When I was writing my dissertation, I tried my best to let go of all that was unimportant.
I always wanted more time to be with my kids and to do that I had to let go of all but the essential aspects of my teaching. I wasn’t perfect. Even though I tried to compartmentalize, class preparation and paper grading bled into dissertation time and dissertation time bled into family time. But when the choice was to spend more time on each paper or hold the line on grading and spend time with my kids, I did my best to cut corners on the grading.
I knew that my kids needed to eat good food, do their homework, have activities in their lives about which they were passionate, and know that they meant the world to me. I wrapped my arms around my kids and let go of a lot of other things.
Mainly what I let go of was any notion of a perfectly kept house, or even a well kept house. I was ecstatic with whatever anyone did that would move us all one inch closer to a clean house.
Long before I heard of FlyLady and her Ultimate Timer (www.flylady.net), I had cleaning blitzes. I would decide that whatever I could get done in 10 minutes would be all that needed to be done. Bathrooms—5 minutes should be all that was needed to spray cleaning fluids here and there and wipe them up. Sweeping the main floor of the house—5 minutes tops.
I also had to protect myself from situations that would drive me over the brink. I couldn’t open my house to family members who unexpectedly decided our house would be a good place to stay for their spring vacation. I had to ask for help and understanding.
Where are you drawing the line so that you can get some writing done and also take care of yourself and others in your life? I’d love to hear from you.
I have something that will be of help. Go to www.nwcoaching.com and get a free sign-up bonus when you subscribe to my Smart Tips for Writers e-newsletter.
Until next time,
Nancy
www.nwcoaching.com