I’m just back from a major spring cleaning of the brain. Sometimes a writing retreat in the wilds of Northumberland is just the thing to blow the cobwebs away and recharge your creative bits and bobs, but this time it was more of an escape from reality that was needed. Or maybe a step into an ideal world? One where phones don’t ring much because the signal’s pants, and the sun shines, and the tide always seems to be out. Where breakfast appears every day as if by magic bursting with calories and yummyness and you get to read whenever you like.
It sounds perfect, doesn’t it? And so it was, but now real life has kicked in. I’ve just given up the day job but instead of the wide expanse of writing time, swimming, walking, pilates, the odd bit of housework and loads of wine/cake/both, there seems to have been a big dollop of worry lurking in the wings. You can’t predict when the people you love will be taking a nose-dive and needing propping up, can you?
So, on to Plan B. I’m hoping to map out every day to have writing hours in it as well as doling-out-TLC-and-nourishing-soup time. The next chapter is going to be one where every hour counts. And that means ditching the panster tag and being…organised? Well, let’s just see how it goes…
Celia
The Romaniacs 
Remember you really do need ‘you’ time when you’re in that role, Celia. For me that’s my writing time. Sometimes, it might have to slip, yes, but it’s important to take that time whenever you can. Good luck, lovely! 🙂 xx
Thank you Sheryl – just one of those bumpy bits of the road at the moment! Good to hear from you
Celia xx
Sorry to hear about the worry creeping in there… I hope all’s okay. And yes, time for yourself is just as important, even if it’s harder to justify to yourself. You have to be in a good place if you want to help others, so keep a bit of space for yourself. And enjoy it. x
Am enjoying it most of the time, and all this will pass…the sea was wonderful! You ok, Terri?
C xx
Since giving up work, I have to confess writing has taken over my everyday life. It’s like I’ve substituted this for my previous Office Manager’s role. So I’m working hard now to achieve that very sensible balance I need. I don’t have family to worry about any longer, but there are friends who sometimes need a shoulder and there’s no question of my not putting that as a priority should it arise. Unfortunately creative moments can’t be caged into a time slot and very often when I should be doing something domestic I’m drawn back to the PC. I do, however, get out for lunch at least once a week but at the moment the weekends are still reserved for cleaning, washing, ironing and all the other domestic goddess chores, just as they were when I was working. Old habits, it seems, are hard to break! I think structure is good Celia, something firm enough to set aside time for certain things, yet with the flexibility required when the need arises…xx
Great advice,Jo – it’s lovely to hear from someone who’s been and still is there!
Celia xx