At the end of each school year, Son#2′s school requires each student to prepare a Reflection of Knowledge Presentation. The purpose of the ROK is to have the student reflect on their subjects and classes during the past year to help identify strengths and weaknesses in order to improve next year.
I know it’s only May, but I have created my own Reflection of Knowledge to share with you:
The first five months of this year have been the busiest I can ever recall. I am in the middle of a huge revision for my current WIP, I am serving as a writing mentor for 4 authors and I was on the planning committee for the Children’s Book Festival in La Mesa. If you add to this, my normal freelance graphic work, carpool for the kids, homework and (blech) housework, I have had a very full plate.
Here is what my life should be when it is in balance:
This chart represents the perfect balance between taking care of my family, finishing my work/writing and yes the dreaded housework.
I have known for quite a while that when the balance is disturbed something has to suffer. If you are too busy working, you don’t have to the time to spend with your family and the house gets messy.
Here is a chart to show how the balance can be disturbed:
As you can plainly see, when one area takes over, the delicate balance is destroyed. Leading to frustration:
And even exhaustion:
So here is my Reflection of Knowledge:
WIP– I have revised 7 chapters of my 15 Chapter manuscript and I am taking a little break. I would like to have the revisions completed before November, so I still have time and I need a little rest.
Mentoring– I have completed 3 of the 4 mentorships and I am looking forward to finishing the last one some time in June. This has been a tremendously rewarding experience and I am looking forward to my mentees doing wonderful things. These dedicated women are working hard to improve their craft and I am honored to be a part of the process.
Children’s Book Festival in La Mesa Planning Committee– The event was last weekend and I have to say that it was a great event. I have never been involved in something of this scale, and I would say that my greatest learning came from this event.
I have discovered that when faced with a job to do and no one to step up to do it, I find myself volunteering. While this is good for the event, this is not good for me. I must learn to say “No” and mean it. 
I also discovered the value of having friends and family around, not only help, but listen when I have bitten off more than I can chew. So thanks to everyone who helped me out, I truly appreciate it.
My greatest discovery, was the inspiration I received from talking with other authors and illustrators. Working in the green room with my blog buddy Sarah, we had a great opportunity to speak with many different traditionally and self published authors. I am amazed at how hard they work to help promote their writing. You will be seeing several author and illustrator spotlights in the coming months for many of these dedicated people.
Overall I am glad that I was on the committee, but I also learned that an event of this sort takes me away from what I think is truly important, my family, my work and yes even my dreaded housework.
So I will keep practicing saying “No” and try to get my life back in balance. I’ll keep you posted on my progress.
Suzanne Santillan
Writing on the Sidewalk
Sue, you remind me of the multi-armed Hindu Goddess Kali who manages to keep universes in balance. No doubt your many skills contributed to the success of the book festival, and the community is grateful. And now, yes, it’s now time to say “No.” I want to buy your next book.
Balance is something that we are constantly strive for, and saying “no” is the first step. I agree with your priorities, Suzanne. It may mean the books are few and far between, but there is no substitute for the experience and richness of living and the satisfaction of loving well.
Thanks Clara.
Love this post! I recently was interviewed by a friend who is interesting in embarking on a writing career and it reminded me that I need to strike a better balance. I used to be very good at this, but lately, not so much and I end up feeling overwhelmed and unproductive. Here’s to better balance (and saying NO).
Thanks Deb, Sometimes it’s hard to say No, but it’s the best thing we can do for ourselves.
Sue