[aux_dropcap style=”classic”]O[/aux_dropcap]h, I was doing just peachy, my dears. I was riding the unicycle of life with grace and poise. But then Week 2 hit, and the story changed. Deadlines loomed like vultures, and I struggled to keep my balance with all the attacking tasks.
I missed my self-imposed deadline for writing projects, including a personal narrative about the struggles of being a good person. I wondered if publishing a mid-week check-in after the weekend summary would be a breach of publishing etiquette, like wearing white after Labor Day. Three days late and after 24 hours of no sleep, I eventually accepted the essay’s extended version, exceeding my word limit. (At least this one is shorter!)
Putting proverbial pen to paper seemed impossible, dear readers. Because clearly, it’s not like I had anything else to do post-fumigation. So much occurred last week, and I wanted to be candid and tactful with the subjects regarding my musings and their articulation. The words just refused to flow; I struggled to make sense of my cluttered mind, but doing so was like trying to untangle a ball of yarn with three cats! And when not scribbling, scratching out, or tidying up my words, I spent my time trying to untangle my life: lugging things from storage, scrubbing shelves, unpacking boxes, and trying to make everything look as presentable as possible.
I somehow managed. I juggled responsibilities, my friends, constantly reshuffling my belongings (as well as my words) like a deck of cards. For now, we’d put off redecorating due to the never-ending unpacking and reorganizing of our belongings. Such tasks, I tell you, such tasks!
I also had a doctor’s appointment that interrupted my circus act of a routine and added to my stress. It wasn’t serious, but my doctor admitted she didn’t tell me about her concerns before my surgery —until the follow-up—which left me stunned. I’m not dying (that I know of), or at least not more than usual for any average human. No worries, I’m totally fine.
But let’s remember the cherry on top of the chaos, everyone. I swear, I set aside time to work out on my elliptical. Ha! As if. It sits mostly lonely and gathering dust, mocking me with its presence. Who has time for self-care when there’s so much work? Clearly not me; I’m too busy being a lackadaisical acrobat. I tried to squeeze in a quick workout but fumbled with lackluster attempts. Who am I fooling? I should stick to my usual training of lounging on the couch and indulging in comfort food!
[aux_quote type=”pullquote-normal” text_align=”left” quote_symbol=”1″ float=””]Staying afloat in the sea of responsibilities is like balancing a coffee cup on a unicycle. One must learn the delicate art of tightrope walker time management and set realistic goals .[/aux_quote]
I just needed to be dramatic first, y’all, and dust myself off before admitting I was overwhelmed. It’s alright to admit that one has too much to juggle and that it’s okay to say no and to seek help when needed. Such is the burden of adulting; we must carry it with “grace.”
Carrying the grace of adulthood is like balancing a coffee cup on a unicycle. One must learn the delicate art of tightrope walker time management and set realistic goals balanced with self-care. I usually used the bullet journal method, my leveling tool, to prioritize my tasks and plan my day. I also typically spent a half-hour in yoga and reading a few chapters, but I couldn’t even find the time to take more than a few sips of coffee, making me feel lost and guilty, just another clown at a funeral.
But I’ll get over it, my loves. One must remember to be honest, set realistic goals, and care for oneself. Or, you know, drink wine and watch Netflix. Such are the keys to navigating the twists and turns of life, and I shall get over it with a little bit of drama and more time on the elliptical…after some Beyond burgers and karaoke; who knows?
