Hello, friends! I hope your holiday preparations are going well. I've been on a surprise writing hiatus. "Surprise" because I didn't plan for it, even though it has been just what I needed.
Not long ago, I turned in the first draft for the Parent Hacks book. It felt so good to complete this huge step in the long process of creating this book. Two days later was my 46th birthday. It was a good week. It felt like exhaling after months of holding my breath.
I had no idea how mentally tired I was. My expected short break turned into an unexpected longer one.
Discovery: after long periods of focused, productive work -- "output" mode -- I need a balancing period of "input" mode.
I need to read, listen, and plug back in. Reconnect with friends (I've been a social media fiend). Go through the piles of mail. Read my blog feeds. Disengage from linear, project-driven thought and float back into ideas and metaphors and plans.
By now I should know myself better and plan for a break. But it caught me by surprise yet again.
My first impulse was to scold myself for not being more systematic and disciplined in my work. I often envy those habit-driven writers who have daily writing goals and productivity systems.
But I'm trying not to be too hard on myself. I do have goals and systems, and my life is more-or-less in order. It just takes me a while to change gears. I'm coming to accept my way of working so I can better plan for it next time around.
Things will be pretty mellow here the rest of the month. Good things are brewing. January 2015 is gonna be fun around here.
In the meantime, if you feel like chatting, come find me on Facebook (click "follow"), Twitter and Instagram. You know I love hanging out with you.
Happy holidays to you and your family...and a bright new year for us all.
Love,
Asha
P. S. If you need a little help with your holiday preparation, here's a great list of holiday hacks.
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