Monday, June 28, 2010

Optimistic Mondays – Laugh So You Don't Cry

Lately, I've been surrounded on all sides by things I "Need To Do". I acknowledge the fact that many of them are self imposed, but that doesn't diminish the importance of getting them done. At least not for me.

I've divided my life into four quarters.
  1. Home/Family
  2. Church Responsibilites
  3. Work
  4. Writing
Each of those sections has many subsections within it. They swirl around me, each begging for proper attention, none able to get it.

It's very overwhelming, but I've chosen it. I choose to clean my home
. I choose to interact with my children. They demand to be fed, and I choose to quite them by listening.

I've chosen to accept my church calling. It takes more time/thought then I imagined it would.

My work is less of a choice than a necessity, but nonetheless I still choose to do it. Like I said above, my kids like to eat. Who am I kidding, I like to eat.

I don't always choose the story lines that pop into my head and talk to me, but I do choose to write them down. Writing is so much bigger than non-writers think. There's the actual writing. Then the rewriting/editing multiple times. I have to continually learn the craft. I have a critique group that I submit to, and critique for.

Blogging is pretty much a necessity for writers now. This means not only do I need to have my own blog, but I need to read other blogs. To network. To learn from others.

These four main sections of my life each try to take over as "the most important". It's a battle every day. Sometimes I just want to sit down and cry.

So what's a girl to do?

Sometimes, I cry. But the rest of the time I've adopted a new attitude.

When something goes wrong, instead of crying, I try to laugh it off. It doesn't always work, but most of the time it eases the tension just enough to where I can deal with it.

So, my advice to you on this Optimistic Monday?



Laugh, so you don't cry.




Happy Monday.

10 comments:

Annette Lyon said...

Can SO relate--on so many levels. I'll try laughing today. :)

Kala said...

Kim, I hope that you find more reasons to laugh than cry. You know when you look back on most situations you will laugh, even if you cried at the time.

Angie said...

That's great advice. Life is always such a tricky balancing act. The trick is to be joyful through it all. Good luck to you!

Rebecca said...

I agree. It helps a lot to laugh during the hard times.

MTeacress said...

((hugs)) I'm sorry, Kim. Spread thin,that's what you are - like runny pancake batter - it doesn't make fluffy pancakes, but it does make delicious crepes. Mm. :)

Jewel Allen said...

Yes! Sometimes my kids look so down, I tell them, Hey, life is good, smile.

Easier said than done on days when life is pulling you in different directions, eh? But there IS so much to be thankful for.

Have a great week ahead, Kim!

Betty said...

"Elder Neal A. Maxwell once said, "We are here in mortality, and the only way to go is through; there isn't any around!" I would add, the only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache."
— Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Elizabeth Mueller said...

Oh, Kim, I know exactly what you mean. This is a writer's mantra--the 4 important things in their lives.

I'm sorry to hear that you've cried. ((Hugs)) If only I was your nextdoor neighbor, I'd be right over with brownies and my MS to read to you! ;)

Elizabeth Mueller said...

OH, Kim, yes, I'm missing you. But I soooo admire you for taking the time off for your family and other important things. What a great example you are to me!!!

I have an award waiting for you. It'll still be there when you get back.

((Hugs))

Christy said...

I can relate to you and it's so validating to know that other writer-moms deal with this too. Each day is a struggle to prioritize. Good luck!