It’s June and honestly time is blurring together. And with the world at so much unrest, it’s been a trying and emotional time. I participate in one other blog hop, and I couldn’t pull it together for that one. It’s still a struggle, but going to attempt to make something coherent for #AuthorToolBox.
So, I had to keep it simple because that’s really all I can handle these days. At the height of it all, I had to take a social media break because it was too much to handle. Scrolling my timeline whether on Twitter or Facebook more times than not tears would be involved.
Self-care is talked about a lot and it was never needed for me more than during all of this so I had to find a way to look for the simple everyday joys. It was the only way if I was going to attempt to be productive and not sink into a black hole of despair. This post will probably be a lot of what you already know, but at times like this, it’s good to have a reminder.
What it means to find the simple joys? Take pleasure in the little things.
Find some distractions.
I’m a mom so my kids giving me hugs and kisses lift my mood. Simply being silly with them is a great distraction. If you have pets, they are amazing for cuddles, or playing with them. They take your mind off things and that’s something you need. When things are really weighing you down, distractions are amazing.
Get lost in something you enjoy.
If you’ve been around my blog, you know I’m into baths and wine. I have a whole Books, Booze, and Bubbles review thing I do. Not everyone drinks, so the wine could be out, but there is cooking, sewing, reading, etc. Something else to focus your attention on. Baths are my happy place. I’m the only female in my house currently since my daughter lives in NY right now. My time in the tub is the only time they all know to not bother mom, including the mister. I got Animal Crossing for Mother’s Day and that has been a great escape.
Be kind to yourself.
Creating in times like these isn’t always easy. Don’t be any harder on yourself because of that. Now this is advice that is easier to say than follow because I’m always hard on myself. Keeping productive, especially as an indie, is important. But honestly sometimes you just have to say fuck it. Relaxing and doing nothing is okay. Yes we need to produce, but sometimes it’s not possible. Let those days be the do nothing days. Binge watch something, go for walks, read. Whatever works, but just don’t push yourself when you’re not feeling in the mood.
That’s it. That’s all I can think for the day. Be kind to yourself and others.
Until next time
~Meka
Author Meka James 
This post hit me hard, simple or not. Recently it’s hard for me to string together enough coherent thought to keep my daily chores going, much less write something creative. The reminder to focus on the little joys couldn’t come at a better time. Thank you.
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I miss wine so much. None for me, the doc says, probably until at least February and maybe not still then. Alcohol interferes with the meds, so I can’t even drink the kombucha I make for everyone else in my house. 2020 is…it’s oh so bad, and at the same time, big changes are being forced and I’m loving that part of it. I have my garden to lose time in, and I’m thankful for that distraction. Great post, Meka. I’m thinking of you.
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It’s hard to relax when all we hear is write write write, publish publish publish, and we actually see those people putting out book after book. when i want to accomplish something but don’t feel like doing anything, i listen to a podcast or turn on a conference speaker i couldn’t see in person, (20booksto50k is great for those. their youtube channel is amazing!) or even watch a webinar. That way I can relax and not stress about word count, but I’m still doing something that furthers my career. But yeah, even then sometimes you just need to read a good book–one that you didn’t write. :). Thanks for the post!
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Love this! Taking care of ourselves and our mental health is so important right now.
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You are so right: this is a shady time in world history. Throw in a postponed wedding due to Covid-19, rescheduling same wedding with crossed fingers and having my tonsils out 2 days ago and the world is weird. My writing has suffered too.
But you take it for what it is, be kind to yourself, and do what you can.
I’m thinking I need to put a bottle of wine in the fridge now – lol.
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