If you look back through my posts, you might notice an ongoing desire for balance in my life.
An admitted writing addict, there’s nothing more I like to do more than rise from bed at 4:00 in the morning, brew a cup of coffee, and relax back in my recliner, laptop across my knees. I can write for 12 hours straight without a break (except for that second hot cup).
image from taragallina.blogspot.com
In truth, I can write for 16 hours straight, oblivious to the passing time. I have no particular desire to eat, shower, cook, do housework, enjoy the sunshine, go to movies, or communicate with friends, family, or spouse. My husband comes home from work and I’m still in my pajamas. I haven’t moved. He thinks I’m in a coma.
image from lilaccu.deviantart.com
In truth, I’ve been extraordinarily busy. I’ve had a tumultuous and exhausting day battling the soulless. I’ve lost loyal companions, my sword arm weighs a ton, the city is in flames, and the future of human civilization hinges on my next choice. I need to unearth the enemy’s fatal flaw before time runs dry and the world descends into chaos. With all this responsibility, who has time for laundry?
He rolls his eyes when I tell him I need a maid…and a cook.
Well, this real world of friends, family, and chores only has so much patience for my writing addiction. I know with utter certainty that I don’t want to wake up one morning and find that all I have left in my life resides inside my head. Therefore, the need for balance.
Careful what you wish for…you just might get it.
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The Overlord
My daughter graced me with a grandchild. I now spend two full days a week with a drum-obsessed overlord. Almost-two-year-olds are more exhausting than the soulless (though much cuter).
- Big energy is trying to run a mega pipeline through my little town’s drinking water supply. As a writer and advocate for my community’s viability, I’ve become an activist fighting the oppressive, polluting robber barons.
- The overlord commented on the spider webs in my living room. You can always rely on a child for the painful truth. He says it’s “spooky.”
- Over the past two years, the yard has morphed into a prehistoric jungle. I can’t see my patio. I have two months until the overlord’s second birthday party to get it into a less mortifying state.
- I’ve started blogging and following blogs and making friends all over the world that I genuinely care about. Now, that’s a little too much fun and I can’t stop.
image from site.google.com
My initial reaction to the onset of balance was a troubling case of writing withdrawal: shakiness, irritability, insomnia, and hives. I found myself dropping things, burning dinner, taking naps, and – believe it or not – vacuuming. I had shameful relapses, like allowing the overlord to watch cartoons while I polish up some dialog on the laptop.
Five months later, I’m pleased to announce a gradual adjustment. The urge to write all day every day continues to invade my consciousness, but I’m working the program. A sense of balance is taking hold, and I’m settling into a new blend of busy-ness that makes room for more of the chaos and joys of life. The overlord and I have been spending more time at the park, building and smashing sand castles.
How do you maintain balance when the story calls? I’d love to hear your secrets.
Myths of the Mirror 
I have no words of wisdom for you. I have never (not once, ever) achieved “balance”. And, yes, I put that word in quotes because it’s a big fake-out. I believe in dragons and fairies but I do not believe balance is real or, if it is, I don’t believe it’s attainable. But, hey, the overlord is adorable. 🙂
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I actually agree that there is no such thing. And if by chance we were to grasp it, a moment later we’d be off kilter again. *Sigh* So…the key mu.st be to try laugh as we teeter
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Yes, be careful what you wish for. I got custody of my son and daughter when they were in their early teens. Coupla real terrorists. I felt I had to change their names to Suspect #1 and Suspect #2 . They are early 30ish now with their own kids – ah payback time !
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Too funny. Payback is right!
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Awesome post! Had a smile on my face the entire post:) Thanks for sharing! Your overlord is adorable:) I completely understand what you are saying…..LIFE WORK BALANCE – no such thing in my world:) It’s more like KIDS, CHAOS, LACK OF BALANCE in our house right now:)
Have a wonderful day!
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At least your laughing! That’s the solution to the explosion of pure crazy busy-ness. I don’t know how anyone finds a minute to write with kids in the house. I admire every one of you who manages to get a word out edgewise. Happy blogging!
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Well, if you must have an Overlord, that’s the kind to hope for. I can’t imagine wanting to rise at 4am. Can I have some of your energy?
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He’s a cute overlord. I’d share my energy, but I’m too exhausted (ha ha). I go to bed at 8:00, read for an hour, and pass out.
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Ahh, work life balance – we all dream of such a thing! I think it’s just fantasy though.
Drum overlord – very funny LOL
Lynn 😀
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I know its a fantasy, but I keep trying. The overlord has to bring his drumsticks everywhere we go. It’s a bit of a hassle when we can’t find one, but pretty funny all the same.
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Oh, I can completely relate to this. Is there a way to ever really gain true balance?
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I’m beginning to think it’s always going to be a circus act, Michelle. And what a privilege to have so many choices that we actually have to juggle them:)
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That’s true! 🙂
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I have become more and more tied to this pc, writing, though I still go about my regular daily routine…I know my husband must feel neglected, I am often up till 2 in the morning blogging, because I am too busy to really get into it during the day. Congrats on you grandchild, that’s wonderful. ❤
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My husband occasionally grouses about it as well. I sit beside him at night and blog while he watches TV. It’s our compromise. I can’t stay up later than 10 or I’m a zombie the next morning!
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I can get by on six or seven hours of sleep. What can I say. My email is so full I must have 1000 mails in there from wordpress.com
its is nuts.
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Your passion for your work is heartening, but maintaining that balance is vital. For everything, your organs and your organisms. I don’t write as much as I used to, but to maintain that balance I might take a break with some friends or organise a small party or have a nice evening with my family.
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It’s much easier to make time for people than for mopping floors, isn’t it? I’m an true introvert, so sometimes I have to give myself a little self-talk, a reminder to relax and enjoy. When I go in with the right attitude. I always have fun and never regret the effort. I like the idea of making it a celebration! Good idea.
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I am glad you never regret the effort. An effort is always worth it in the end! Do you know a small celebration is a great excuse to mop floors!? 🙂
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So funny! Yes, that’s about the only time the house gets cleaned!
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Congratulations, Diana, on now having the “Overlord” in your life. 😀 It sounds like things are really coming together for. you. I joined several social networks and they take up additional time, although I enjoy them. I find myself laughting every day as there are so many people with a great sense of humor. That’s a plus. I just have to be sure to spend more time writing. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks Suzanne. In a way it feels like things are “coming apart!” I’m definitely being s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d. Plus half the time I don’t know what I’m doing, so there’s frequently that feeling of jumping off the high diving board. Yet. it’s all part of learning and growing, so I’m good with it. Balance will come.
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I love to write and read too. It’s about finding balance and some days I can’t seem to find it (or want to)… I appreciate knowing more about your days writing too.
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I also LOVE to read, Christy. In my old career days, my vacation goal was a luxurious book per day (and I’m not a fast reader). Now I get an hour or two at bedtime. It’s like dessert at the end on the day.
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Oh, D, I so wish I find out someday how to do it all! Right now, all I can do is make sure I leave enough time for rest and fight the crippling fear of leaving some things for tomorrow 🙂
PS. The Supreme Overlord smiles knowingly. Too knowingly! 😀
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I suppose its a common affliction that we all struggle with. And what works now won’t work in a few months when circumstances change. It’s that “let it go” thing again. And yes, the overlord knows exactly how to wield his power. We are all in his control.
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Aw, bless his heart… 🙂
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I compartmentalize. It’s a coping system where one spends an equal amount if time on each task at hand. Each task may not get completely done, but attacking them a little at a time makes the workload a little more manageable. I stumbled upon an article on this very topic recently and posted it on my blog. Perhaps you may find it helpful. http://moylomenterprises.com/2015/04/08/5-steps-of-compartmentalization/
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Thanks so much for the link! When I feel really stressed I make lists and break my day into time slots. I set the kitchen timer – even to remind myself to eat. When the timer goes off I have permission to be done with what I was doing and move on ready or not. As you suggest, it breaks down the huge load into bite size chunks;-)
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Awesome. I used the timer method years ago too when I had a work crew to manage. They had a habit of talking more than working so instead of policing and hovering I simply delegated that task to the timer – – everyone knew they needed to be done by a certain time and I could focus on other things.
Think I need to start using that method again with my little one to help her improve on her concept of time and how long it takes to get things done. I’m in the process of instilling within her a sense of responsibility – – cleaning up her toys after playtime, putting her dirty clothes in the hamper and dirty dishes in the sink. She is so proud when she does it without me asking. Hope this is the case in her teen yrs too!
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Ha ha. Yes. Timers are good for all ages! I especially like them for tasks I hate. If I only have to house clean for 45 minutes, I can do it. The timer goes off and its back to writing.
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Great! Have a lovely day
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I love his title! And enjoyed your post overall so much. Exercising and spending time quietly with God are what keep me sane. They are priorities. The house work and yard work, well….I am trying to do it but I work full time and blogging is needed recreation as long as it does not take over.
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It’s impossible to do it all. There just aren’t enough hours, so it does seem to come down to priorities. Housework is really low on my list too.
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I think a balance in everything is good, but it can be painful. I would love to have more time to write, and in the past week I had no time at all really. I am drooling at the thought of next Thursday when hopefully I will, at last have a morning to myself.
I love your description of how busy you have been. I can perfectly imagine the reaction.
Your overlord looks like a real heart breaker.
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It’s a struggle, isn’t it? I guess one good point is that I’m never bored!!! The overlord is a hoot. I love kids.
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I like to cook, but also spend a lot of time in the “hunter-gatherer” mode, spending way too much time going to different markets to plan a meal. It allows me to get my walking in, though, and gets me out of that recliner !! Your overlord…precious ! Van
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My time with the overlord is when I get most of my exercise. Like all kids he loves to be outside. He’s good for my health in more ways than one.
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What a cute overlord!
Best wishes in juggling both your passions 🙂
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Yeah, he’s a cutie. He has granny wrapped around his finger.
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Eheh yes, they tend to do that 🙂
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