Y’all I am overwhelmed. In a big way. Which totally explains why I’ve been ignoring this blog and all my lovely followers. If I still have any. Y’all are still there right? I’m pretending everyone just shouted yes.

Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah. I’ve got too much on my plate these days. Which I think it totally normal in this world. I can only speak for myself though so I’m saying it isn’t normal. I don’t like feeling like I’m drowning in life. But I do. And it sucks.

I’ve got a to do list that would choke a horse. My dad is facing heart surgery in a month so I’m trying to be a rock for him and my mom. I’m trying to be supportive for various friends as they struggle with life stuff. On top of that I’ve got new duties at work, volunteer work with both my church and The Arthritis Foundation, one book to market, a second book (out August 1st!) to prepare to market, a third book to write, a newbie writer to mentor, animals to take care of, a house to prep for sale (hopefully in a year but I’m starting now), and… well the list just goes on from there.

I know I’m overdoing it. I know I’m right at the edge of my own limits and that if something doesn’t change or get crossed off my list I’m going to break.

I am empty.

I’ve seriously got nothing left to give anyone else.

So I’m going to start being selfish. I’m going to save myself. Friends will need to learn to prop themselves up without my cheerleading. Okay, I’ll still be there for them but I’m going to start turning off my phone each evening and saving that time for myself. I’m going to go through my monster to-do list and turn everything I can over to someone else. I’m also going to look at author marketing services and see about hiring someone to handle book promotion for me. My sales have been terrible so clearly my efforts aren’t working.

I’m going to watch more sunsets with my animals.

I’m going to have more dinners with my friends.

I’m going to write more and Facebook less.

I’m going to take better care of me.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed too I encourage you to do the same. Simplify. I’ve already starting working on this and it really helps. I don’t miss the things I’ve let go of. Instead I feel more free and more me.

Hugs, love, and blessings to each and every one of you.

~Elise