by guest blogger Maya Rodale, writer of historical tales of true love and adventure.
My name is Maya, and I am a workaholic.
I love working so much that I even kept two jobs in two states simultaneously. These days, I work from home as a writer, but that doesn’t mean I ever really stop or relax. After all…there’s always something to do, and my desk is right there in the living room.
Thus, my New Year’s resolution is to observe weekends.
Previously, weekends were opportunities to catch up on other work. I rested only when my body revolted and I got sick (what’s a migraine but forced bed rest?). But even this “rest” was spoiled by guilt: I should be working. I’m getting further behind. Not. Fun. Not. Relaxing.
This past “observed” weekend, however, was fun and relaxing and interesting. Saturday morning began with magazines and coffee on the couch. I did my grocery shopping before the rush. I spent the afternoon enjoying a leisurely brunch-and-shopping excursion with a friend. And then, I took a nap.
By Saturday night, however, I was bored and itching to write down some of those blog ideas that had come to me, or update my website, or do something to get ahead on my work! But I practiced restraint, if only for the sake of research.
On Sunday, I tried embroidery for the first time and read a romance novel. On Monday, I woke up relaxed, refreshed, and energized for a very productive day—easily accomplishing all the tasks I otherwise would have done over the weekend.
Relaxed and accomplished? I think I’ll keep this up!
Do you observe weekends? How to do you relax?
Maya Rodale is the author of numerous historical romance novels. She lives in New York City with a rogue of her own and their dog, Penelope. Find her on Facebook, Twitter, or at www.mayarodale.com. Her most recent book is Dangerous Books for Girls.
Hmmmmm…. doesn’t a romantic novel qualify as field work for you? Nevertheless, a noble effort! There is nothing better than a winter weekend nap ; )
Sounds like a nice weekend, Maya, let’s see how long you keep that going!
I wish I could do what you do on weekends. I’m a workaholic, too. I’ve always got a mile long list of stuff I want to accomplish yet not enough time in the day. I try to get everything done so I can reward myself with writing time but the writing is the thing that always gets pushed further back on the list. My weekends are my clean house, do laundry, strip beds time – add to that trying to entertain and do chores for my folks (86 and 91) and I hate weekends. Always glad to see Monday come back. : )
Oh goodness that’s a lot of work! My trick to always ensure writing time? Get up early and write first thing in the morning when the coffee is hot and all yours and no one else is up yet. Even if it’s just an hour. That way, no matter what the day throws at you, you’ve gotten your favorite/most important thing done! 🙂
As a graduate student in an art program I do not observe weekends during school.I have not found any work around for this, there is simply not enough time to do all that needs doing, and work 20 hours a week and make art.
it also kind of sucks.
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