Time and Balance

Some days it seems I can't get anything accomplished. On those days I just can't coordinate the hours to meet my family's demands or do the tasks that endlessly mock me (laundry, anyone?), and forget about time to myself, or sitting down to write anything worthwhile. My whole day will seem stunted and sporadic and out of control. Out of balance. I hate that.

Other days I think, Wow! I've got twenty-four hours! Look at all this time! And I spend it wisely. It unfolds smoothly, with one task leading into the next, and I get so much done. I'm balanced. And at peace, when nothing ruffles my feathers.

Productive days like that lead me to wonder if I'm just lazy on the unproductive days. Is it a mindset? Is it related to mood and hormones? Is it lack of motivation?

Sure, my routine is set, and I try to follow it. But so many factors go into a day and its progress, from things I control (like pushing the snooze button one too many times) to things I don't (a last minute request from a friend or family member, or a problem with a service or product). Some days I can fly by the seat of my pants to take it as it comes [too many clichés there?], other days I feel so dogged and discouraged, like I'm inadequate and incapable.

Do you have days at both ends of the specturm? To what do you attribute them?

How do you work through it? How do you come to terms with the fact that not everyday is perfect, and make the ones that are seemingly perfect count for more?

And The Difference Of A Day

Last night, after my post about editing troubles, I really made good headway. Did you ever encounter that? Speaking to someone of your issue, or getting it all out on the table for feedback, only to come to terms with it yourself? It happens to me all the time...

Anyway, something in my mind opened up, allowing the solution to my written problem to flow out, and I worked well into the night. Around teeter-tottering thoughts - it's late, go to bed ... no, no. not until you've finished this chapter - I forged ahead, in the end pleased with my progress.

This morning my mind is still in that place; that creative, productive place. Scenes are playing out better than before, words are coming together in ways I'd never thought. And the self-discipline needed to keep at it feels strong.

I've got to keep working toward my goal, which has, thus far, just been that I wanted to complete my edits and be able to seek representation sometime over the summer. But I want to clarify it a bit. I'd like to shoot for completion of my revisions by the end of June. And if I stay focused, I can do it. Then I'll print the entire manuscript out and attack it with a pen. If all goes well, I'll pursue that which comes next.

I know I always ask, but wish me luck?