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| Picture courtesy Wikimedia Commons |
I’ve previously highlighted some of the struggles my daughter is going through in high school. I’m happy to say she seems to have weathered the worst of it, but now she’s faced with the daunting prospect of making up all those assignments she missed. She’s feeling rather overwhelmed at the moment, and even though my wife and I are doing everything we can to support her, it’s going to be an long uphill battle for her. Unfortunately, she’s creeping toward the mindset that if she ignores the situation long enough, it will somehow all just go away.
In some ways, I know what she’s going through. Although I’ve finally settled into my new job, I haven’t really settled into a routine, which means my writing related projects are falling behind schedule. I’m struggling to keep up with my monthly submissions to my two local crit groups. I haven’t sent anything to my crit partner for months. (Sorry Sher!) I haven’t logged into my online crit group for over a month, partly because I’m afraid of how many crits are stacked up in my inbox. I haven’t written a promised book review for a book I finished at the beginning of summer. And at the moment I’m desperately trying to finish beta-reading another author’s book by the end of this week. Heck, even this post was written at the last minute.
I keep telling my daughter that if she just keeps chipping away at the pile of work, it will eventually get done. True enough, but as I’m learning firsthand, it’s a lot easier said than done. Hopefully, I can be a good role model for her.
ChemistKen
Your family has been thought so much that it's no surprise you have fallen behind on projects. I can understand your frustration but try to be kind to yourself and give yourself a break. (Easier said than done, I know!) I've no doubt you are a great role model for your daughter. Take care!
ReplyDeleteIt does suck when it all piles up. Just prioritize and work on one thing at a time.
ReplyDeleteGlad your daughter is doing better.
I totally hear you on the easier said than done. Playing catch up is a tough one. At this time, I've got Elsa in my head belting out "Let it Go!" Granted, that's not always possible or feasible, but there might be something you can let go to give that time to something else.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with your role modeling!
I'm glad things have improved for her. Tell her to put on blinders and break it down into smaller tasks. Then one task at a time. That usually helps me.
ReplyDeleteWhen things happen in life, it's hard to keep up with certain things. I think your crit groups and partner will understand if you're unable to keep up with your writing duties. Give yourself a break. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I truly hope your daughter can catch up on her work. I feel for her situation.
I don't know how to write and raise a family. I had to wait until my kids were out of college.
ReplyDeleteI always think about that saying, "What's the best way to eat an elephant? One bite at a time." I say that a lot, but it seems to apply, especially to writing a book! It can feel overwhelming at times, but sometimes it helps to set small goals to get a bigger project done. With a book, that would be just "finish Chapter One," but for your daughter, it might mean breaking the work into smaller parts and celebrating each milestone as she reaches it.
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