Sometimes, we have too much going on and we’re stressed from life. During those times, it’s absolutely okay to not write.
I’ll say it again. Slower.
It. Is. Okay. Not. To. Write.
If you’re stressed beyond belief.
If what’s happening in the world is sucking you dry.
If struggles cropped up in your life out of the blue and have left you shaken or exhausted or beaten.
It. Is. Okay. Not. To. Write.
A common problem that so many people have is prioritizing their responsibilities incorrectly. I used to have this problem. In Sylvia Brown’s book Soul’s Perfection, she suggests creating a list that answers the question “Where does my time go?” Then create a second list, this time ask yourself "Where should my time go?"
The first time I did it, possibly 2016, this was what I came up with:
Where does my time go?
1. Blogging
2. Marketing
3. Procrastinating
4. Writing
5. Reading
Where should my time go?
1. Writing
2. Learning/Reading
3. Relaxing
4. Marketing
5. Blogging
Years later, in 2018, I tried it again.
Where does my time go?
1. Marketing
2. Blogging
3. Reading
4. Editing
5. Writing
Where should my time go?
1. Writing
2. Reading
3. Blogging
4. Editing
5. Marketing
In 2020:
Where does my time go?
1. Writing
2. Editing
3. Learning/Reading
4. Marketing
5. Artistic Pursuits
Where should my time go?
1. Writing
2. Editing
3. Learning/Reading
4. Marketing
5. Artistic Pursuits
Did you notice that in 2020 I finally had my priorities right?
If you make daily/weekly/monthly to-do lists, consider tossing out the TO-DO list and replacing it with a DON’T-DO list, because, honestly, we need more reminders not to do certain things, especially when it comes to ourselves. We do things to ourselves and our creativity all the time, easily, without even thinking, and usually those things are damaging. It's time to stop obsessing over creating to-do lists for never-ending tasks and time to honor ourselves and our creativity with DON'T DO lists.
Consider These Items for Your DON’T-DO List:
Don’t beat yourself up for not writing.
Don’t work until you drop. Take breaks. Listen to your body and mind.
Don’t rush. Go your own pace.
Don’t put off important tasks. Do them first.
Don’t try to do everything. You’re only human. Get help. Outsource.
Don’t try to please everyone. Please yourself.
Don't get pressured into doing what everyone else is doing.
Don’t dwell on the past.
Don't punish yourself for not meeting a goal.
Don’t let the fear of failure keep you from moving forward.
Don’t accept anything short of what you deserve.
Don’t believe someone else’s lies about you.
Don’t remain silent.
Don't overthink.
Don’t be who you are not.
This is Avrianna Heavenborn:
Review for Ghost of Death:“Avrianna is an intriguing character, not only because she can see ghosts, but also because at times, her eyes glow green. She was also found at sea, abandoned as a baby. I think readers would want to know more about her.” – Sherry Ellis, VINE VOICE
