Writing can be a very isolating activity. Actually, it’s the perfect activity for an introvert (which most writers are by nature.)
But most writers don’t just define themselves by their writing. They’re also sons and daughters who may have a role in the care of their parents, employees, caregivers of small or older children, and volunteers.
And yet we still have to spend time wracking our brains, delving into our emotions, and creating something exciting on a blank word processing screen. So we’re just a wee bit busy.
Usually, I put myself at the bottom of the list of things I need to take care of for the day. This isn’t something I do on purpose, but it’s just sort of how the chips fall. This is what I’m looking at for today: Sheets need to be changed, upstairs badly needs dusting, cat fur everywhere that needs vacuuming, oh gosh—we’re out of eggs, the car needs an oil change, the garage is a wreck, the children need to rest up for the EOG testing, blogs and writing goals need to be met, oh…and I need to maybe look decent and possibly even wear makeup today. Because I might be going to an ice cream party for Brownie scout leaders, if I can get there.
I think my husband and son are classic enablers. My husband says things every day like: “You always look nice” or “That color looks great on you” or “Wow, you’re aging well.” My middle school son says “You’re the prettiest mom I know.”
But then there’s my daughter—the truth-teller. She squints as she looks at me and winces. “Did you wear that shirt two days ago?” “But it’s clean,” I say. “But you have a pretty dress in the closet. Why don’t you put it on?” Hmm. And “Mama. Don’t you ever wear lipstick anymore?” And “Mama. You’re not going out in that?”
That may sound awful, but really, she’s looking out for me. It’s a reminder that I need to show myself a little respect and TLC or what can I expect from everybody else?
This isn’t limited to personal appearance, although that’s probably the most obvious indicator of where we’ve put ourselves on our to-do list for the day. We also should eat well, exercise, drink water, and get plenty of sleep. (The sleep thing probably won’t happen for me—major insomniac—but I can try to rack up a few more minutes at least.)
I wrote yesterday on Poe. There’s an extreme example of someone who didn’t look out for himself. But I think most of us could do a little better. Maybe if we take better care of ourselves, our work will improve. I think it’s worth a try.
Writers and sleep, why do those two things never appear to go together. Possibly it is that even when we try to sleep our brains keep ticking over with ideas and we are up and down like a yo-yo that someone dipped in red bull. I know people ask me how I find the time to write in amongst my day job and everything else I do. The answer is always simple. I make the time. Of course it does come at the expense of other things and sometimes I think I need to be more aware of what else is going on.
True thoughts. I’m an extrovert who likes to write, so that has some unique challenges. But you are right that without proper care we won’t schedule ourselves right, make the most of our opportunities, and may burn out young, like Poe.
Well said.
I truly believe in the adage, “sound body, sound mind.”
I know I think better, faster, funnier, etc. (and hopefully write that way), when I’m regularly exercising, sleeping, eating well, and getting enough down time.
Life’s a long haul, you need to keep up the preventive maintenance!
What a wonderful insight, Elizabeth. Giving ourselves TLC is crucial to good mental, spiritual and physical well being. But sometimes I have to shift my priorities — the time it takes to put on make up and choose a great outfit, versus another half hour writing. Depending on the day, the priorities will shift. Good luck taking better care of you.
Karen Walker
http://www.karenfollowingthewhispers.blogspot.com
But why put on a pretty dress when we can write at home in our pajamas? :)
Good subject and thoughts on it today, Elizabeth. We DO need to take care of ourselves – a healthy body produces a healthy and sharp mind, all the better to write with. That being said, I am (like many writers) guilty (and proud of it – will never stop) of binge writing. When I’m in the blessed “zone” – thoughts and inspirations coming faster than I can key them in, I’ll go for sometimes a few days with little regard for sleep or eat or R & R.
Then I have to recoup something seriously!
Excellent advice and a good reminder that sometimes we really do need to put ourselves first.
Jane Kennedy Sutton
http://janekennedysutton.blogspot.com/
You were definitely speaking to me today. Thanks for the reminder that I need more than the four hours of sleep I got last night. I’ll do better.
Patricia
http://patriciastoltey.blogspot.com
So true about mothers in the wrold, you have so many roles in life you tend to forget about pampering or taking care of yourselves. You seem to have a great family, looking out for you.
Sexy romance by Enid Wilson
It is extremely difficult to balance it all. Somewhere along the line, something seems to get compromised…and we do what we have to, rearrange things and try to make some more time. All I have to say is somebody, somewhere simply HAS to invent the 30 hour day. I think I could get things accomplished then…maybe, lol.
Nancy
http://nasharpe.blogspot.com
Balance. It’s all about balance. Or at least that’s what they tell me. Anyhow, off to find my slippers and robe and crank out another 5 pages.