Every Day is Tuesday

It has officially been two months of Safer at Home. I wish I could say I've fallen into a routine and the new-new has been normalized, but I can't.

First, a quick writing update: I've managed to eke out some creative time and been able to write most days. There have been a few Instagram live sprints I've jumped into (I'll link the hosts below) and that’s been a massive help. I'm slightly over 14,000 new words on this new incarnation of Rat and feeling pretty good about it. I've also entered a couple short fiction contests (I’ll link those below, too). I'm still waiting for notes back on Bearwalker, but I should have those back by early next week and then I can jump into edits.

Also, I was interviewed by Magic and Moons about the importance of critique partners. You can find that article here. I loved being able to talk about my experience and hope my answers are helpful. Be sure to check out their other blog posts about indie authors — some great stuff to learn in there.

That being said, it all looks better on paper and I’m struggling to tell myself it’s okay. To be patient and understanding with the circumstances.

But it’s hard.

My friends and I have been keeping each other company on our writing Discord. We post memes, like responsible semi-adults, check in with each other, recommend media, etc etc. Our server is also filled with us asking each other, “wait, what day is it?”

The answer is always: “Tuesday.”

That’s been our running joke since about three weeks into quarantine. It isn’t that funny, it’s not original, but sweet hells, it feels right.

As you may have noticed, I have not been updating my quarterly goals. In this limbo-like existence, my goal setting and keeping has tanked. Where once I would schedule my whole week to the day, now I can barely drag my ass out of bed by 9am and reliably make coffee.

But just because I’m not doing what I was able to pre-Covid, doesn’t mean I can’t do something, right? And if I just float day to day without any planning or lists, my depression will get the better of me. So, I’ve told myself to do four things each day:

Work, write, meditate, and yoga.

That’s about all I can handle. And what I mean by that is I can reliably do maybe three of those every day. If I hit four, it’s a damned good day.

But what I have noticed is this: If every day is Tuesday, you get to do each day over again. Every day is an isolated clean slate. Sure, yesterday-Tuesday I didn’t do yoga or meditate, but today-Tuesday is a new day. I can tackle those things, do my best. And if I don’t? I’ve got another Tuesday lined up tomorrow. I have to remind myself of that and when I do, I find I’m able to handle things better. I feel less anxious, less stressed, and can even, sometimes, focus better.

I’m not saying I’ve got all the answers and I know my situation isn’t yours. But I’d still like you to think about what I’m saying. Figure out what you can’t handle and what you can, be kind to yourself, and try again tomorrow. Be good to yourselves. Be generous and understanding. I know it’s easier said than done, but trying is enough.

And don’t forget to make yourself some tacos. It’s Taco Tuesday, after all.

Let me know how you’re handling this endless parade of Tuesdays and don’t forget to check out the Instagram sprint hosts and short fiction contests below.

Instagram writing sprint hosts:

Short fiction writing competitions:

A.P. ThayerComment