Most writers are consumed with guilt. And most of that guilt comes from not writing, not meeting goals, not paying enough attention to family and/or work, etc…. I am feeling that guilt this morning. I set a goal of writing for 30 minutes last night after I got home and I didn’t do it. I completely underestimated the effect that my diabetic episode had on me yesterday. I got home at 6:30, changed my work clothes and got comfortable then ate in front of the TV while playing Trivia Crack (I’m addicted) and I had every intention of writing as soon as I finished eating. Instead, I fell fast asleep and woke up over an hour later feeling like death warmed over and decided that writing just wasn’t in the cards. And the guilt began immediately after I made that decision. But I have something to say about guilt…get over it! Yes, it’s good to set goals and even better to meet our goals but sometimes it’s just not going to happen. Maybe we’re ill, have a work thing after work or a family thing or maybe we are just dead ass tired from juggling writing, work, home, and family, not getting enough sleep, etc…. We are not superheroes. We do not wear capes…well, at least I don’t. We are just regular human beings with too much to do and not enough time to get it all done. Or we’re too ill or just plain worn out. So, when that happens, take the night off…just don’t make a habit of it. AND DON’T FEEL GUILTY ABOUT IT! We will need to get back into our routine as soon as possible though so that we don’t lose any momentum. Maybe we could double up on Saturday and/or Sunday to make up for that lost writing time. After taking a day off, we might feel a bit more energized and creative because we had been running on empty for so long and that night off was just what we needed to bounce back. We have to take care of ourselves because as writers, we are our own creative instrument. So, get a check-up, eat healthier, stay hydrated, get enough rest, take a vacation day and have a little fun, etc…, so that our instrument is in tip-top shape because, if it isn’t, our writing will eventually suffer. So, we have to stop beating ourselves up if we miss a writing session. It’s not a sin for which we need absolution. We just have to forgive ourselves and jump back into our routine. No guilt!
“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” ~ Jim Rohn
Inspired Writer 
I have a book I love — Meditations for Women Who Do Too Much — by Anne Wilson Schaef. It often sees me through days like this. Self-care is important especially during these holidays.
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I have that book somewhere. I need to find it!
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