Balancing Life And Writing by Bob Jones

  

Photo by Loic Leray on Unsplash

“Life balance is more about intentional imbalance.”

Brian Moran

Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.

James Clear’s principle in Atomic Habits is like a neon directional sign pointing the way to wholeness.

I wanted to become a writer, and fortunately good advice came my way a quarter century ago. It was simply this:

Writers write.
So, write something every day.
It doesn’t have to be long or profound.
It doesn’t even have to be just right.
It does mean to just write.

Consistency rules.

Everyday I vote for writing.

Writing made me a writer and allowed me to live my life away from the keyboard.

Intentional Imbalance

So, every day, and usually at the start of the day, I write.

There have been seasons in writing a book that it was essential to invest long hours in segments everyday to complete the book on time. But those were short seasons.

Compared to the whole of my day, my writing time is way of out equalized balance with my other activities. I have a full time job at age 72. However, that is where Brian Moran’s quote comes into play. To balance life and writing is to live an intentional imbalance.

I must admit that I have to put a governor on my writing time because I love to write. How about you? I can get lost in writing, especially on Saturdays and realize 2-3 hours have gone by before I know it.

Energy Management

I’ve also learned that what is most profitable to manage is energy, not time. There are lots of books about time management but what created a breakthrough for me was an introduction to energy management.

Do what creates the most important results when you have the highest amount of energy.

I used to run first thing every morning and then work into the late afternoon. But my peak, creative energy is when I wake up. So, now I run or walk after 4:00 pm and start creating at 6:30 am.

Thank you for making time to read and if you will, comment.

A Song in the Morning - Janet Sketchley

As a little girl, I used to bounce out of bed early, chattering and ready to play. Somewhere all that changed. Most days in my adult life have started with resentful thoughts toward the alarm clock and an excruciating crawl out of sleep’s warm embrace into a cold and dreary morning. At least that’s how it feels, even in July with sunshine and birdsong.

I’ve dreaded waking up, dragging into another day’s responsibilities with insufficient energy and less joy. Somewhere on the planet are people who spring wide awake and alert, fully rested and eager to get going. If you’re one of them, congratulations but please don’t tell me.

Occasionally I wake knowing something exciting waits in the day: a trip, or any of the days I’m at Write! Canada. I’m still low-energy, but it’s easier to get moving because I look forward to what’s waiting.

Once, I woke feeling happy. Must have had a lovely dream. Dreams that encourage me spiritually or suggest intriguing stories let me wake with more cheer, as do the mornings when there’s a song in my head before the radio comes on.

I notice the music connection even more since CBC Radio 2 changed its format. Without the gentle classical music that used to comfort me in the waking, things have gotten harder.

Not long ago, I woke one morning with a worship song drifting through my mind and something finally clicked. I thanked God for the song, for how it made it easier to accept being awake. And that night I asked Him to please do it again.

He did.

Each night I ask, and each morning there’s part of a worship song to smooth my transition into the day. Focusing on the lyrics instead of just coasting on the tune brings me into God’s presence to start the day with Him.

I can’t say I look forward to mornings yet, but the dread is gone.

God is good.

© Janet Sketchley, 2008
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For devotionals, reviews and conversation, stop by Janet Sketchley's blog, God with Us: Finding Joy.