There was a time when I could stay up late into the night writing. I’d go for weeks without writing a word because of work and school, and then I’d make a pot of coffee at 9pm on a Friday night, sit down and write until two or three in the morning. And I used to write blog posts late at night and be satisfied with them, but now I feel like they’re lacking something when I put the finishing touches on them at midnight.
I feel like I’ve been saying different variations of the same thing all year–or maybe it hasn’t been different variations at all and I’ve been saying the exact same things. But I feel like I’ve learned how to balance the hustle. (I’m cringing a little as I type that word, because it’s now on my list of words that I dislike because of how and how much it’s used.) There have been times when it’s been beneficial to stay up until midnight working and I’ve discovered that if I don’t do it all the time, I can find the energy and attention-span that I need late at night to work.
But most of the time, if I haven’t started writing before 10:30pm it’s better to wait till the next day to get started. I’d say I’m not 22 anymore, but I don’t think it’s necessarily an age thing (although that may factor in). It’s more that my life has changed. I used to wake up at 8am at the earliest, but now I have to wake up earlier than that every day. I have a job that takes a lot of energy instead of one that can be a little monotonous. So I’ve learned that once 11pm rolls around it’s time to pack up what I’m doing and wait until the next day when I’m more refreshed and have more mental energy. And I feel better about what I’m working on when I do.
It’s funny that you’re over the word hustle because I feel like I’m finally getting on board with it. My best writing time seems to flex as well. For a long time I would stay up late and crank out writing. Now I’m doing it during the day more. I’m in Minneapolis, too!
That’s funny! When words start to be used a lot I tend to get tired of them. I have a list of words that I don’t like anymore, but most people love them. š That’s so cool! I love meeting others who live in Minneapolis.
Hmmm…I have learned that it’s ok to say “no” to opportunities and just do less. I a enjoying my children more and am less rushed. It’s been great!
That’s a good thing to learn! Sometimes you just need to say no so that you can enjoy time with family and take time to enjoy the activities you do agree to/want to do. š
I can relate to this! I’m not working right now, so there isn’t anywhere I have to be in the mornings, and as a natural night owl, I love staying up late and writing and blogging. But when I was working full-time, and had to get the kids to school, etc, I was totally of the same mind – if it’s after 10pm, fuhgeddaboutit. š
It’s just so hard when you have to be up in the morning. š
In June I learned all about how to protect my plants from scorch. They were dying and now they’re thriving.
That’s awesome! I’m glad to hear that they bounced back and are doing well now!