Too Tired to Edit

"You're through. Finished. Burned out. Used up. You've been replaced. . . forgotten. That's a lie!" —Charles Swindoll

My computer screen stared back at me as blank as my grey matter.

No ideas.

No motivation.

No words.

Nothing flowed. All I felt was drained. What will I blog? I riffled through my blog ideas writing file. Nothing. Everything required too much revision. Then I wondered, Am I burned out? Aha…my topic.

I didn't mind writing, but the thought of rewriting until my article sparkled held no appeal. Cleaning the toilet until it sparkled seemed more inviting than editing. And it was too late to eat chocolate. Caffeine would wreck another night's sleep.

This last week the economic news tapped into the financial nightmares I experienced solo parenting. I want security, peace and publishing opportunities. Every night was also Sleepless in Colorado Springs. Sleep deprivation left me feeling discouraged. Exhaustion dampened optimism. I wondered, Will my passion for writing, plus the commitment and hard work, ever be given the opportunity to impact the lives of others?

Tomorrow I will—

1. Acknowledge my feelings and the lies I'm telling myself that drain my joy.
   
2. Take better care of myself.
   
3. Go to bed earlier and get more sleep.
   
4. Renew my soul.
   
5. Take a day off.
   
6. Soak in a hot, luxurious bath.
   
7. Eat rich, dark chocolate.
   
8. Meet an upbeat friend for coffee or tea.
   
9. Say "no" to draining people.
   
10. Finish some remodeling projects around my house.
    
11. Refill my creative well.
    
12. Take a walk, enjoy the sunshine and the scenery.
    
13. Grab my camera and capture the beauty of God's creation.
    
14. Sing or listen to uplifting music.
    
15. Let go of perfection and expectations.