reached the point I’m working on the computer 16 hours a day. I can’t keep up anymore. Promoting is a full time job that eats into writing time, lol. I’m envious of your break. I need to learn this.
Joan, I’ve been following your blog and your book launch, and I can honestly say, I relate to every word you’ve written. I’m a self-publbished author who spent 8 months promoting my book in western PA & NY. When that was finished, I was exhausted, and planned to regroup and move onto the next step- my website and Amazon. However, I was asked my an extremely wonderful 86 year-old woman to help her organize her move from a large home to a smaller unit in a health care facility. What should have been a six weeks, has turned into a 15 week commitment! When will I ever learn to say “no’?
The brightest spot in my day is reading your blogs. I did make time to read your book, and loved it. You are an inspiration to me at this time in my life. Thanks for sharing your heart-felt messages. They give me hope that I will someday get my life under control.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Diana. Being able to say NO as well as getting life under control is an art form I’ve not completely mastered yet. I find it hard to remember that I cannot control everything going on around me. That’s when being able to say no is an asset.
Debby, Yes it’s the promoting that takes so much time. But I figure I won’t be around much longer if I ignore taking care of myself and forget to meditate and get exercise. Those are not shoulds, they are needs that I must get back to.