We're only a few weeks into the new year and already I'm overwhelmed. I feel stretched thin personally, socially, emotionally. Quite frankly, I'm saying yes to too many things (and by things I don't mean writing assignments...as far as I'm concerned these days, the more work, the better!). And yet I think I need to add more to my plate....
Do you mix business with pleasure?
I took an almost two-year break from doing most extra-curricular cancer stuff. I was pregnant and then I was a new mom and I needed the down time. And I felt like I had the ultimate excuse when I said no to speeches and travel and fundraising and events (I never said no to the New York City chapter of the LLS, however—they're like family). But now I'm neither pregnant nor a new mother. And I feel like I should get back into the thick of it. Or at least start saying yes to a few things. I have a call tomorrow about an event this spring and I really want to say yes. I should say yes. But here's my dilemma:
I now work for myself. I don't get paid personal days and vacation days and as a writer, a day out of the "office" translates to a lot more missed work than you'd think. And let's face it, I need to support my expensive sunglasses habit (that's an inside joke for those of you who read the comments...). When I do something, I give 110 percent, which means if it's, say, a speech, I'll spend a week writing and obsessing over it instead of working. And I live on Long Island which means travel is necessary. Time away from my fam. Part of me thinks I do a lot when it comes to giving back to the cancer community. Another part thinks I don't do nearly enough. Ugh. (Did you know that Facebook can land you a job?)
But I'm also bad at saying no in my personal life. I take on too much, I entertain too much, I worry too much. I really need to be better at laying low. Do you guys say yes to everything? Any tips for saying no...and then not beating yourself with guilt afterward?
by Erin Zammett RuddyRelated:How Not to Get Cancer.
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