Lighten The Journey In Busy Times

This seemed like a good reminder at this extremely busy time of year. Simplify. A one word piece of advice we might all heed.

In December, many people, writers included, move into double speed mode. We want to do all the usual routine things as well as get ready for the holidays--whichever one you celebrate. If it's Christmas, there are cards to send, shopping, wrapping, baking, decorating, more church services than usual, parties to attend or give. Wow! That's a lot, isn't it? How are you going to do all that and get some writing done, too?

Simplify. Maybe you don't have to decorate the entire house this year. Perhaps a little less baking would be alright. There are ways to cut back on all that you do for the holidays. It's our choice as to whether we go for it all or simplify. No matter how much or how little you do connected to whatever holiday you celebrate, it is still going to happen. I've found that if I miss doing a few things I normally do, no one realizes it but me. So no big deal!

How about our writing journey? Can we simplify that, as well? Of course we can. It's our choice whether we pour ourself wholeheartedly into the writing business or choose to do the basics. It's up to us if we want to submit a dozen pieces of writing per month or one.

We can cut down on the amount of reading about our craft that we do for this month. You can catch up in January or February. Maybe you don't need to read all the writer's newsletters you subscribe to the moment they appear in your inbox. Save them for a calmer time. You'll enjoy them and get more out of them when you're not so rushed.

If we give serious consideration to simplifying, there are a number of ways we can achieve it. Do a bit less but do it with gusto. Sift and sort to decide what parts of your writing life are most important to you. Stay with the top ones and set the rest aside to be addressed later, if and when you have time.

There are times when we are our own worst enemy. Keep in mind that you are in control of what you do in this life. Do as much or as little that makes you feel comfortable. No one is going to judge you but you alone. Go ahead and simplify.