Thanks Saralyn. I could have added so many things to the list. Besides readers, my community of writers like you bring me joy every day. PS, I'm loving Murder Outside the Box! I'll leave a review in the next few days.
Thanks for sharing your journey to a calmer, blessed life. I combat stress by reducing the "shoulds." I celebrate my achievements at the end of each day, try not to force a writing schedule but write when the detectives call. And it's more than okay to take some time off to have coffee or lunch with a friend. It gets me out of myself and removes the blinders from my eyes! That's when I'm open to new ideas.
Thanks for sharing, Sherrill! Every day I try to listen to that inner voice telling me what I "have" to get done. When that word pops into mind I change it to "will enjoy" or "want to". Because there's no one cracking that whip but me. And I always feel better when I have fun completing my work.
I think all of us over-achievers nmourn the failures more than celebrating the successes. There is always something more we could have done. Good advice, Tracey, and a long marriage is quite an achievement. I've been married a long time too--40 years in June. The book sounds like something I should read. If I only had time.
40 years! Congratulations! And FYI, the book is a journal - minimal reading required (4 pages?)- and the 5 minutes a day it takes to complete the prompts, priceless.
I'm always up for a cup of coffee/tea with a friend or writer acquaintance. I'm also always up for a cup just with me when I need to be. I monitor my own obligations because life can suddenly feel overwhelming with too many meetings and "shoulds." Egads, so many Zoom meetings. Right? Enough already, LOL. And lean on others; they're leaning on others already if they're savvy. I'm meeting with friends for lunch today and one thing we do every few weeks is assess how happy we feel with what we're doing. I love that!
I love the idea of meeting with friends to discuss what's good in our lives! Sometimes my friends and I become sounding boards for each other's problems. I'd like to flip the switch. Make the meet-up an uplifting joyful event. Let's catch up some time in person, Christine (not zoom)!
You're so welcome, Colleen. I think as artists/writers, we set high expectations and (maybe?) think it will be easy to achieve our goals without too much hair pulling. I'm trying to see victories in little things such as getting a good night's sleep and avoid focusing on what went wrong. Hope this helps.
Wonderful and meaningful post. And your friends and readers are also blessed because of you.
Thanks Saralyn. I could have added so many things to the list. Besides readers, my community of writers like you bring me joy every day. PS, I'm loving Murder Outside the Box! I'll leave a review in the next few days.
Also, Sarah Breathnach and Simple Abundance helped me get a handle on my stress.
Ooh! I'll check it out!
I worked for sixteen years trying to get an agent and publisher. If you put out that intent, it will happen.
Thanks Margaret! That's what I'm doing. And enjoying the process in the meantime. :)
I like your idea of changing "I have" to "will enjoy" or "want to." I'm going to use those, too!
It makes a difference!
I'm sure it does! Positivity all the way can make your heart sing.
Thanks for sharing your journey to a calmer, blessed life. I combat stress by reducing the "shoulds." I celebrate my achievements at the end of each day, try not to force a writing schedule but write when the detectives call. And it's more than okay to take some time off to have coffee or lunch with a friend. It gets me out of myself and removes the blinders from my eyes! That's when I'm open to new ideas.
Thanks for sharing, Sherrill! Every day I try to listen to that inner voice telling me what I "have" to get done. When that word pops into mind I change it to "will enjoy" or "want to". Because there's no one cracking that whip but me. And I always feel better when I have fun completing my work.
I think all of us over-achievers nmourn the failures more than celebrating the successes. There is always something more we could have done. Good advice, Tracey, and a long marriage is quite an achievement. I've been married a long time too--40 years in June. The book sounds like something I should read. If I only had time.
40 years! Congratulations! And FYI, the book is a journal - minimal reading required (4 pages?)- and the 5 minutes a day it takes to complete the prompts, priceless.
I'm always up for a cup of coffee/tea with a friend or writer acquaintance. I'm also always up for a cup just with me when I need to be. I monitor my own obligations because life can suddenly feel overwhelming with too many meetings and "shoulds." Egads, so many Zoom meetings. Right? Enough already, LOL. And lean on others; they're leaning on others already if they're savvy. I'm meeting with friends for lunch today and one thing we do every few weeks is assess how happy we feel with what we're doing. I love that!
I love the idea of meeting with friends to discuss what's good in our lives! Sometimes my friends and I become sounding boards for each other's problems. I'd like to flip the switch. Make the meet-up an uplifting joyful event. Let's catch up some time in person, Christine (not zoom)!
I am your friend, to call upon during up or down times, to listen over a cup of coffee. I am right here, my friend.
Thanks Nick! You're the best! Down times are in the rear view mirror. I'm building the skills to shake off stress and move forward with poise.
You're so welcome, Colleen. I think as artists/writers, we set high expectations and (maybe?) think it will be easy to achieve our goals without too much hair pulling. I'm trying to see victories in little things such as getting a good night's sleep and avoid focusing on what went wrong. Hope this helps.