Taking Control...Again

SPOILER ALERT: This has nothing to do with writing.

But in a way, it does. So bear with me.

Back in February, I became a working mom for the first time. I know that's kind of an oxymoron because ALL moms work...but I mean I went from being a stay-at-home mom to a working-outside-the-home mom. I was so far outside the home, in fact, I had to travel 2 1/2 hours to get to my new job. I was away from my family 4 days each week, going home only on weekends. Needless to say, I experienced some stress.

Once the school year finished, my family moved to join me. It was a relief, but certainly a transition. One gets used to the circumstances after a while, hard as they are. So we had to learn how to live together again...in a new place...with a whole lot less stuff. We went from a 2 story, 6 bedroom house, to a 3 room apartment.

Before all this happened, I'd lost 50 pounds. Exercise had become my main focus. It was something I could control. I could control my eating habits...and for the first time in my life, I really worked on it. Not easy! When my kids had ice cream, I had to say no...although sometimes, I'd take a bite just to satisfy the craving. I felt great!

But with the stress of being away from my family...and the opportunities to eat out...I hate to admit I've gained some back. I think I'm finally to a point where I'm ready to take that control back, though.

So this morning, instead of hitting my snooze button and clamping my eyes closed, I got up. I took the dog for a 30 minute walk. I'm setting my phone alarm through the day to take walk breaks. I am inspired!

How does this connect to writing?

Well, most authors I've followed online say that authors need to take care of themselves physically. We can't just sit in front of the computer screen each day, scrawling out the brilliance that pours forth from our brains. We have to be people, too. Spend time with family. Take care of our bodies. Perhaps when the inspiration hits full-force, we can fudge that a little, but it is important to stay healthy.

And may I share the inspiration I took in this morning? I saw a playful squirrel run along a brick sign. A dove take flight from a wooden fence, his tail highlighted with sunbeams. A black cat skittering through the parking lot. A waning moon setting over the massive mountain arms that surround the city. A brilliant blue sky, clear and fresh for the day.

Yeah...I'd say it was worth it.