Hello everyone, I hope all is well with you. I’m back today after a week of working and working on my craft. I took some time off to read a craft book this week and I’m glad I did. It was a good book. It’s titled “The Secrets of Story.” If you’re looking for a book to help you with your writing, this book is for you.
![The Secrets of Story: Innovative Tools for Perfecting Your Fiction and Captivating Readers by [Matt Bird]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51BBPZVIb0L.jpg)
But enough about that. Today I’d like to talk about finding balance and perspective. I struggle with these issues daily because my passion is my writing, but I have a passion for my family, a passion for my work, and I also need to take care of my health by exercising and eating right.
Sometimes, I get frustrated because I can’t write. I have to take care of my kids, fix a meal, or work my day job. Then I have to fit in time for exercise. This is what I struggle with. Many times, I have to choose between exercising and writing. Sometimes I choose writing and feel guilty because I know I should be exercising for my health. It’s a constant battle. Sometimes I do exercise and wish I were writing instead. These negative emotions I experience detract from the enjoyment of my exercising or my writing.
Since I don’t want to have deal with negative emotions, I’ve got to change my attitude, because with my hectic schedule, I’m always going to have to choose between the two. So, when I choose to exercise, I tell myself I’m doing something that’s good for my body, my soul, and my brain. Exercise is a great way to fight depression, burn calories, and get your blood flowing so your brain gets the oxygen it needs. Instead of telling myself I must do this because I want to keep my weight under control or because I ate pizza for dinner, I tell myself my writing will be better if I exercise. This one little change in my perspective allows me to enjoy my exercise and my writing. After I exercise, I have the rest of the evening to write. Therefore, I don’t feel guilty when I’m writing because I know I already exercised.
I’ve also gotten better at defining exercise. I used to feel like I had to run four to six miles at a time before I could call it a workout. That’s not entirely true. I can do strength training and that’s exercise. I can do Pilates and that’s exercise. So is yoga. I’ve been adding these activities to my exercise routine to help build the muscle I’m losing as I age. By adding Pilates and Yoga to my regime, I’ve eliminated my sciatica pain. The difference is amazing, and my writing has improved.
So, there you have it. By changing my perspective about exercise and writing, I’ve been able to enjoy my exercise more. I don’t enjoy it in the beginning. It’s always hard to get started, but by the end, I’m always glad I did it.
I also enjoy my writing more. I don’t feel guilty when I sit down and take some time for my stories. How about you? How do you balance it all? Leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!
My body has told me I’ve been out of balance for awhile. Hurt my back (lumbar tissue injury) 2 weeks ago doing housework. Doing too much, methinks! So, taking a break and going with the flow. Sometimes we gotta roll with the punches, my friend. Perspective puts it all into…perspective for us. Great post, Lisa. Happy writing and exercising!!
Thanks, Sharon! I appreciate you stopping by, and I hope your back heals quickly! There’s nothing worse than back pain, that’s for sure!
I don’t exercise enough, but I do always try to remember that I can “write” while I go for a long walk. It might be all in my head–but it’s a good way to sort out a chapter even before I sit down at my laptop. How wonderful that your exercise regimen has eliminated your sciatica! I can’t wait to get back to group yoga before too long!
I hear you! I miss group Yoga, too! I used to go with a friend back before I had kids and I want to get back into it but Covid has put a wrench in those plans. I hope we can open up soon and get back to our normal lives. 🙂
Yes, “normal” will feel wonderful!
Yes, it would!
It’s tough sitting at a desk all day long–I keep trying to find time to walk, even in the house when the weather’s too cold, but as soon as I start, someone wants to call another meeting!
I hear you! It has definitely been a challenge to get up and get moving. Especially when it’s cold! Good luck to you on your walking goals and thanks for stopping by! 🙂