Balance
If you look up the word in the Oxford Dictionary, you will see two variations:
An even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady;
a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.
I began writing my first children's book in 2014. I just didn't know at the time that I would publish. I had retired on the last day of 2013. I moved to South Carolina just three weeks later in 2014. I was stuggling to decide if I wanted to return to some level of Clinical Social Work, which meant re-licensing in SC. I knew the stressors I left behind. I knew I wanted to do something fun, yet challenging. The proverbial, "What do I want to do when I grow up?" question lingered.
I went overboard. I was doing plenty of gardening, which I always loved. I started a regimen of yoga and other classes at the local YMCA. I joined the local chapter of AARP and soon took over as Chair of the Legislative Action Commitee. All fun and challenging in their own ways.
It was the birth of my first grandniece in 2013 that gave me joy! I started a scrapbook with the intention of making it a part of her 1st Birthday present. It was my Niece who encouraged me to "do something more with this book."
This is the journey I have been on sine 2014. I am now working on my 4th book. Of course, life changed when COVID-19 shut us all down. My "world" was shrunk down to my yard (landscaping, planting,etc.) my home (exercising daily along with the housework) and more specifically, my computer. To this day, I sometimes do not go out the door. So here's where balance comes in. For any of you who are hobbyists, you know what I mean.
My "other half," John, made an executive decision that this is the year, 2023, we start to do more traveling. He is a few years older than I am (70+). We are healthy, fit and have a "bucket list." If you go back to the definitions above, you'll see where this is going.
As I continue to write more into the next book, along with this blog, I find I need to learn more about marketing and all that comes with it. The "bane" of my existance (dramatic!) is social media marketing algorithyms. If I don't start learning more of this, I will be in a bind come pubication time of book #4.
Did I mention I am full of inspiration and energy in the mornings and through the early afternoon? Where to fit this learning in, is my new question. So much to do and so little quality time.
I would love to hear from those who have full schedules and take on new "project." Oooo! A new form of procrastination!
Thanks for listening...
Halina Schafer, Author
https://www.third-careerpress.com