Today I want to talk about some new realities…

This time of year is nuts. It always is, but this year in particular, post-election, has got my head spinning. In addition to feeling like I need to do more in this world, I’ve also committed to trying harder to get my writing career up and running, which means drafting faster and doing more to make that happen. With everything else going on, I’m left feeling exhausted and on the verge of getting sick.

So I’ve decided I need to reprioritize the things I do. That means making a list.

Thing to prioritize:

Writing and Reading Because I can’t give up on my dream, because stories make me happier than almost anything, because they’re important, because they’re needed, because I would go insane without them.

My friends and family Because I am nothing without them.

Doing good Because the world needs it now more than ever. Volunteer. Donate. (This post has some great suggestions.) Also, and ten-years-ago-me can’t believe I’m saying this, but get involved in politics. It’s boring, it’s frustrating–and it’s necessary now, more than ever. I signed up for flippable which sends you a daily link of things you can do to help in your own tiny way. And I’m staying “woke”.

My health Because I can’t properly do any of the above things if I’m not at my best. That means yoga, eating better, and getting sleep.

Things to deprioritize: 

Social Media I’m spending to much time getting riled up by posts and tweets. And while it’s important to continue the conversation on the internet about all the messed-up stuff going on, I, for the most part, am speaking to an echo chamber. I tend to follow liberals, I tend to be friends with liberals, and liberals tend to follow me. I’ve decided to spend less time (not no time, but less) on social media, and more time on action.

TV I’ve heard there are a lot of great shows going on right now! But at the moment, I don’t have time for them. This even extends to (GASP) football. Once an avid Patriots fan who would brave snow and rain to go to the bar and sit there alone to watch my game–I don’t have time this year. I’ll watch the game if it’s on TV, while I’m doing other things, but half the time I’m not even paying attention. It’s an odd shift for me, but not necessarily a bad one.

Shopping I was never a huge shopper to begin with, but I do still occasionally go on buying sprees to boost my mood, and I browse more often than I care to admit. But don’t really need any more stuff. My time and money can be better spent elsewhere. (Except for books. I will always buy more books.)

Worrying Because as always, it’s a giant waste of time.

Any new realities for you? Let me know how you’re handling them.

Photo by Cathryn Lavery on Unsplash