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| August 2017 |
"Sigh...there goes another summer, Snoopy!" --Charlie Brown
Seems like our family's littlest one might have been thinking the same thing at the playground the other day...
And so, with the thought of how fast the calendar year is speeding by, I was especially interested in an article posted by Elizabeth Spann Craig, Bestselling Cozy Mystery Author titled, "How to Slow Time for More Relaxed Creative Writing Sessions" by Colleen M. Story, author of Overwhelmed Writer Rescue. In the article, Story gives tips to "help you slow your perception of time so that when you do get a moment to write, you can approach it with a calm, relaxed state of mind."
Good stuff here. I appreciated her suggestions, especially "slow down your movements." Story continues, "When you purposely slow your physical motions down, you signal your brain that you have plenty of time, which helps you to feel more relaxed." Other tips are equally valuable. If you find yourself feeling stressed over not having enough time to write, you might check out this post. Conceivably the advice could help in other areas of life's time management challenges as well.
Except maybe the speed of passing summer days. Increasingly, they seem to be on speed dial :-)
Any advice on how to get a handle on time--in writing or otherwise?
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If family crises would end, I could manage time quite well. Current crisis is a 57-year old brother-in-law's stroke, resulting in me moving my 92-year old father into my home. It has overturned my routines, but compared to what my sister is going through, as well as people in Houston, it is not big. It has caused writing to be put on a back burner for the past few weeks, but that is small in comparison with others' problems.
ReplyDeleteCathy, so sorry to hear of health problems and life changes once again in your family. And your point about putting writing on the backburner at times is well taken. Although they say writers 'can't not write,' there are times when we don't because we can't. And in the face of huge, huge troubles like what's happening in Houston and other areas, our words lately have turned more to prayer than to stories... Please take care. I wish you well.
DeleteI wish I DID have some ideas about how to slow down time. Just before I opened this post, I was thinking about how much multi-tasking I do and how I'm always behind, etc. I usually find time for writing because I love to do it. So when my family decided to take a vacation in Myrtle Beach over Labor Day, I took my writing notebook with me. I spent several mornings enjoying ocean sunrises and writing about them.
ReplyDeleteWriting is usually my first priority (only behind work). But that doesn't get the dinner made or laundry done. My approach to "managing" time has been to just not do things that aren't essential. Sometimes that works. Sometimes it doesn't.
Peggy, what a coincidence--I was at Emerald Isle NC over Labor Day! We were practically neighbors and didn't even know it--and probably watching the sunrises together :-) I, too, took notebooks and journals, but went with college friends and so we did more talking than journaling, ha. I think we all struggle with the juggling of priorities and necessary mundane things. May never find the perfect balance but may the writing win! Thanks again for sharing. Always enjoy 'visiting' with you.
DeleteDon't suppose you're going to the conference in Cleveland this weekend?
ReplyDeleteNo, sorry I'm not. Are you? It would be great fun to see you again in real time, but I let this one slip by me...
DeleteYes, I'm going. Linda Sue Park is speaking. I'm looking forward to that.
DeleteNow I really regret not going--I'd sure like to hear her speak! Enjoy :-)
DeleteShe was flat-out awesome!
DeleteOh, how I wish I could have heard her speak. Next best thing: how about I email you and 'talk' about what you heard? I'd love to learn more!
DeleteAbsolutely!
DeleteThis is timely. I need to check out that link. Have been thinking and praying about how I spend my time. We have had some changes this year (my husband's involvement in a new church), so need to determine what I'm really supposed to be doing. :) I like the idea of slowing down in that respect to relax. Glad you shared this, Kenda. Thank you. Have a good weekend!
ReplyDeleteKaren, wishing you the best in this time of change. I think there are many times when we have to stop and re-evaluate, sounds like this is one of those times for you :-) Whatever is ahead, may it be just the right fit!
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