You’ve just confirmed one of my fears as a recovering workaholic. I have spent the last three years resting, healing, doing the work required to heal. I’m feeling so much better. I don’t want to relapse. I know it’s a habit I can fall back into so easily. And you describe how easily so well in your post!
It is interesting how success doesn't mean "oh hey now I get to rest on my laurels" but "oh hey can you write this essay, do this talk/reading and in general work MORE??" I'm experiencing a far more muted version of this in my little academic circle.
The other thing I'm grappling with is while yes saying no is part of the problem, the other part is just that life works a little bit better when I make myself do more. Like I hate working nights and weekends after my kid is in bed, but even just an extra hour on my laptop means that the next day(s) run a tiny bit smoother. The upshot is I am rapidly losing the ability to just rest unless I too get sick. So, solidarity jenn, and get well soon.
Oh no! I hope you feel well soon. Damn Covid! I remember my younger years when the only way I could slow the train down was to be sick. Or at least I thought that was the case. So many demands. Too many on you right now from the sounds of it. "The busy years" are exhausting. I hope you can push back on some of the book related over work. I realize now what I always craved was stability. And approval. I have one now and finally at 69 don't care so much about the other. It can take years for some us to fine tune our lives. Big hug, xx
oh jenn, i feel you! it's so hard to have so-called boundaries when you want the book to do well, when so much is placed on the author's shoulders to 'do their best' and wanting the three years of hardcore writing to feel worth it and therefore turning up for everything. i always book a little vacation now following any book promo / inevitable slump. it signals to me and my publishers that a hard line has appeared that says: i'm done now. that's enough. glad you are resting. delicious delicious rest.
You have earned a rest. More than one, in fact.
You owe "us" nothing except to give yourself much needed TLC. Take care Jenn~ ❤️🍪
How you manage to be both a people pleaser and seemingly so authentic is a marvel
Thanks for your honest writing about this. It’s deeply needed. Wishing you rest.
I was thinking the same, and you worded it perfectly.
You forgot to list workout in the list of things you are trying to do. 🙃 Amazing piece!! Thank you and get well soon. <3
You’ve just confirmed one of my fears as a recovering workaholic. I have spent the last three years resting, healing, doing the work required to heal. I’m feeling so much better. I don’t want to relapse. I know it’s a habit I can fall back into so easily. And you describe how easily so well in your post!
Wishing you a speedy recovery and lots of rest.
It is interesting how success doesn't mean "oh hey now I get to rest on my laurels" but "oh hey can you write this essay, do this talk/reading and in general work MORE??" I'm experiencing a far more muted version of this in my little academic circle.
The other thing I'm grappling with is while yes saying no is part of the problem, the other part is just that life works a little bit better when I make myself do more. Like I hate working nights and weekends after my kid is in bed, but even just an extra hour on my laptop means that the next day(s) run a tiny bit smoother. The upshot is I am rapidly losing the ability to just rest unless I too get sick. So, solidarity jenn, and get well soon.
damn. i am sorry. rest. but fyi. you have been really inspiring out there.
Oh no! I hope you feel well soon. Damn Covid! I remember my younger years when the only way I could slow the train down was to be sick. Or at least I thought that was the case. So many demands. Too many on you right now from the sounds of it. "The busy years" are exhausting. I hope you can push back on some of the book related over work. I realize now what I always craved was stability. And approval. I have one now and finally at 69 don't care so much about the other. It can take years for some us to fine tune our lives. Big hug, xx
oh jenn, i feel you! it's so hard to have so-called boundaries when you want the book to do well, when so much is placed on the author's shoulders to 'do their best' and wanting the three years of hardcore writing to feel worth it and therefore turning up for everything. i always book a little vacation now following any book promo / inevitable slump. it signals to me and my publishers that a hard line has appeared that says: i'm done now. that's enough. glad you are resting. delicious delicious rest.