Life has been crazy hectic lately.

I took in an additional 4 foster kittens on top of my remaining 3 “hobbits.” They new babies are adorable, but they are also only about 4-6 weeks old. It is a challenge specifically when they are so young, because my usual treatments for parasites can’t be used until they are at least 2 lbs. This means I have to be very diligent with them, trying to control fleas and dealing with the loose stools that come with intestinal parasites… Oh, and they all have long thick coats… Let’s just say, it’s not the most enjoyable job to have.

Between trying to spend time with my 7 fosters – along with the care and cleaning constantly needed that goes along with them, staying on top of Kyra’s school stuff and her crazy schedule, trying to keep up my writing routine, squeezing in an exercise schedule, keeping up the house, and of course, work… I have found very little time to just relax.

I keep my sanity by reminding myself that I am lucky to have all these wonderful opportunities to do these things I love. But even though I do love them, I must admit sometimes I get tired.

Last week I finished the extended version of LOTR because I was sick and it FORCED me to take an entire day off. It felt amazing to just sit and do nothing. (Okay, so maybe not AMAZING. I was wracked with guilt every moment my mind drifted from the movies.) But I healed so much faster than usual, and I felt recharged for the remainder of the week.

I have been doing a better job listening to my body and mind, checking in to understand just how I am feeling at all times. I don’t always remember to do so. But I can’t believe how much I have been missing all these years…

Today I have set the my next goal for myself: RELAX. Every week. Even when I am healthy!

Relaxing doesn’t mean completing beta reads/critiques. It doesn’t mean sitting and going through emails and social media or updating this page. It doesn’t mean multitasking watching a show while I walk on the treadmill or fold laundry or try to catch up on clothes that need mending. It doesn’t even mean sitting and petting cats (I know, blasphemy!!) Relaxing means: doing absolutely nothing but maybe watching a show or movie that makes me feel good, or listening to music. I have to define this, because I have a way of sneaking in more chores even during my “me time.” And I vow to relax WITHOUT guilt.

Even my husband, who is chronically doing things, finds time to sit and watch his anime or play his video games. I need to start doing this for myself.

So, yes my writing has definitely taken the back seat these last several months. But I am still making progress, no matter how slow. It is good for me to remember that most of my deadlines and demands of myself are self made and I am allowed to say no, even to myself!