Balance
Balance of any kind is hard.
Balancing your cheque book. Balancing your diet. Balancing relationships
The list is endless. But the biggest balancing act for everyone is balancing your time. How do you find the time each day to –
Eat. Sleep. Shower. Commute to work/school. Commute home from work/school. Work/School. Interact with family/friends. Walk the dog. Workout. Do the laundry. Clean house. Clean your teeth. And…
Still find time to write.
The standard answer is – you make time. You can do a search engine search and discover numerous suggestions.
So, now that you have writing fit into your all ready crammed life you need one more thing – balance.
Why?
Easiest way to explain that – the opposite to balance is chaos.
There are numerous days when the photo to the right is what the inside of my head feels like. That’s when I have to take a step back and see what has fallen out of place. I do that with a yoga class. I am not the teacher; therefore, I am not in control. I can let my mind go and at some point in the class it will reveal what I need to work on.
A lot of you probably rolled your eyes at the thought of yoga. Notice I didn’t say – go take a class. I said that’s what I do. You will need to find your “yoga”. My neighbour is an artist. When chaos is closing in on her – she sits and sketches. Maybe you knit. Read. Walk. Garden. Stare out the window.
Once you have discovered that, give yourself permission to do it.
I saw that eye roll. You don’t have time to do all the other stuff and now I want you to do something else.
Yup.
You can’t think when chaos rules your head and you feel like the world is crashing in. so, let me repeat myself – GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO DO IT. You have no idea how liberating that is. When life is crazy and I’m running in 10 different directions, I head for yoga. I don’t have the time to do it. I shouldn’t be there. But, I’ve given myself permission to get my butt on the mat. Because there the chaos in my head will calm and I can focus on how to do what needs to be done. I’ve also had epiphany moments about a life situation or a plot problem.
But – you knew there had to be a but, right?!?! Know this, you will not always achieve balance in your life. Some days it is perfect and others days it is in a shattered hot mess. Honour that. Accept it. But at least try.
And if all of this is just too much – a small suggestion – breathe. Sit for 2 minutes and just focus on air in – air out – air in – air out. Do it at your desk. In your car. In the bathroom.
The kids won’t stop running around screaming – get them to join you in the breathing. Once they can sit for the 2 minutes – make it 3. Make it 5.
You will have calmed yourself (and them) and found a bit of balance. Then working through your day may go a bit smoother.
Branwyn’s Love Blurb
Daryl Devoré pens another hot read – the medieval romance –Branwyn’s Love.
The tale of a young woman sold as a courtesan in training. Branwyn arrives in a new land to begin daily lessons in the bewildering art of bedding a man.
The noblewoman chosen to be Prince Malacke’s bride rejects him by bedding his hated rival. Malacke turns his anger towards increasing the power and wealth of Black Dorn castle. And he succeeds until his attention is captured by the face of the woman who will be his queen.
Note: This book contains elements of domination, submission, and fetishes. If these concepts disturb you, please do not purchase or read this book. Branwyn’s Love was formerly known as Black Dorn and published by New Dawning.
Pinterest Board for Branwyn’s Love
Branwyn’s Love Excerpt
“Stop that crying or by all that is powerful, I will beat you.”
“Do not yell so. You will frighten the poor child.”
Through tears, Branwyn stared at her uncle and aunt. “I… I do not understand. Why must I go?”
Her aunt sat next to her. “It is your time, child. A husband has been chosen. You must leave us to join with him.”
“About time it is!” Her uncle’s face grew redder with each word. “One year shy of a score she is, and still unwed. She must fall to her knees to thank God someone wishes to marry such an old spinster.”
Branwyn slapped the arm of her chair. “I decline. It is my right. I shall not marry this man!”
“How many men do you think you can refuse?” Her uncle paced about the small room. “This is the fourth suitor to ask for your hand. You cannot. It is done. Your things are being loaded as we speak.” He jerked back a curtain in the window and pointed.
The door opened and in stepped a tall broad-shouldered soldier. “The carriage awaits.”
“Branwyn.” Aunt Selda patted her hand. “You have no dowry. This is a good match. He is a rich man. He will give you babies.”
Suspicion gnawed at Branwyn’s stomach. “And what did he give you?”
“Gold.” Uncle Egbert picked up his purse and dropped it, with a rattle, back onto the table.
Bio and Social Media Links
Two writers in one. Daryl Devoréwrites hot romances with sexy heroes and strong heroines. Victoria Adams is Daryl’s alter ego when she’s inspired to write sweet romances with little to no heat.
Daryl (@daryldevore) lives in an old farmhouse in Ontario, Canada, with her husband, two black cats – Licorice and Ginny-Furr Purrkins – and some house ghosts. Her daughter is grown and has flown the nest. Daryl loves to take long walks on her quiet country road or snowshoe across the back acres, and in the summer, kayak along the St. Lawrence River. She has touched a moon rock, a mammoth, and a meteorite. She’s been deep in the ocean in a submarine, flown high over Niagara Falls in a helicopter, and used the ladies room in a royal palace. Life’s an adventure and Daryl’s having fun living it.