When you get to this point - 3 months or so before the release date of a new book, things start heating up. I have a list of things to do in the coming weeks to gear up for the release of CHASING BROOKLYN.
On top of that, I have a new manuscript I want to revise and a new idea for a verse novel I want to flush out and try some sample pages.
This would all be great if I had 40 hours a week to work on the promotion and the writing. But I don't. I'm lucky if I have 10 hours a week. And work is crazy busy right now, so I get home exhausted and don't want to do anything except curl up with a book or a favorite TV show.
On my walk at 5:30 this morning, as I came down the hill, clouds weaving their way across the sky, I just had this feeling that everything will be okay. I'd been thinking about all of this, the familiar feeling of worry rising up in me as I wondered how I could get everything done. My normal response to this is to remind myself that I just have to take it one day at a time. Don't worry about tomorrow - just focus on today. What needs to be done today? With any extra time, what do I want to accomplish today?
This morning, my to-do list circling around in my brain, I stopped, looked at the sky, and a sense of calmness washed over me. I was reminded, once again, in nature's subtle way, I am not alone. And it will be okay. I have to trust that it's not going to be like this forever. And so, I took a deep breath and kept walking.
That's what I have to do every day. When it all seems overwhelming, take a deep breath, remember I'm not alone, and just keep going, knowing the hard work is going to pay off someday
This post makes me think of the hauntingly beautiful song, "You'll Never Walk Alone." It's true, on many levels, we are not alone. For me, the most calming of places is within a natural environment, whether it is a beach, desert, forest or mountain. I love to feel a part of the planet, the universe.
ReplyDeleteWishing you found moments for all that is ahead and a wonderful book release.
I take my Mantra from a Monk episode (great show if you ever have time to watch it.) There's an episode where there's a garbage strike and Monk (being OCD) has a melt down and decides he's going to clean up all the trash in San Francisco "one bag at a time." It's a hilarious, and it sort of became a joke between me and my husband. Every time we start to panic about how much we have to do, we just look at each other and say "One Bag at a Time." And it always makes me smile, which then helps me to step back and relax. And that's the most important thing.
ReplyDeleteWhen you're relaxed you accomplish so much more. So I'm glad your walk this morning helped you with that. Hang in there! It will pay of, I'm sure of it.
Hi Lisa :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this post.
I'm glad you aren't letting things get you too frazzled.
I love Shannon's comment on "One Bag At A Time".
:)
All the best,
RKCharron
xoxo
I completely relate to this, Lisa. And the advice you're giving yourself? I'm going to borrow it and tell myself the same. The hard work will pay off, I do believe that. Especially for you.
ReplyDelete