Dead Tired of Deadlines

I got this encouraging note by email yesterday: "I went to Leta's book signing at 'Footprints on the Shore' bookstore yesterday and thought of being there for you one day, Brenda, receiving a signed copy of your new book!" I felt buoyed by the encouragement of a friend and reader of my blog, encouragement that whets my parched enthusiasm for writing.

I've pushed my writing aside for the usual work busyness that is the month of January and into February. My blog, my writing sketchpad, lies mostly forgotten and overlooked. The only writing I will do is to ask for an extension on my writing assignment that is due February 6th. I can't do it any justice this next week. I have no reserves for creativity. It is seldom that I ask for an extension on a deadline. I pride myself on meeting deadlines - but my deadlines don't usually involve creative energy and thought.

Last month I resigned from my monthly writing gig for a local newspaper. I had to create more space in my life. A writing friend filled the gap beautifully. I read her article in this month's edition of the paper and felt the relief of not having that deadline to meet.

In the mornings I awake with thoughts of work and a list of to-dos stirring in my head: where is that form; don't forget to make that request to such-and-such; call this person; leave a message for that person; touch base with so-and-so; post that blog you wrote two weeks ago; meet all those deadlines, phone home ...

I feel the rush in my chest - particularly on a Monday morning. I want to hide, escape, run away, soar on a breath of fresh rushing air before I burn to the ground.