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Coping As A Writer When Life Happens

As a writer, I strive to write daily. It’s good to get in the practice of daily writing. I have discovered that the more you write, the more you write.

But what happens when life gets so crazy that daily writing is simply not possible?

In my current day job, the month of December is insane. I work in the activities department of a retirement facility, and December is absolute craziness. The month is jam-packed with activity. Christmas light tours, living Christmas scenes, the Nutcracker; the list goes on. That extensive list causes me to work extra hours, and at odd times.

When I return home, I am absolutely exhausted. I try to get up early, only to find that the previous day’s activities have left me dragging so much that even my morning coffee isn’t enough to revive me.

All the extra activities in my life don’t get much time during the holidays. As sad as it makes me, writing is one of those activities. Some days, it just doesn’t get done.

I feel guilty. I kick myself for not being more self disciplined. Surely I should be able to make time for something that matters to me.

But then I remember that sometimes, life happens. And it needs to be lived.

I do what needs to be done in my day job. With the rest of my time, I do my best to enjoy the holidays with my husband. That is important.

So, I remind myself of a phrase I often share with others:

Give yourself some grace.

Christmas, as wonderful and magical as it can be, is a busy time. The season sucks much of our spare time and energy. Write when you can, but don’t beat yourself up for missing a day. Sit down with a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy some family time instead.

The words will be there when life begins to slow down.

QUESTION: What do you do to remind yourself that you are not called to be a slave to your writing when life happens? Click here to leave a comment.

* Image credit: Kalexanderson (Creative Commons)

Comments

  1. says

    I think it helps to know that life has these times when it is really out of balance and you have to accept that and roll with it knowing it will change.  I am not a writer but I know I try to make sure that I know what I want to let go in the busy time and what I must keep.  It helps to think this out ahead of time.  

  2. John Cyrus says

    Yes, when we please God, we have to believe that our steps are ordered by the Lord. Some times we are not the final authority to guide our affairs: 
    ” I know, O LORD, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.” –Jeremiah 10:23 

    • Edye Burrell says

      John, you’re absolutely right. When we write for the Lord, we must acknowledge His sovereignty over our time. I find that some of my best writing comes as a result of those crazy times when life “seems” out of control. There are such spiritual lessons in those times if we are attentive to the Spirit’s voice. They may be in 20-20 hindsight, but they are there.

  5. says

    Love this, Jamie. 

    Life happens, so deal with it (in a godly way). We don’t need to be a slave to our writing. We just need to rest in God’s timing of all things.

  6. says

    What a comforting word Jamie 🙂  Thanks for sharing. I’ve slowed down lately..not cos of the holidays but cos there’s something else needing my attention.

    It’s easy to beat ourselves up! But am reminded of my priorities – God. My hubby. All else (and the category has it’s ‘order of importance’ too!)

  8. Becky Villareal says

    When life gets too crazy for me (when I’m back in school teaching) I tend to jot down notes for writing later in a journal I keep with me. That way I still keep my hand (and prayers) in it.