But ever since I've really taken on writing as a full-time, part-time hobby, my life has changed. Priorities have shifted that maybe shouldn't have. (Okay, probably shouldn't have.) My evenings are spent glued to a laptop screen (and it IS beautiful...as is my backlit keyboard on my new MacBook...but I digress) instead of talking with my hubby. Now that this is to my attention - and I'm so glad it is - I have to do something about it.
Real people first. Characters second.
Of course, Christ is truly first. Perhaps if He hadn't slipped down the priority chain, real people wouldn't have. It's all about keeping your perspective, isn't it? I'm compelled to write. But I'm commanded to love.
It's that simple.
Q4U: Anyone else out there struggling with priorities surrounding your writing, job, family? How are you dealing with it?
17 comments:
Moving...uggh...
Yes, it's an ongoing battle for me. You said it well, Christ comes first. I remind myself I don't have to figure out the balance act by myself. All I have to do is pray.
Happy packing! (and writing!)
I pray the moves goes well for you!
Yep, I am definitely struggling with priorities. This is probably one of the reasons writing is so difficult for me. I have too many pans in the fire, so to speak. I don't have any advice for you however, since I haven't gotten it all figured out myself. Good luck though.
YES. And, I want to thank you for your honesty in this post! My husband's company moved us twice when I was over 8 months pregnant...made for some interesting moves. :D
I think the best cure for too many balls in the air is dropping some or learning which ones to hold, when. It's when I notice the faith/God ball on the ground that I know I'm really in for it.
Again, thanks for being authentic!
~ Wendy
This is why I don't write as fast as so many other people. When I sit down to type, I can bang out the words with the best of them. But so often, life takes precedence: faith, family, work, sleep, errands...
You just have to fit it when you can--be as deliberate as possible--but don't feel guilty about what you don't do. Feel good about what you do.
When we moved to my current home I had a two year old and a two week old. It was a challenge! Good luck, friend :)
And, I try to limit my writing time to when my husband and kids are otherwise occupied. I do my posting at night after the kids are in bed (I write from 9-midnight usually) It is certainly a challenge.
I've moved with toddlers...I know the stress! Last move I made (third in two and a half years) was with a 2 yr old and a 12 month old. Fun stuff.
I am forever struggling with priorities. Thing is I know the order of what my priorities should be, but sometimes I lose track, esp when it comes to writing.
Prayer has really helped. God keeps me in check.
I try and accommodate the living. It's the least I can do before I play pretend. :)
I definitely understand!! My post today says it all! I think it will always be a struggle to balance all of the things in our lives that demand our attention. I just keep praying for the wisdom to know how!
No wonder we haven't seen much of you at Writers_on_Writing. ;)
I'm so tempted to use every little minute I have on writing related things (critiquing, reading, writing, editing, blogging, writers' groups), so I have to be careful. It's not fair to my family. They want a part of me, too. LOL
However, once this "hobby" of mine becomes my career... Watch out, people! Then, I'll NEED more writing time. Of course, by then, the twins will probably be in school, but you never know...
Lynnette Labelle
http://lynnettelabelle.blogspot.com
I have to admit that my priorities shift around a lot. My life is constantly changing, and other things have to change with it. I think the best thing to do is step back and reprioritize often.
See, today, I have about 60 blog posts to go through. I would normally comment on most of those, but today I have to just to read and move on. Other things are taking priority. But I had to stop and comment here. Great post. Thanks!
Yes!!! Prioritizing hard! Just tonight I was detailing my writing plan/goal to my husband and while he really wants me to write, he cautioned me to be there for the kids. They are all teens and they still need their mom. (They may not always think so, but I still need to be available!) Such a balancing act and probably a struggle for everyone.
A time for everything.
I've had to wait until they were all out of the house. But the good news is that by then I had a ton of started stories to complete.
Sometimes it is a matter of learning to get up an hour earlier, write during kids naps, during lunch hour at work.
Good luck with your move, you have been on my mind a lot and I am sending along lots of prayers for your transition.
wow. Thanks y'all for the encouragement and prayers. That means a lot. Please keep sending them up for me even though I'll be MIA next week some. Love my writing friends.
It's so easy to slip up. Some days are easier than others. I think the important thing is to be aware of what we're doing and how we're making family members feel.
Sounds like you're handling things fine. :-)
Have fun with the toddler. LOL!
Hey Jeannie, I'm late to comment because of this very reason...balance. I've been in a season where my kids and church needed me more than usual, and the writing has had to take the backseat for a time. There will be another time when I can pour more of myself into the writing, but even in those seasons, there is always dinner, laundry, and life. But I've learned that sometimes it isn't just about balancing writing and family during my day, but over longer periods. I have to trust God to help me with that.
Best wishes for your move!
i'm w/ you, girl. but only God can help -- I keep my list of affirmations handy, the ones that remind me that i really do make a difference in my students' lives: i want to keep ever forefront that i must show love and compassion and understanding at every turn... And as for writing, sometimes that takes the back burner to the teaching vocation :)
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