As a writer of ten children’s books, life took an unexpected turn when I discovered I was pregnant at 41. Now, with my son just 20 months old, I’ve found that balancing parenthood with my writing career has not only been manageable but has made me more productive than ever. The principles I’ve embraced in raising my child have surprisingly translated into my creative endeavors. Here are seven insights I’ve gained:
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Be Present.
The essence of parenting is being there for your child. Likewise, I dedicate focused time to my writing, which I affectionately consider my second child. Each night, after my son is asleep, I commit two hours to writing. If I neglect that time, my creative pursuits suffer, and I refuse to let that happen under my watch. -
Embrace the Chaos.
Gone are the days of striving for perfection. My home is often a whirlwind of toys and scattered messes while my son explores his surroundings. I’ve accepted that some tasks, like laundry or cooking gourmet meals, may fall by the wayside. Similarly, I’ve learned to accept the messy stages of writing as part of the process. This newfound freedom allows both my child and me to thrive in our respective chaos. -
Schedule Breaks.
Just as my son occasionally needs a timeout to recalibrate, I find it essential to step away from my writing when it feels overwhelming. These short breaks often yield fresh insights and renewed creativity, benefiting both my parenting and my writing. -
Master Multitasking.
While I strive to be in the moment, I’ve honed my ability to juggle multiple tasks. Whether I’m brainstorming story ideas while changing a diaper or drafting grocery lists in the shower, I find inspiration strikes when I’m engaged in other activities. This capacity to multitask is invaluable. -
Build a Support Network.
My husband and I understand the importance of community in our son’s life, surrounding him with diverse interactions. Similarly, my writing thrives on feedback from a broad audience, including critique groups and trusted readers. Engaging with others enhances my work significantly. -
Cultivate Positivity.
I’ve learned to manage my stress levels, recognizing their impact on my child and myself. This lesson extends to my writing; maintaining a positive mindset is crucial for creativity. It’s easier to create when I focus on the uplifting aspects rather than succumbing to negativity. -
Tomorrow is a New Day.
Every night, I sing “Tomorrow” from Annie to my son as a gentle reminder that each day brings new opportunities. Once he’s asleep, I face a blank page or a new chapter with hope, knowing that tomorrow I can start fresh and continue to grow as a writer.
For those navigating parenthood and creativity, remember that embracing your journey can lead to unexpected growth. If you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination, check out this guide on artificial insemination kits. They provide insightful resources to support your fertility journey. Additionally, this article from Healthline on intrauterine insemination is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, the lessons learned from parenting can significantly enhance your writing practices, leading to greater creativity and productivity. Embrace the messiness, stay present, and remember that each day is an opportunity to start anew.