Being a Slacker
Priorities
Hello there everybody. This entry is about the reason I haven’t posted here for a while. It’s about life getting in the way. Yes, I know that I am probably about to make a whole bunch of excuses, but there it is.
I have written at least a few hundred words or so each day, every day of 2017. That hasn’t changed. What has changed is that I have taken some of my focus away from finishing my current writing piece that I want to publish sometime this year, and from the “big sci-fi epic” that I keep fiddling with.
If you haven’t looked at my bio, you may not know that I am an elementary school teacher. I am currently off for the summer, and trying to enjoy my time with my wife and three young children. Benjamin is 5 and a half, Elena is 2, but turns 3 in two days. Owen is 16 months old today. I’m typing this up right now at the Island Beach Motor Lodge in Seaside, NJ.
Although I brought a printed draft of my current story to revise, I pretty much knew I wouldn’t be able to get anything done with it today while sitting in front of the ocean. In my mind, I envisioned sitting back on my folding chair, while my three children played in an orderly fashion in front of me. I’d fold back my story and scribble red pen all over it, while being inspired by the ocean view and the beauty of my kids playing.
But if anybody else has young kids, especially ones so close in age, you know that scenario is very unlikely. I’m up and down, taking my turn on and off to hold the baby, helping look for shells and sea glass, stopping kids from eating sand or running off.
So, now what?
Do I regret any of this? Nope, not really. For one, this is the reason I came here. I’m not some Thoreau in a natural haven, trying to gain inspiration or some kind of oneness with the wild. I’m a husband and a father trying to be there for them.
And honestly, any bit of family interaction, especially in places away from the norm, is more experience I can use for my stories. For example, my story I’m trying to revise and edit involves a family with six kids. Maybe having more time with my own family can give me insight on how to naturally write these characters. And even though they are a farming family, nearly twice the size of mine, living in the late 1800s, there is still a lot that’s the same.
Don’t feel bad!
So, I give myself…and anybody else reading this…permission to let things slide a little bit here and there. You don’t need to work endless hours every day. If you’re not in a situation like me, and you have that much time available, then go for it. But I personally refuse to make myself feel guilty about the time not spent working on my writing.
I know I’ll get there. With everything, it takes practice and commitment. Lately, I’ve been eating better (okay, maybe not while at the beach…), and exercising at least three or four days a week. It’s a gradual life change to get myself more in shape for myself and my family. And I’m already seeing results, both physically and mentally.
With that gradual approach, I am confident I can further step up my writing so that is an equal priority in my life. It’ll be something I enjoy and can actually get done, while still reserving time for my family.
Because without all of them, what is the point?
Thanks all!
PS: And don’t forget to go to the HOME page to see a couple links. I set up a Facebook discussion page for other beginning writers, “Chapter One, Page One”. There’s also a link to my DaddyCraft Facebook page, where I post crafts I make, as well as other photos and ideas for living creatively.
-Michael Karpe
Greetings from Seaside!
