Worry and stress
So, they say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Right this moment the lemons are raining down, like a waterfall, and they are crashing on the floor. The kids are dancing in the metaphorical mess. There’s no lemonade being made here, just worry, stress and tears.
Stuck at home shielding, now too scared to go anywhere. Worrying about the world’s expectations in August. After months at home, August means going out into the community. I need to live a day at a time but I’m finding it hard not to project and stress about everything.
With the strange times, stress and worry, trying to keep up with things is not easy. Two blogs, writing a book, work, kids, and a fuzzy head is hard to do it all well. I haven’t managed to send my newsletter for weeks and I’m too busy and tired to write.
Staying strong mentally is a struggle. Staying positive focusing on a day at a time is how I’m getting through it. One day there will be a vaccine and the world will feel safe again.
So, I’m writing but not achieving as much as I would like. Trying not to beat myself up over things but sometimes it’s hard not to over think things.
Lockdown
Working to my routine, every day has been like the next for weeks. Following a pattern of work, patients and home-school. We have now reached the end of term. Managing it all has been a task and now there is still more work on Oak National Academy online that the children can complete. (If you are a COVID 19 home schooling parent and haven’t seen Oak Academy it is worth having a look).
We have enjoyed many interesting lessons together, one was on the subject of soil, which is more interesting then you would think. My seven year old liked playing with it and making mud!
August means that I should be venturing more into the world. I need to be brave. As from August the delivery cost of shopping increases. I have looked at delivery saver but I’m telling myself I must go out.
Trying to shift my blues I know I need to do something different. My novel needs redrafting so I should be working on that. However, life’s distractions continue to get in the way. Netflix being number one.
Binge watching ‘Offspring’ did not get me very far.. and neither will ‘Absentia’ that I’m now watching.
A year ago, I was focused, I was adding to my novel daily. Today we have stress and corona virus. I know I’m not the only one feeling like this but honestly the isolation is real.
I know I must stop, calm down, reset the stressed voice in my head and concentrate on what I need to do. Life’s distractions make it harder to write, it’s time to stop getting distracted.
Covid -19
The virus has disturbed the work of many writers, with the worry and stress it has brought to our lives. Trying to get back into my routine is important but am I expecting too much of myself? With the children not at school I’m not alone on my usual blog days. Supporting with school work and precious family time takes away from writing time. As I’ve written before, it’s all about balance.
Over these last few weeks, I have become a contributing author to MJ Mallon’s – Life in Lockdown. It tells of the thoughts of writers at this difficult time and is available on Amazon Kindle.
What now?
I’m hoping that September will mean the children will be back at school and normality. With fears of a second wave, I need to stop panicking about it.
A day at a time and we will get there. Worrying and stressing takes up valuable writing time. I hope now that the worst is over.
For more see Life in the time of a pandemic and writing
6 Comments
Amy Blair
Oh Marian, I feel SO much of what you are saying. At first I didn’t panic too much. We just locked down and were hopeful that it would pass in a couple months. But seeing that numbers increase everyday still, is so disheartening. But I’ve recently come across many videos of doctors talking about how we have a cure and media is just pushing fear and not releasing the good information because they do want to inject people with this crazy vaccine.
We are living in very chaotic times for sure. Nobody knows what to trust or believe.
Please just remember that you don’t have to do it all right now. I, myself, am struggling with this as well. As my writing and blogging has come to halt almost completely. I’m only one person. This too shall pass, and one day hopefully soon we will get back to some normalcy and have the time for our words that we so desire to write. Please don’t be so hard on yourself, it is nearly impossible to do it all.
Marian Wood
Yes it is a really hard time right now. Keeping up with everything is not easy. I really hope that we are all back to normality soon. There’s so much in the media which doesn’t help personal anxiety. It’s hard to know what to believe.. Take care x
Anonymous
Marian, I’m so with you. I’m feeling much the same as you, and feeling the same snafu in so many areas of life. May we hang in and retain some sense of sanity! And also thrilled to be part of Marje’s book with you. Hugs ❤
Marian Wood
It’s not easy! Really hope this virus is over soon. Thankyou! And I’m pleased to be a part of Marje’s book with you too. X
Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.
Nothing in our lives has prepared us for this event Marian and you have done an amazing job home schooling and keeping your children from feeling the stress and uncertainty by being a great mum. On the positive side you have spent some more time with your children and they will be the stronger for that. I have been going out once a week and have worn a mask since the beginning and latex gloves. I do feel a lot more comfortable now everyone has to wear a mask and I make sure to shower, wash hair and clothes when I come home.. I feel safer for that. We can only do what we feel able to and our novels will be there when we are ready to get back to them. For now the priority is our physical, mental and emotional well-being and that takes more than enough energy.. ♥
Marian Wood
Thankyou Sally, sorry only just seen your comment. Yes these last few months have been really hard. I’m still nervous in my mask, but hopefully I will be less scared by September. I’m trying to take things a day at a time but I cant help worrying and projecting.
Yes you are right about priorities and our novels.. first things first – kids and all our mental health.. Take care! x