When real life gets "in the way"
I find myself in a particularly busy season of life. This is due, in large part, to an abundance of blessings. Three of those blessings are ages six, three, and five months. The other blessings are writing (for pay!) deadlines and a new home.
This week is crazy. We are going to be closing on that new home this week (I hope! I pray!), and not only have I never done this before, but I don’t deal well with “winging it.” Home closings, apparently, involve a lot of eleventh-hour facilitating, and I’m finding myself stretched in a far different way than I ever have been before.
I’m relying on other people–people I love, people who love me, but still, other people–to get a lot of the must-do things done.
In my perfect world, I’m self-sufficient. I’m able to battle life with my glowing sword and still get a full night’s sleep.
Real life, however, looks a little different than my perfect world, and I’m starting to realize that maybe what GOD has in mind is better than what SARAH has in mind.
I’m not the first–or the last–blogger to find myself suddenly needing a break (or a really quick solution!) to deal with my real life. In fact, this isn’t the first time this has happened to me.
So here’s how I deal with it:
1. I pray. A lot. No joke. It’s taken me a number of years to realize that this has to be my first response to chaos and stress. And even though blogging might seem like, well, nothing all that serious, but maybe that makes it even more important for me to turn to God.
2. Dip into my archives. I’ve been blogging a while, and sometimes, craziness just means I rerun something from my archives. An alternative to this is to post something easy, like a quote or a guest post (if there’s one waiting for me).
3. I work ahead. I do this a lot anyway, but I am even more conscientious of scheduling posts with plenty of time ahead when I know my offline life is going to be extra demanding.
4. Take a break. This always seems unthinkable at first, but–whaddaya know?–the internet doesn’t even notice when I’m gone for a few days or weeks! Who knew? (Lesson in humility anyone?)
—
Sarah Reinhard, author of Welcome Baby Jesus: Advent & Christmas Reflections for Families, is a Catholic wife, mom, blogger, reader, and farm girl who can be found online at SnoringScholar.com.
- Seal of Approval 3rd Quarter 2013 Notice - June 27, 2013
- A closer look at blogging stats and how to improve them - May 8, 2013
- The simple steps to getting a blog - April 24, 2013
Re-runs and YouTube. Who can say "No" to a talking dog now and again? I also do double-duty, posting some of my guest blogs on my blog at a later date. In fact, you gave me a great idea for this summer. Thanks!
I like your list, Sarah. At the beginning of the year, I realized I tried to post to often which sapped my creative energy and desire. Since then, I've set a loose, weekly goal which I can change anytime I need. I feel less stressed out about my posts and I think I'm posting more or at least the same as I was when I was a bundle of nerves. 🙂 It's weird how a simple perspective shift can change something that was weighing me down.
I also schedule–in advance–two blogging fasts a year (something I wasn't dong before). And you are so right, no one misses me much. 🙂
PS–I love this sight!
PSS–A friend of mine–also a religious sister who is much more balanced in her approach to life than I–helped me with these resolutions. Sadly, I couldn't figure them out on my own. How's that for cluelessness?
I'm just quiet for awhile and then post a sheepish explanation. Like this. 🙂
Suggestion #1 is my favorite…and the one I most often forget to do. Loved your line about "starting to realize that maybe what GOD has in mind is better than what SARAH has in mind." Ah, such wisdom.
I, too, set a loose weekly goal. I try to blog twice a week, but the reality is that that only happens on a regular basis in the summer when I am on hiatus from my full-time job.
Feel free to "guest" on my blog any time! I'll gladly take a vintage post – it'll be new to my readers and less stressful for you!
i cover EVERYTHING in prayer. (i've learned the hard way.)
i have to constantly remind myself of why i blog….to share my memories and JOY not to create memories or false joy.
i pray to be completely wrapped up in HIM in all I do. it helps to have my husband keep me focused and pull the cord if need be. 🙂
Great ideas! Thanks for chiming in, everyone!
First, congrats on your new home. As someone who has closed on three houses over the years, it's not that bad. But it helps to allow for free time and flexibility on closing day.
As for blogging, I try to plan ahead if I anticipate a busy period. Trouble is, busy periods have a way of sneaking up on you. My usual solution: photo posts. I try to take a photo that relates to my life at the moment and post it with a brief comment.
Good luck!
You nailed it, Suzanne. And you saved the day…I was just looking for something to carry over a post I've been working on and that photo idea will do it! 🙂 (I admittedly took a bit of a lighthearted approach to it…)
Due to the limited nature of our posts I fin it difficult. I'll have many ideas and about 1/2 come to fruition due to the time period and it's relative stress during which they're hatched. I have yet to find an answer. Your post helps and so does Evernote.