I am one of those busy people
who manages 3 teenagers (one at University), 2 part-time jobs, a fledgling
writing career and a new editing business as well as a husband. Yes, I am my
own special kind of crazy and can cause myself all sorts of stress. I also make
sure to create all kinds of joy in my life to keep some semblance of balance.
During a really busy, extremely
stressful, time in my life recently, I took the time to make a list of the
things that relaxed me and gave me joy. This list is in no particular order,
but simply as they popped into my head.
1.
Baking Cookies
~ I don't do this enough because of the
inevitable side effect - I eat them!
2.
Laughing
~ the light-hearted, silly moments are
the ones that inspire me the most and open the creative portal.
3.
Snuggling with my cat
~ our furry baby was a rescue animal 9
years ago as a newborn kitten. He's funny, chatty, and always seems to know
when anyone needs a hug.
4.
My kids
~ good, bad, or ugly, the kids are
always entertaining to some degree and a constant source of laughter, hugs and
inspiration in my life.
5.
My friends
~ coffee dates and lunches aren't as
common as they used to be so I savor every one. My friends all know I write (as
to many of them!), they all know I use the best lines they toss out at me, and
they all know I treasure every one of them!
6.
Yoga
~ I love yoga to restore my body and
spirit - my mind I'm still working on. Mind tends to be a wild horse that does
NOT want to be reined in and constantly needs the gentle reminder to be still.
I seek the calming effect, which helps me focus on my writing later.
7.
Christmas Movies
~ Okay, I admit it. I'm a Christmas
movie junkie, especially those made-for-TV movies. Have you ever noticed about
95% of them feature writers?
8.
Walking
~ A great moving meditation, I love as
how my feet move, my brain sweeps out the bad thoughts and lets my creativity
flow - just when I have no pen or paper within reach!
9.
Martial Arts
~ my hubby and kids did karate for 6
years before I started nearly 3 years ago. Another form of moving meditation,
students are trained to empty their minds, yet be aware of everything around
them.
10.
Writing
~ My Happy Place! When the rest of the
world is getting me down, or life gets out of control, I find escaping to write
is one of the best ways to regain my joy, calm my spirit, and find my focus.
As
the New Year begins and the glitter and busy-ness of the Holiday Season fades,
we all need to find take a deep breath and return to being the creative souls
we are. This year, make Joy your constant companion. Find the awe and wonder in
the little things and make your own list of the things that make you happy for
those days you'd rather tear the world - imaginary or otherwise - apart.
My wish for all of you in 2015 is to learn
how to stop once and a while and just breathe.
Happy New Year!
Author of
the Wild Blue Mysteries Series
~ The
Bookstore Lady
~ The
Mystery Lady
~ The Bakery
Lady
....more
coming soon!
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Nice post and good luck with your story-telling. I've enjoyed your books
ReplyDeleteExactly the kind of reminders we all need at this time of year. Thank you Diane for a very timely post, and for a fascinating glimpse into your life as a mom, friend, wife, baker, family fitness guru and last but definitely not least writer.
ReplyDeleteHi Diane,
ReplyDeleteYou seem to have a very sensible approach to life. The older we get the busier we seem to get.