Originally, I was going to pick back up with writing today because I am done with my portion of edits for The Earl’s Bluestocking Bride. Then I got sick. It’s not a head cold, though that is what I expected at first. Whatever is happening is in my sinuses and, to a lesser extend, in my lungs. It’s come with some headaches. So I am sure this is the result of stress.
I pushed myself too hard in July. At first, I was trying to write while editing. Then I was taking the Author Summit online conference while editing. Then I was finishing the narration for The Hero Least Likely while editing. I could feel that I was doing too much but had trouble saying “no” because there was so much to do. There’s still so much to do. But I have to learn to step back and tell myself no.
I have decided that I will take August off from writing. I will still be working. So I’m not technically going anywhere. I just need to tend to the stuff that often gets moved to the side while I’m in my writing and editing mode. This is mostly the business end of things. Mostly, I need to get back into the walking that I haven’t been doing in June and July due to the heat. I don’t do well in heat, but I need to suck it up and deal with it because I’m sure not walking has contributed why I’m sick right now. Walking is the best way I’ve found to manage stress. The stress can’t be fully helped. Not when I have a husband and four sons who usually come to me with whatever is bothering them. I appreciate the fact that they feel comfortable enough with me to do that, but sometimes their frustrations get “stuck” to me, and I need a way of shaking it off. Also, writing is really like any other job with its own forms of stressors. I have found some relaxation in cooking meals from scratch and experimenting with different ingredients. I have found just cutting up fruits and vegetables has a nice soothing effect. However, nothing beats walking. There is something about physical exercise that helps the mind relax.
Alright. so with all of that aside, I still want to blog, and I need to get to emails. I have let the emails pile up. That’s a form of stress in itself, and I get overwhelmed. It doesn’t help that I struggle for a good half hour to an hour on even what to say. It should be easy since I’m a writer, but this isn’t fiction. But I will start in on the emails tomorrow. I will hopefully get to the Monthly Newsletter blog tomorrow, too. I have some ideas for this blog that I’ve been wanting to do, and since I won’t be writing, I think I can finally get to them this month. So you’ll still see me around in August. 🙂
I wish I could take off writing for a month! I got too stressed out when I tried to take a semester off to focus on school. I hope for you, it’s at least invigorating and relaxing.
I wish I could keep writing. My income suffers so much when I don’t have a new book out, and I have only been able to get two out so far this year. I wish money didn’t have to factor into the equation. Not being able to write presents a form of stress in itself, but my body is demanding I rest.
Did it stress you out because you wanted to write but couldn’t?
Yes. Also, it was a stressful semester, and writing is a form of stress relief for me, so it only made me more stressed.
I can see that. Sorry it was such a stressful semester.
Thanks. It was such a long time ago, though. I’m better now, and I’ve learned my lesson.
Dear Ruth, please take care of yourself. Feel better, be well. God’s Blessings and all the best. I’m three quarters through my first draft of Cole’s story, the sequel to Angels in my corner. I finally finished listening to your “The Hero Least Likely” and loved seeing Zeke become the hero least likely. I commented on your website and messaged you. Gave it five stars and a review on Amazon. How many books is it now, 100 and counting? You are amazing! But your health and family come first. Take care. You are loved and needed. DorothyPaula
I’m glad you’ve made so much progress in Cole’s story! I bet that feels good. 😀 Thanks for everything. You’re such a sweet person!!
It sounds like you got exactly what I got when I was sick. I’m just now getting over it. I had respiratory problems and bad headaches. I gave it to my husband, and he ended up having bronchitis on one side and pneumonia in the other. He went to the doctor. I didn’t. He got over it in about three days. Mine lasted over a week. So going to the doctor for something like this is probably a good idea!
I know what you mean by taking off a while. Sometimes you just have to. Get some rest, walk when you feel like it, and you’ll be refreshed and ready to go in September!
I suspect I had this a few years back when I had sinus issues for a couple of months. I think the stress I was under pulled the virus back out. Since walking in the sun and doing some intermittent fasting with some adjustments to my diet, I have felt a lot better. I need to go through and figure out what stuff to keep doing and what stuff to stop doing. I know I have put too much on my plate.
Glad to read you are going to put your mind on the list to make sure you can come back in September refreshed and raring to go.
From your lips to God’s ears. 😀 Thanks!