Saturday, September 26, 2015

Trying to be simple in a complicated world

Greeting all.

So, those who are revisiting my site will have noticed that I've changed the color scheme/background so that it's pretty much almost as simple as it can get.  I admit, I hope this also makes my blog/site look more professional, but we'll have to wait and see on that point.

So, simplicity. Yep, it's time for a random musing, that will meander all over the place, much similar to how some of my writing has been said to be. I prefer to think of it as a non-linear way of telling a story in a big jumble of wibbly wobbly, anything can happen, kind of deal.

For anyone who knows me, in any level beyond just casual acquaintance, I have this tendency to bog myself down with projects. Best way of putting it, I'm a workaholic. Yep, that's totally me. I thrive on doing things. When I have a moment of down time, I often wonder what's wrong, what I've forgotten, if I should be doing something I'm not. It's a rather sad but exhilarating thing all at the same time.

The past few months, as anyone who has read my blog, knows, have been super hectic. And with all of that hectic-ness, I have lost sight of myself a bit. I seem to be mostly myself when I'm creating. And the past month hasn't really allowed for a lot of creativity. From working unusual shifts that have left me almost bone weary, to worrying about the health and wellness of my family, it's been so full of worries and stress that I haven't really had time to create. But that is changing.

My hubby and I had a nice sit down talk a week ago and we came to the same conclusion: I'm the most happy when I can create. I'm the most "me" when I create. So, even though it is, in a way simplifying things (taking me more out of the crazy "Help! I'm stressed out the yin-yang!"), I'm putting myself back into the creative firing oven.

What does that mean? Well, I'm doing everything I can to let my characters talk to me again. I'm getting creative in the kitchen at least once a week. I'm editing. I'm trying to bring back my art, in small degrees. And, I'm bringing back my radio drama.

I'm sure you're going something like, "Now wait just a minute. Wasn't this supposed to be about simplifying things?" And you're right. It is. (I'm not forgetting the crowd who are like, "Wait, you do radio dramas?") But, for me, this is more simple than sitting around like an old hen, worrying about everything. To simplify my life, I am purposely complicating it with the things I love to do best, creating.

That's not to say that I'm going to "bring it all on" at the same time, because I'm not. I'm just changing priorities. I'm trying to worry less about work and more about my physical and mental health. So I'm editing my own stories and that of a fellow writer. I'm trying new things in the kitchen (but only once a week). And I'm bringing back, as I said, the radio drama.

Speaking of radio dramas, it's actually more of a "for fun" project that spans 136 chapters. And call me crazy if you will, I'm the main producer, script writer/editor, director, and mixer for this project. And I like it. :D Yes, I"m a glutton for punishment, but at least it's for a good cause.

Again, for those who don't really know me, it is my goal in life to help others, to lift them, and help them achieve their goals. By doing my radio drama, I am allowing inexperienced actors the opportunity to work on their craft by doing something fun. By writing, I am (hopefully) bringing a message of encouragement and empowerment to my readers. By cooking/baking, I'm showing people that they can try new things. By creating art, I am giving the world something new to see and explore.

So, to simplify my life, I am trying to cut out the things that are stressful (or at least stop focusing on them and how I feel trapped by them) and am, instead, focusing on what I can do. Sure, I may overdo it, but at least it will be on my terms.

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