Making Time

Hold your hand up if you’re a writer.

Now, those of you who don’t work at a full-time job (in addition to writing), put your hand down.

If you have kids at home or provide care for someone in your home, put your hand back up. That’s a full time job.

I’m not playing Simon Says. I’m just trying to tell you:

If your hand’s still up, you need a schedule. Trust me. I know.

My shoulders have been carrying around boulders for the last few years. Each time I begin a new project, my stress level grows. Work, appointments, my family, landscaping, home maintenance, blah, blah, blah. Then there’s the matter of fun. Is there room for fun in your life? There wasn’t in mine.

A month ago, I actually took a Saturday off, spent the day with a couple of friends. I returned home refreshed (it could have been all the sugar and chocolate but I don’t think so). I believe it was the fact that I said no to work and yes to relaxation. I want to be refreshed every day. Okay, so that’s unrealistic. But it should be happening on a regular basis.

There has to be a way to get everything done and still find time for fun.

I started with a spreadsheet:

Sunday through Saturday across the top, times in half-hour increments down the left side (beginning with the earliest time I wake until my average bedtime).

I blocked out the hours I’m at work, the critique group meetings, the gym, shower time, dinner and meal prep, etc. Then I scheduled house cleaning and laundry, so that I do a little of it each night rather than waiting till the weekend. Next, I put in time for blogging and website maintenance. The rest of the hours are open for novel and play writing, grocery shopping, or fun.

Strange.

I’m doing more in less time.

I never would have believed it.