Writing While Exhausted

This week has been weird. Although I know I got a lot of work done on my second manuscript, I also feel as if I haven’t done anything at all. I think it’s because I’ve been so tired. The summer is finally catching up to me. My non-stop pace at home and work slapped me in the face last weekend and said “Sit yo ass down somewhere”. Now normally I would ignore this not so subtle hint that I need to rest and keep moving, but when I sat down and thought about it I realized that I hadn’t rested in weeks. But as you all know, life happens and resting goes to the bottom of the priority list. 

I am proud of the fact that although it was tough to squeeze enough energy to focus on writing I made myself do it. One night an idea for a scene late in my novel came to me and I made myself write it down before I forgot. And I continued to write at work during my lunch break and typing it up at night, but by Thursday I was caput. Didn’t pick up my pen, charge up my lap top or think about writing. Even my excitement about the feature of my short story Weekends by From a Writers Point of View couldn’t prevent me from crashing on the couch yesterday afternoon and sleeping until my family came home. Of course I felt horrible, dinner wasn’t cooked, but my wonderful husband took us out to eat. Today I slept until 1:30, sad isn’t it. I’m shaking my head as I type this, but when I finally got up, showered and ate I felt refreshed. I’m ready to start again. I think I’m going to take this weekend to relax and enjoy time with my family. I won’t pressure myself to write, but if the urge strikes me I’ll do it. What can I say, I like going at 100 mph but in the future I’ll try to be mindful and avoid a face slap from exhaustion.