These days my body may be present, but my mind is most often found dreaming amongst old black and white photographs, my eyes squinting over the tiny print of weathered newspapers from the 1800’s, my fingers galloping over computer keys as I transcribe story after story in preparation for the first draft of my history book.
Life thought it would be hilarious to choose this time for me to receive word that I need to gather documents, paperwork, and police checks for round two of my Australian Visa, file taxes in both America and Australia, and get a stack of new (and very welcome!) writing assignments. It’s pure craziness around here, but I’m so thankful for the work and such a peaceful place to get it all done in.
With everything piling up at once, I’ve been struggling with fear. Fear of failure, fear of success, fear of my body giving out before I’ve done everything I need to. So I loved reading this passage by Neil Gaiman today:
“I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes.
Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You’re doing things you’ve never done before, and more importantly, you’re Doing Something.
So that’s my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make New Mistakes. Make glorious, amazing mistakes. Make mistakes nobody’s ever made before. Don’t freeze, don’t stop, don’t worry that it isn’t good enough, or it isn’t perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family or life.
Whatever it is you’re scared of doing, Do it.
Make your mistakes, next year and forever.”
Especially this line: “Don’t freeze, don’t stop, don’t worry that it isn’t good enough, or it isn’t perfect, whatever it is.”
Such words take all the stress out of me and help me breathe again, help me focus and just do the next thing the best way I know how.
And they help me remember that (especially) when life gets crazy, self-care is vital.
So I get up early and make time to write and think and read just for me.
I go for a walk every day.
I make food that is both delicious and nourishing: roasted carrots, pulled pork, fresh strawberries, homemade bread.
I yank myself out of writer mode to give Bear hugs and share cuppas and go see the projects he’s been working on.
I connect with people I love, even if it’s just a one sentence email or a quick phone call.
And I try to photograph something beautiful each day: hollyhocks in the morning sun, baby goats with velvety muzzles, vegetables heaped in baskets and bowls.
It makes me smile.
How do you care for your self when life gets a bit wild? xo
It sounds busy Krista but in a good way. I know how good you are at savouring the little everyday things.
Oh, I laughed at your Visa Hustle. We had a similar mad dash of collecting documents to get a tax ID number and open a bank account in Greece before we left and I recall one night when I was trying to finish an article and the demands were to submit some document via the internet and I really thought my head would split open! I know the stress. And I love the way you calm yourself. I make it a point to find one thing each day that makes me happy and then stop and enjoy it: sunshine on the big ol’ tree in the backyard, ‘my’ little squirrel who comes daily for nibbles, a cup of coffee with a friend. . .life is good!
I’m happy that you are so busy with so many good things but I well know that fear that can take over. Thank-you for sharing those words. XO For me, it’s a hot cuppa, taking a walk or taking pictures of something beautiful. =)
Oh my goodness Krista so much going on for you 🙂 All the best with your juggling. You’ll get there 🙂 Long walks help me chill out especially if I’m listening to some of my favourite songs while I walk, like during lunchtime today. I was walking, listening, smiling and relaxing.
Neil Gaiman could be my next hero.
Sounds sensible Krista… I go for a walk… or I cook. Have a happy weekend. xo
Nothing beats fresh produce and life in the farm with crisp air. If I were in your place, I would be smiling a lot, too 🙂
Julie
Gourmet Getaways
Good luck with all the paperwork and congratulations on all the assignments. I exercise when I need a break, or bake 🙂
I didn’t know becoming an Australian citizen was so challenging. Your writing assignments/projects sound very exciting. Good luck with finding the time to write – I know whenever I have a writing assignment it always seems to be tax time! xx
I try to unplug but it is so difficult… You’re right, you have to take care of yourself no matter what.
Love this quote and love you, Krista. You are so loaded with talent, I pray that you will never be paralyzed by fear of what you are very capable of doing. I can’t WAIT to read your book, I just know that it is going to be every bit as amazing as you are, <3 =)
Gahhhh… yes this time of year, tax time sends the peeps into a tail spin. I feel for ya sista, especially having to lodge in both countries. I hate that you are feeling fear, but its nice to know others are feeling what I feel too. 🙂 I doona dive when the world gets too much, just finished Gilmore Girls, gotta find a new TV series to lose myself in.
Happy Monday dear friend, wishing you a wonderful week ahead. xox
I remember round two. It’s the same as round one all over again. It’s nothing hard but there’s so much of it. Good luck with that. Releasing stress means so much for our bodies.