I have to confess that life a mother was so MUCH simpler before I hit my writing hard. Well, I've always been a writer as far back as I can remember, but I hadn't taken it to the next level (which mindset makes ALL the difference). It is this: I am going to get myself published.
Before, I volunteered in all my kids' schools. I was a room mother. I volunteered as a cross-guard once a week. I helped at the birthday table. I was a hand-and-foot homework helper (now they need to find me if they have questions). My house was a bit more tidier, I did more things with my hubby (take walks, watched movies...). I volunteered to help people around my community.
Now, my world has gotten so much smaller. It's me, my laptop and my houseful of kids. I don't step out unless the fridge is groaning from starvation. Really. It's hard for me to find time to watch DVDs because I'd rather be writing, editing or networking.
Poor kidlets. I've struggled so badly to keep them in fair balance, I've literally had to swear off writing for weeks at a time so that I can return to myself!
How do you do it?
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20 comments:
Well, I don't have kids so I don't have your problem there - but I do have at least one cat who gets miffed if I don't pay her enough attention :P Does that count?!
What really sucks is when I have to choose between my love of writing and my love of getting enough sleep. hehe
I go through periods where I can't get to my desk fast enough, and periods where I can't even look at a blank page. Need to find a balance.
-mood
Balancing time is impossible. The best advice I ever read was - when you make the time to do something with the kids give them your total concentration. That way they mind the distraction a lot less.
But get enough sleep - this is your heart talking - sort of ;)
I hardly watch TV anymore because I'd rather be writing or at least on my laptop and trying to write. I live by myself so the only one I struggle with is me and sometimes I have to tell myself, "CLEAN!"
Oh, my. Can I relate to the shrinking world syndrome because of writing. It's a tough balance, and sometimes I have to step away from the laptop and take a break to be with the family. In reality, it really does refresh both me and my writing.
I don't know how writers with kids do it! Hats off to you, Elizabeth. And I'm sure your kids aren't starving or neglected.
what a whole you world I get to learn about here! I liked your post, and didn't know it was so tough! Thank you for sharing this one!
I am in AWE at all you wonderful mums!!!! You are all shiny beautiful and precious stars and are just amazing!!!!!
Yay for family!! Yay for mums!! Take care
x
I can totally relate to this post. My laundry piles up, the dishes accumulate, and my kids are crawling the walls. It will only get worse when summer comes and I can't use "it's cold outside" as an excuse to sit in front of the laptop. What ever will I do?
This gave me a chuckle. My kids usually call to say what we're doing. Then they give me a time and then they beat my doorbell to pieces. It's kind of fun. We always end up laughing.
MaryV
I really don't know the real balance between family and writing.. I tend to concentrate one on each day...thereby, somehow finding a weird way to work it out.
Following you from A-Z challenge!
Really admire anyone who can juggle children, home and something as absorbing as writing. I have only the ponies, dogs and chickens to please, but they all have their needs and regular routines to be followed, come what may. I'm sure your family is extremely well looked after - and happy that you're happy :-)
Thanks for the post
All best
Karla
I don't have kids, so I'm not beset by that time-consuming burden (and joyous aspect of life as well because I do have a beautiful niece!). But I have to juggle my writing pursuits (mostly, film ramblings) from other obligations: work, social engagements, sports, and other mundanities of life. As you long as you are passionate about it, it's easy work!
I commend you for your tenacity and hard-work!
thanks elizabeth for visiting. Look forward to sharing more.
Cadan
Got rid of the TV 25yrs ago...the radio is much more civilised and way less intrusive. The kids...??...they have been brought up to be independant and creative in thier own rights so they sort of look after themselves, and anyway, sooner a chilled out father who has done some painting than a stressed out one.
Cheers
Paul
PS; Good idea to make every "F" stand out.
I don't have kids yet, and I'm already "struggling" to balance long work days, husband, house, and the dog. I can't imagine how difficult it is going to be once I have kids.
Some other commenters mentioned getting rid of TV. We dropped cable in February and that has been a positive change. One less distraction.
Oh, and bonus points for Pikachu and Pichu! :)
I sometimes find it hard to find a constant balance with creative projects. Sometimes it seems as if so many hours go by while working, and then then so many days go by of not working on the creative process. I just visited again your illustration blog. Do you feel that painting and writing take the same consumption of time? Or do you feel a strong grip with the writing? :)
I understand what you're talking about. From the time I get up to the time I go to bed seems I'm always on the computer doing something. For a writer, office friends are online. It would be very lonely indeed without them.
Something that helps me is I save the weekends for my family and hardly turn on the computer. Helps to keep my world almost balanced, though I'm listing to one side. ;)
Hey my friend, I am right there with you. It is fun to be doing this blogging challenge with you!
Sheila Staley : Reviewer & Writer
Book reviews and Author Interviews at my blog at http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/
Oh no! I just spent about 13 minutes typing in individual responses to your comments and my computer freaks out and deleted them all. *SOB* I so sad...
I want to thank you guys for dropping by. I feel that no matter where we are in life, it's always about balance. It's tricky.
Take care and have a great weekend!
*HUGS*
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