When I work too much, I think about Coraline and the movie’s titular character. Specifically, I think about how Coraline’s parents were so caught up in their writing projects that they never noticed their child was sneaking off to another world and that Other Mother was trying to replace her with a button-eyed doll.
I imagine Coraline and then immediately abandon my projects for the day to play with my children.
It’s a bit extreme. Part of that is fueled by my intrusive thoughts (OCD-related), but recalling the movie keeps me grounded when I’m doing too much.
I shared that last bit of nonsense with you simply to say that I haven’t needed to lean on Coraline so far this month.
In my last post, I wrote about taking some time to rest, and I have surprised myself (and even some friends) by following through. Since December 1, I’ve made it my mission to prioritize my rest and my family’s collective joie de vivre.
I’ve realized three things since the 1st:
- I’ve lost a lot of my “play.” It takes way too long to jumpstart the fun side of me nowadays.
- Trying to recuperate from an entire year’s worth of work in 3-4 weeks isn’t enough.
- I am Coraline and my ambition is Other Mother.
I am humbled by these revelations. I’m still trying to process them fully, but I recognize that serious change must happen if I am to maintain my inner vibrancy going forward.
My hope for you is that you are also making time for yourself, to recapture or even kindle that life spark in you that is trying to dim.
What I’m Reading:
Palimpsest: Documents from a Korean Adoption
Graphic memoir
by Lisa Wool-Rim Sjöblom
Dry
Memoir
by Augusten Burroughs
The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration
Historical non-fiction
by Isabel Wilkerson
What I’m Listening To:
Ari Lennox, Shea Butter Baby album
Music Monday playlists from Tea With Tami
What I Read:
The Boys: Volumes 4-8
Graphic novels
by Garth Ennis
How We Fight For Our Lives
Memoir
by Saeed Jones
Reckless
Romance
by Evelyn Montgomery
The Negro Motorist Green Book
Guidebook
by Victor H. Green
Stay safe,
DWM
*featured image by David López on Pexels.com
DW McKinney 
One response to “Thoughts on Coraline and my Other Mother”
[…] month, after a hiatus from constant writing and freelance work, I realized that I am my own worst enemy. My drive and ambition get in the way of me taking time for myself. So does the need to produce and […]
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