The start of every new month is filled with anxiety and hope for me. The anxiety is that time is passing too quickly and there’s too much to do and I have no way of slowing it all down. The hope is that I have a fresh start to make it all happen.
That’s what happened to me on June 1st.
After a weekend spent with my parents eating and drinking and soaking up the sun, I was thinking, “Do you know what this Summer needs more of? Everything!” I was even planning the post I would write about it.
When I came down off of my vacation high, I realized that I’d had it exactly backwards. This Summer does not need more of everything. I’m driving myself crazy over here just thinking about all the stuff I should be doing now that I kind of have some time.
I really don’t have much time and trying to do everything is just leaving me stressed and confused.
I don’t have a one track mind, so no matter what, the other things in my life will not go anywhere, but instead of trying to journal, blog, read, work, run, jump, and soak up the sun more, I will just focus on writing the new novel. It’s what I want to do. I won’t have time to do it later. And focusing on one thing and actually getting somewhere will make me much happier than speed intervals of all the other things pulling at me.
I’m already one week in and it was a great decision.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I think this was a wonderful decision (and perhaps I should be taking a leaf out of your book!)! I’m glad it’s going great so far!
That is an awesome idea. I might try it myself.
I think that’s a great idea. To be honest, I feel like I’m feeling stressed and confused myself as I try to do all the things I want (or think I want) to do with my summer. But I should probably take a page from your book and really focus on something specific. You’re definitely being smart and thoughtful in taking this approach.
Found you through Stephany’s blog…
And I’m so with you – wanting to do more, be more of everything. But there’s only so much time in our days, so we have to prioritize and focus. So true!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts…I’m bookmarking you!
Abbie
This is great. I have been trying to cram so much into my summer already instead of finding the few things upon which I need to focus my time and energy. Namely, the thesis. I find all kinds of ways to avoid it. If I don’t finish it, I won’t graduate which means I can’t start the PhD program. But I also need to focus on minimizing and organizing before I move in August.
This is great advice. :) And we’re all here cheering you on as you write!
Good idea…summer should be easy. Maybe you can sneak one little trip in there too…somewhere even more remote to inspire and let you write even more :)
Good for you for focusing on one major project. I go through phases where I try to cram as much into a few days as I can using the “more” mentality. Then I do a 180 and completely focus on just doing one thing. For me the pendulum method seems to work and its been what my summer has been made of so far. Best of luck on the novel!!
Definitely a worthwhile decision Ashley! I approve!
I love that vacation high, and I’ll probably be feeling it next week when Walter and I are in Tennessee for our honeymoon, but I am NOT looking forward to the feeling of crashing when I get home and realize that just because I felt good for a few days doesn’t mean I can take on the world.
Good luck with your writing! I’m excited that you have the time to write this summer. :D
I think this is a fantastic idea; definitely embrace the now. I’m sure you’ll be glad that you’re writing the novel now instead of later. And hopefully you leak a few tidbits our way, or ask us for help in naming characters :)