Carrie On...Together!
Carrie Charley Brown, Children's Book Writer
  • Carrie On... Together!
    • Meet Carrie
    • Carrie On...Book Clubs! >
      • Contest Gallery
  • Carrie On...Writing!
    • Ongoing Resources
    • Read with Me & Review Policy
  • Carrie On...Services!
    • Picture Book Critique Service
    • Teacher's Guides
    • KidLit Video Production
    • KidLit Marketing
    • Literary Tutoring PK-4
  • ReFoReMo
    • What is ReFoReMo?
    • Schedule & Coordinators
    • Tools
    • ReFoReMo 2016
    • ReFoReMo 2015
    • Blog Submissions
  • Privacy Policy

Striving for Balance

5/30/2016

21 Comments

 
Achieving balance is never easy and I think to some degree it is “normal” to be off-balance. We just have to watch how far our scales tip to one side. That’s where the danger lies. In last month’s post I admitted that I was “Breaking the Code” in order to tip my scale back in the other direction. When your muscles are used to something for a very long time, they resist new routines. For example, I have poor posture, and therefore, my muscles are exhausted when I attempt to hold my shoulders in a “normal” way.  The muscles must be retrained to accept the new way.
Picture
Retraining a brain to think in alternate ways is similar. My inner doubter has been challenging me in ways I’d love to shake off immediately. But it takes time. Even though I know perfection is impossible, my drive keeps convincing me that I need to give more. Do more. Be more. Strive for perfection, or a better version of who I am. But, as noted in last month’s post, I am setting my foot down. I’m starting to tell myself no. Even though I could push myself to give another ounce or pint or gallon, I am asking myself, “What is this costing you?” The answer may be “sleep” or “family connections” or “a personal break,” all crucial things to staying healthy and happy. And human.

Yes, our own happiness matters in big ways. So, how about we set our schedules? I am guilty of feeling like I need to respond to people right away when they need help. Whether by email or social media or a phone call, I feel the need to be there. As I start to set boundaries, I implemented a business policy a few months back that is helping a little, but I’d also like to curb my need to respond to others right away.  I am also working to prioritize family, limit screen time, stick to business & volunteer hours and schedule my own writing time.
 
Of course, sometimes a schedule has to be rearranged to respect others involved. And then there is the upheaval of a schedule when school is out for summer. Yikes! Almost time! I will do my best to respect my wishes.
How will you respect your wishes?

 
If we check in with one another at least once a month, then maybe we’ll take the time to try to grow toward our goals before next month, right?

Picture
21 Comments
    Picture
    Click picture for a video greeting.

    Carrie Charley Brown

    As a children’s writer, and a teacher, my goal is to help you carry on.  Sometimes learning is challenging, so why go it alone?  Your journey will be more meaningful and comfortable with friends to share it with. Together, we'll get up close and personal with authors, illustrators, and the best of picture books.  If we work together, great things will follow! 

    Subscribe for mentor text tips and updates.

    * indicates required

    Archives

    June 2020
    April 2020
    October 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    July 2017
    December 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013

    RSS Feed

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    I'm fiction picture book judge!
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    thiskidreviewsbooks.com
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.