Can I really keep myself from going bat$#!t?

Daily life… Sometimes it can be such a grind, you know? The past year I’ve felt like I’ve been living on the surface of a millstone. I’m sure we’ve all been there but when the duration is so protracted, the question arises, do we become our work, losing everything that makes us interesting in the process, or do we allow the frustration to consume us? Or is there a way to keep from going crazy and keep an even keel?

56/365 morning run (Photo credit: kharied)

Anyone who knows me or reads this blog knows that I’m a runner and a writer, and those are the things I do to retain my sanity. Writing helps get things out of my head, while running helps me focus and meditate, with the added benefit that I manage to stay in decent shape. If my department ever gets caught up to where we are working eight-hour days, I might make some stuff out of wood, do some bookbinding, or just get out with my wife and daughter and have some fun for a change.

Ball n' Chain — Ball n’ Chain (Photo credit: WyldWoods (WW.N))

That job… the old ball and chain… its slowly killing me regardless.

This post was prompted by today’s Daily Post prompt.

Daily Prompt: On the Edge (princeidogunowolemi.wordpress.com)
Daily Prompt: On edge, what do you do? Usually, I jump off! (jennifermarshcurtis.wordpress.com)
Daily Prompt: On the Edge (bookwormcatlady.wordpress.com)
Daily Prompt: On the Edge (dailypost.wordpress.com)
Daily Prompt: On the Edge (spaspanache.wordpress.com)
Just on-edge (cellarfloor.wordpress.com)
Daily Prompt | On The Edge : Get Off Of My Cloud (betweenscreens.com)
On the Edge of Yoga (silverleafjournal.wordpress.com)
Daily Prompt: On the Edge (ladyboyprompt.wordpress.com)
Daily Prompt: On the Edge (lumar1298.wordpress.com)

7 comments

There’s a flip side to this, you know. As I sit here and wonder whether I’ve destroyed any professional credibility I have by pursuing a dream versus working a real job. As I go to a function and listen to what a great asset my husband is, and listen to comments like, “Wow. Every time I see you, it’s at one of these things.” Having all the time in the world to pursue your dream is a bitch, because you actually want something to come of that time. Other than disappointment and despair.

So there. Probably not the comment you wanted, but it’s where I am right now.

greatbigdragon says:

August 19, 2013 at 8:19 pm

I thought you were a sort of consultant, though.

Reply
- Andra Watkins says:
  
  August 19, 2013 at 8:38 pm
  
  I have let most of that go in pursuit of this. And I am sorry for making a comment in the face of a really trying night. As so many of my friends tell me: it will all work out in the end.
  
  Reply
  - greatbigdragon says:
    
    August 19, 2013 at 9:00 pm
    
    You’re going after what you want. That in itself is something that makes me proud to have made your acquaintance.
    
    Reply