I like to end on a positive. Because of it, let's start with
Insecure Writer's Support Group.
This month marks the end of an era. After Thanksgiving, my maternity leave is officially over, and I return to work. My writing time has already deteriorated...and I'm mostly okay with that. My boys are my first priority and they've needed me these past few months. Not only have they needed me, I've loved my time with them. But once I return to work, what happens to my writing time then? What happens to blogging or critiquing or the pursuit of something I love and believe in and want to be good and successful at?
(We're ignoring the horrible grammar in that last sentence.) Time is already limited. What will happen to it once I return to work?
(and now for my lame attempt at a natural transition between the two blog hops)
Blogging and visiting blogs has already taken quite a hit these last few months as life has gotten busier and of course, more beautiful. I'm so thankful to those of you who have stuck with me. I'm thankful for those of you who read my posts and leave comments. I'm thankful to those of you that I email weekly. I'm thankful for so many other writers, moms, teachers, Packer fans, NICU survivors and parents, Chicago residents, Ohio residents that I've connected with at some point this year. I've never believed I would feel like I'd developed relationships through this crazy blogging thing we do.
I'm thankful for my CPs and Beta readers - those who have kicked my ass with a 10 page critique, those who have read the whole damn thing, those who have volunteered to read it, and those who have read the same first chapter 642 times for every time I've rewritten it. I hate to name names....I feel like I'm going to leave someone out and I'm terribly nervous about it...but a special thanks to CPs and Betas Neil, Patrick, Dahlia, Carmen, Hope and Ryan. All of you are such amazing writers - thank you for the encouragement, the feedback and sometimes the smacking around you've given me and my MS.
Last but not least, I'm incredibly thankful for my real life friends and family who have no real interest in the writing process but still read my blog anyway. Thanks Jackie, Trende and Mom. ;)
Thank you Vikki and Tara for this awesome blog hop!
So many people and things to be thankful for this year...Happy IWSG!
Then I am very thankful you take the time to visit me!
ReplyDeleteYou will have to make adjustments once you start working again. Writing and blogging might be just short moments here and there. I think you'll find a way to juggle it all. You're a mom, and moms are the ultimate jugglers!
Kimberly, all the best to you as you make this transition. I firmly believe there are chapters in our lives and each contribute to who we are and where we will ultimately go. I did something very similar to you when I was in my early thirties (writing, working, small kiddos). It became the foundation for choices I'm able to make now.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, and I hope that you'll be able to fit in all the irons you have in the fire. I constantly go through a shifting priority list, adjusting things as necessary to try to achieve my goals.
ReplyDeleteThanks also for the message of gratitude. I forgot it was November!
You've got a great perspective already because you know you're writing time will decrease. And you're a mom who realizes her kids are where it's at at the moment. Many times people's retirement speeches focus not on the work they've done but how they wished they had better balanced work and living life. No matter how much we love writing, it is work. And it's living our life that truly matters.
ReplyDeleteYes, life always takes precedent over writing. It will wax and wane. Don't worry, one day you'll find yourself with more writing time again!
ReplyDeleteIt will take time to adjust but you'll out a balance for yourself, and we all understand if blogging etc takes a back seat that's how life goes. Thank you for joining in the blog hop and finding the time to do that
ReplyDeleteI've struggled with the same questions when my baby was born and was finally allowed to leave the NICU. Eventually I made a decision and I've been learning to balance things ever since. But like you said, kids and family life come first. :)
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about being scarce on blogs. We will still be here for whenever you find time to visit. :)
~Akoss
Kimberly, I'm so sorry we never got around to swapping manuscripts. I'd still love to read yours and give it a good critique if you'd like me to. :) I'm so glad I met you through the blogosphere. I think balancing real life and social media is hard but always feel free to sacrifice one (social media) for the other (real life) if need be. People are people and they will understand. No one expects you to be Super Kimberly! Do what you can. And I'll always be here waiting for your contest round ups and blog hops. :) Best!!!! <3 Rachel
ReplyDeletelove your wide variety of thanks! and so glad to have gotten to know you! thanks for joining us!
ReplyDeleteYou'll do the best you can, and you know what your priorities are. That will get you through. As a mother of two boys and a writer, I understand the juggling act you're dealing with.
ReplyDeleteWonderful double post! You can write, and work, and love on your kids. It will take time and effort, and some days won't go as planned, but you can do it! I use a small kitchen timer, and give myself at least 20 minutes of writing space each day, and that helpss. When my kids were little, sometimes that 20 minutes of writing was all I had, but it kept me moving forward.
ReplyDeleteSometimes you have to let the blogging fall by the wayside. You certainly can't let it take the place of writing, or, even more importantly, family.
ReplyDeleteIt's always hard to get used to new schedules. Write when you can and enjoy your little ones while they are young. (They grow up way too fast.) You'll find the balance that works for you.
ReplyDeleteIf I had a wildly popular blog, I'd thank you on it and make you feel as special as you've made me feel. :)
ReplyDeleteOne day we'll be bestselling author friends.
What a wonderful thank you to all your supporters and bloggy buddies. I'm so glad that I had the chance to get to know you...
ReplyDeleteLovely post, Kimberly. I'm feelin' the love!
ReplyDeleteWhat happens to your time? It vanishes. :( So sorry but them's the facts. You can cope - like I do - by drafting over the summer and editing whenever you can. Good luck!
ReplyDelete