Priorities shift this summer
I’m still here even though I’m writing less.
I haven’t written in awhile because I’ve been giving all my attention to family. It’s a normal occurrence during the summer and writing often takes a back seat as a result.
You may or may not know that I come from a long line of teachers. I once was one myself. My husband is currently a professor. So, I’ve never experienced a year without a summer spent with family, having lots of time together.
I remember the many summers growing up traveling with family in our trusty RV. It was pre-Internet, and I’d jot down ideas or stories on lined paper while on the road. As I got older, I had a laptop on those journeys. Summers were real-life adventures combined with reflection and creativity.
Until I had my daughter almost 6 years ago, more of my free time during summers was devoted to writing. It’s the way I process my experiences and express myself. But as a full-time stay-at-home mom, I have very little “free time.”
For example, right now I started writing this to you while watching Space Jam with my daughter and 20 year old son in our make-shift movie room. In-between typing on my phone, I was getting snacks, tying shoes, and generally being available.
I’ve written a bit in the past about prioritizing motherhood over writing. It takes a lot of commitment and patience. The fact is, I never wanted to be a mother growing up. I wanted to be a writer. In reality, I was a writer beginning in my childhood. So, having my main focus now be motherhood has involved a significant paradigm shift.
As a result, I have dry spells as a writer. I recently wrote about this occurrence. In that same piece, I talk about how dry spells are good for all writers. It just happens for me more now in my life.
On top of this, I have another creative outlet, one enjoyed with my daughter. Additionally, as I’ve gotten older, I no longer feel the external pressure I felt in the past to write. I wrote this in an article critiquing the hustle trap.
The pandemic itself has shifted my priorities. When I get a bit more time to myself, I plan to write about how the pandemic has instigated other paradigm shifts for me. But my guess is that a lot of other people have been changed by the last year as well.
This newsletter is basically just a way to stay in touch and let you know why there has been radio silence for awhile. As the summer, wanes, I will be writing more frequently.
I hope your summer has been fulfilling, too.