DW McKinney

I’ve seen quite a few posts on Twitter where people are listing their accomplishments from the past decade. It’s been fascinating to see the spectrum of life unfold in so many varied yet parallel forms. Burials and births. First publications and a lack of creativity. Moving and staying rooted.

I will undoubtedly post my own accomplishments in a blog post next month. I think it’s a good exercise and I try to do it for myself on a more personal level every year. But as I—and maybe you, too—make that list, I would encourage you not to run yourself down to finish it.

Keep some space open for rest. We have one month (and a half) left in 2019 and I know there’s that tick tick ticking in the back of our minds that’s pushing us to do more, finish that one last thing, or to end the decade on a big note. But if you can end the year feeling rested, I’d encourage you to do so. For me, that means declining projects and taking more time to read for pleasure instead of for review work. It also means leaving chores unfinished around the house so that I can enjoy my life more.

Come January 1, any unfinished projects will be waiting for you, but if you haven’t made the time for yourself, you’ll struggle to finish them while still feeling worn down. And you’ll start the year at a bigger deficit than you anticipated.

It may sound a bit cheesy, but sometimes we need a reminder to make room for ourselves where it really counts. So, take a nap if you need to.

Speaking of naps, you should check out The Nap Ministry. They’re also on Twitter.

What I’m Reading:

The Year of Magical Thinking
Memoir
by Joan Didion

What I Read:

shine through our shade: an evolution of self love
Poetry collection
by Tiriq Callaway

Bluebird, Bluebird
Novel
by Attica Locke

Making Comics
A fun curriculum
(I reviewed it here)
by Lynda Barry

The Boys: Volume 2 and 3
Graphic novels
by Garth Ennis

I haven’t said it yet, so I’ll say it now. Thank you for reading my posts.

Stay safe,
DWM

*featured image Godisable Jacob on Pexels.com