Almost is Such a Weird Word…

Image by Irina_kukuts from Pixabay

A writer’s life is not what I thought it would be in the beginning.

Maybe years ago, it was what I imagined, but in these digital times, it has changed so radically from that idyllic, if rather a romantic, notion of what being a writer would be like.

These days, we all wear so many different hats, it’s a wonder we get around to writing anything.

What with the constant struggle to write interesting posts, review all the books we read; trying to find new and practical promotional ideas.

Not to mention all the thinking, worrying, emails and planning, there are not enough hours in the day!

So when I read about organising my life better, my interest was aroused! In this POST, the author recommends assigning different days for specific jobs and not deviating from this agenda. I thought this could work, but not sure about using an alarm clock to keep me on track!

I have long attempted to devise a routine that would help me to get more done, but the harder I try, the more complicated it seems to be and the slower I seem to get.

I have always had a problem with rules and restrictions. Or instead, fate seems to have on my behalf. The minute I decide on a certain idea, timetable or schedule, you can just bet something, or someone will come along and wreck it!

I try to be more productive, especially with my writing, and one of the ways I have found that actually works is to try and write 1000 words every day. As I am up long before anyone else in my family, I usually manage this easily, so in one area, at least, I have it covered. As for everything else, I have almost given up hope as I cannot find a solution that works. I have almost concluded that it may not be possible to go much further, and it might be sensible to stop trying.

Almost is such a weird word, isn’t it?


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Responses

  1. Alicia Butcher Ehrhardt Avatar

    All these systems require one thing: a human who is physically and mentally capable of implementing them.

    I can’t. It’s very restful sometimes. You do the best you can when you can – and dump the angst – because there’s nothing else you can do.

    When I was younger, I could – and was. The rotating card file for chores, the lists, the … well, you get the idea. The BASEBOARDS in my house had a time-slot to get dusted! But chronic illness and disability upend everything, and if you let that get you, you’re doomed.

    Today, if at all possible, my writing comes first, because that is the source of the joy (I’m grumpy because life has been making that impossible for a while).

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Words on Paper Avatar

      I think this is the answer, concentrate on what you think is important and let the rest slide…

      Liked by 2 people

  2. Jan Sikes Avatar

    I SO relate to this, Jaye Marie. You described me to a Tee! I too have always struggled with rules and restrictions. I think that all stems back to my childhood and growing up in a strict religious home where everything was forbidden. It’s hard to juggle everything and my writing is most often the thing that suffers the most. At the rate I’m going, I’ll never get this new book written. Sigh. I need an intervention!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Words on Paper Avatar

      Now that Summer seems to have decided to show up, I’m sure a little enthusiasm won’t be far behind, at least I hope so!

      Liked by 2 people

  3. D. Wallace Peach Avatar

    I would love to have a schedule and be able to stick with it. I’d even use an alarm clock or timer if it would help. But life just doesn’t work that way for me. I’m running around like a nutcase most of the time. I’m going to pop over to Ari’s and see if she can pin me down. And great to hear that you’re writing. That’s huge! Keep it up.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Words on Paper Avatar

      I used to be proud of my organisational abilities, but the last two years have done away with all of that. I count myself lucky if I manage to finish anything these days…

      Liked by 1 person

      1. D. Wallace Peach Avatar

        It’s hard to stay organized when things feel (and are) beyond much of your control. I followed the link and made myself a schedule! Now to see if it lasts for more than 3 days. :-D

        Liked by 2 people

        1. Words on Paper Avatar

          I was surprised to hear that you need a schedule, you always seem so in control…

          Liked by 1 person

          1. D. Wallace Peach Avatar

            Ha! Well, I suppose that’s good, but it’s so far from the truth! I spend most of my days frazzled and running from one task to another. It’s why breaks are so vital. I can’t turn off the switch without them.

            Liked by 1 person

            1. Words on Paper Avatar

              This past year, I have come to learn how important breaks are…

              Liked by 1 person

  4. Ari Avatar

    Thanks for sharing the link to my article. It can be hard getting into a productive routine and sometimes we just have to try lots of different methods until the one that works best for us, our circumstances etc sticks. :)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Words on Paper Avatar

      I have always been good at routines and organising, but my world fell apart two years ago and then the pandemic arrived. Life just hasn’t been the same since…

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Ari Avatar

        I’m sorry to hear things fell apart a few years ago. I hope things are getting better for you.

        I understand in a way, when I lost my sister in 2020, everything seemed to change. I can’t seem to keep to things like I used to, things just are “aligning” and things I once found easy and enjoyable are still so hard to do.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Words on Paper Avatar

          In a way, some things are better, but not others , but nothing we can do about those, unfortunately…

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Ari Avatar

            Wishing you all the best

            Like

  5. Sue Dreamwalker Avatar

    I used to try to cram order into chaos juggling so many things all at once..
    Now I just follow my intuition and allow myself to go with the flow. And things still get completed just without all the stress I created for myself..
    Do what you feel inspired to do , and let the rest fall into place.. 💚💖💚

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Words on Paper Avatar

      Go with the flow used to be my mantra, maybe it should be again…

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Pooja G Avatar

    I’m horrible at rules and restrictions too and having a routine is difficult for me. Now that I’m working I have been forced to have at least somewhat of a routine which has helped me be more productive but it can also be exhausting.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Words on Paper Avatar

      I just wish there was more time, that would be lovely…

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Pooja G Avatar

        Yeah I wish that too. It seems no matter how many hours there are in a day it’s never enough.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Words on Paper Avatar

          Never enough… sounds like a song…

          Liked by 1 person

  7. Chris Hall Avatar

    That is exactly how it is! Not enough hours, too much to do. I love my blogging life and I love my writing life… then there are all the things we feel we should do. I need to decide to ‘drop a few balls’; but which? All advice welcome!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Words on Paper Avatar

      This is my problem, Chris. Life decided to drop most of the balls for me, and no matter how hard I try, I’m having trouble picking them up…

      Liked by 1 person

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