Finding Balance

In today's world of multi-tasking, I am a queen. The problem with being the queen of multi-tasking is that I tend to take on more than I can feasibly do. For example, in addition to being a writer, I edit for two publishing houses. In no way do I edit for the money. (snort) I do it because I enjoy helping other authors get their work published and making their work shine. In addition, editing helps sharpen my own writing skills.



I'm told I'm a good editor. I'm definitely dedicated, and tend to be a bit of a workaholic. Sounds like a good thing, right? We're encouraged in today's society to stay busy, be productive. But too much of anything isn't good. I, as I stated earlier, tend to have a problem saying no. This means at times I get backlogged. I spend all my time working and stressing myself out.



I know it's bad when I wake in the morning thinking of what I need to accomplish during the day, and go to bed and night lamenting what I didn't get done. Writing? Who has time? Exercising, taking time to smell the roses? Ditto. It's ridiculous.



But I plan to do something about it. One, with the help of God I'm going to stop stressing myself out. I'm one person and can only do so much a day. I'll work steadily, but when I need a break, I'll take one. If I want to read a book instead of writing or editing, I'll read one. If I want to spend time with my family on Saturday instead of spending the whole day editing and running errands, I will. Without guilt and without berating myself for all I could have accomplished had I worked instead.



Life is short. I want to enjoy my life. Yes, I enjoy editing and writing, but not the pressure I was putting upon myself to produce. So, I'll rest when I need to. Make time to exercise and eat right. Get a good night's sleep, and as soon as I knock some of these editing jobs out of the way, I'll slow down.



Maybe. LOL!