This week’s episode is personal, not about writing, but my message is important, so please hear me out before you scroll on.
I have several friends across the country right now dealing with marriages coming apart due to spousal abuse. I have a close friend who has had two sudden deaths in his family. I have two friends whose family is very sick. I have two more friends looking at potential life-changing medical diagnoses. These are all people close to me who I love dearly.
All of this while I prepare for Author Nation in November, the Neurodivergent Publishing Conference in February, and a speaking engagement in March at a local college. As well as my book launch.
This is atop my usual demands, of course. I am regional head for two writing-related organizations, local head for historical fencing in a reenactment society, and head of my music team for my church. I am constantly on the move doing things and ensuring things happen.
Why the hell am I telling you all of this?
As someone who is deep in the trenches, I know what burnout is like. I’m skating on thin ice over it right now, in fact. I can feel it creeping up my body like vines over an abandoned house. In situations like this, self-care is utterly critical.
This is a very short episode due to that self-care. Sometimes self-care means doing the minimum and taking a breath. Sometimes it’s knowing your limits. Sometimes it’s a good quality chocolate bar for breakfast.
Take care of yourself, friends. You only get one you. You get one body. One life. If you don’t care for it, you won’t be able to accomplish what you want to accomplish. And if you spend that life letting people who don’t deserve you crush the light out of you, you will wither. Let the people who love you help.
National Domestic Violence Hotline (USA): 1-800-799-7233
Suicide Prevention Hotline (USA): 988
LGBTQIA National Hotline (USA): 1-888-843-4564
So nobody worries, the things I’m carrying and talking about here are not about me. My husband is wonderful and supportive. I am safe. I am okay.
If you cannot negotiate those hotlines and just need someone to talk to, reach out to me. I’m here, and I can listen. I care. You don’t need to face whatever it is you’re going through alone.
Take care of yourselves, friends. I’ll be back next week. Hopefully with a happier tone.
