Overwhelmed? Too Busy?

Funny, not ha ha, how life explodes with great ideas and wonderful things to try and do all at the same time. It usually comes the moment inspiration blossoms for a WIP.

Last week, I wrote several thousand words for my WIP. The story flowed like Niagra Falls. I let everything pour into the keyboard until the words only dripped. At that point I stopped and walked away, allowing myself time to focus on the next scene. No writing allowed.

Confession: Last week I had the greatest temptations to do anything except write the words that flowed like Niagra Falls. And every temptation was writing related, too!

1. Every time my fingers paused in typing I wondered what new post popped up on FB, Twitter, and my email. Using programs like Hootsuite to automatically post comments for the week prevents me from walking over to FB and twitter, et al to read all the recent posts and commenting. Its not bad to go to those sites, how else would we read each other's updates? But it needs to be tempered. Once a day for a short time. Set a timer if needed.

2. There was a free webnar, a great class discussing a topic in writing I wanted to practice. It was only two hours long. "Quick sign up, limited spaces," the ad said. Again, these classes aren't bad, but priorities need to be set. 

3. I received an email from a writer's loop. Salvation Army's magazine is looking for Christmas articles. By writing the article I could earn another writing credit for my proposal or query. (true! if interested here is the information: "Calling all writers! Looking for short articles related to Christmas experiences with The Salvation Army. Email lynelljohnson@sbcglobal.net.). Writing articles and garnering credits is good. But is this today's focus. Should time be budgeted for it next week?

4. After slipping under the covers at  bedtime, I read from the book on my nightstand. In a blink the clock leaped past 1am. I had robbed myself of needed sleep. Reading isn't bad, we need readers. But, again, we need rest to care for the body God gave us.

5.  In between thoughts in my WIP, conference prep ideas popped into my head. A great idea for my one sheet, a nice design for the business card, preparing what I should say to the editor/agent/mentor I meet at the conference. All these are good, and should be done, but need to be scheduled in the week.

6. I set aside time to crit 2 works from my loop each day, but felt guilty for falling behind. I critted several more to ease my conscience.  We need to crit each other's work, but not rob our own time. Keep to the schedule.

I felt tired. 
Overwhelmed.

Once again, I misplaced the goal of my faith
Which is to listen to God and follow His plan

But, thanks to God
He's willing to help me get back on track

During the last two week reading challenge, I read James Rubart's book Rooms. I highly recommend this book. 

Rubart's main character, Micah, is inundated with a busy corporate schedule. Without his secretary's reminders he'd miss important business calls or meetings. Millions could be lost. 

One day a letter arrived stating he had inherited a home located on the Oregon cost built especially for him. Micah struggled to leave his company even for a short vacation to see this supposed inheritance.

Curiosity bested his schedule. He promised to return in time for the next meeting. Promises are difficult to keep when stepping into a Twilight Zone scenerio. 

Michah stepped into a parallel universe away from busy schedules.

This book will challenge you to rethink an overwhelmed, too busy life style and to reorganize your steps to the path God has designed for you. At least for today. 

Midnight oil gets expensive!
Life if short
Help me Lord to walk your path and not mine.

Do you feel overwhelmed, unable to get on God's track for your life? I am offering a give away of my "as new" condition copy. Let me know in your comment below if you would like to enter.

Interested in being a reading partner for the next challenge? Let me know.

All giveaways on this site are provided by either the authors of this blog, or visiting guests. Giveaways are open to U.S. residents only unless otherwise noted on the post. Writer's Alley contributors or their immediate family are not eligible to enter. Giveaways are void where prohibited and the chances of winning are dependent on the number of entries. Winners are drawn from a third party, unbiased source, such as Random.org. Winners will have up to a week unless otherwise noted, to return contact to be eligible to accept their prize. Thank you for coming by the Alley to enter. 
*********************************

photo courtesy of amazon.com and zmescience.com

This blog post is by Mary Vee

Mary lives in Montana with her husband and loves to hear from her three college kids. She writes contemporary Christian fiction and loves to pen missionary and Bible adventure stories.

Come Step into Someone Else's World with Mary's writing

Visit Mary at her web site!  www.maryvee.com

Or her ministry blog to families: http://www.mimaryvee.blogspot.com/

Or email her: mimary_vee@yahoo.com