A Life Update + 3 Things to Prioritize Before Writing

Life Update

Life has been busy for me these past weeks, which is the reason I haven't been writing or posting on a regular basis lately. Things always get rather full around this time of year so it's no surprise. Due to schoolwork, studying, exams, the stack of books to read through for my literature class, and half a dozen other extracurricular activities, I've only been able to write a couple of pages each week.

Don't get me wrong—most of these things are exciting, things to look forward to. For instance, I have an audition coming up next week (prayers would be highly appreciated!), and four other music performances late April and early May. I've been looking forward to these for a while now, as music is such a big part of my life.

This piece, Gabriel Fauré's Élégie, is the piece I'm practicing for my cello performance! It's my favorite piece I've ever played.

Recently, my work was also published in a college journal, and I got to record an audio version in a recording studio as well. It was nerve-wracking at first, but it also ended up being an extraordinary experience, and I had a wonderful time. The spring weather is really lovely and I've been spending my free time outdoors with my family. Sports are starting again in May, so I'm preparing myself to have sore arms after archery each week.

I'm thrilled for all of these, and by no means would I trade them off to lessen the busyness. But sometimes, it can become overwhelming when I don't have my priorities sorted out. I love investing in my future—I love writing, studying, practicing music, and spending time with friends and family—but I only have a limited amount of time and energy. I know that others might be facing this dilemma, and because of this, I've sorted out a rule of thumb when it comes to priorities and accomplishments.

3 Things to Prioritize Before Writing (and Almost Anything Else)

Everyone's priorities are unique, and they should be! We all have different goals, dreams, opportunities, and values. Different things bring us each different degrees of joy and satisfaction. That is as it should be; it would be foolish to say otherwise. However, there are parts of life that are deeper and more critical than our hobbies, and these things should come first. I don't mean that we should use them as excuses to not write (or not skip school, or practice whatever your thing is); I mean that we should not use writing or the busyness of our lives to neglect these three things.

1. God

Writing can be used as a way of coping from our daily stressors and fears, but it shouldn't be used as a replacement to communicating with God. He is such a vital part of our soul and our lives that distancing ourselves can become devastating. Praying, Bible reading, studying and memorizing scripture, and spending time directly with the Lord should always come first.

2. Family

This one is sometimes more difficult than it sounds. Younger siblings nagging us to play, parents reminding us to do our chores—it can be rather irritating if what we want to do is just write. But no matter how much writing means to you, family means more than words, some paper, a screen. Memories more often are made out there, out there with the people you love and the people who love you, rather than in our heads, with our words. The best, of course, is a healthy balance, but if loved ones are in need, they should come before our hobbies and passions.

3. Health

I regret not realizing this sooner: If writing or your other passions are having a negative impact on your health, it's time to step back and rethink how to change that. For example, writing often late into the night, working at a high expense to your eyesight or posture, or stressing about overwhelming goals are simply not worth it. We will have our bodies our entire lifetime; we should prioritize our physical health before our hobbies. The key, again, is a unique balance—finding the optimal amount of rest, work, and joy. It's hard, I know, to find this balance, but it's completely worth it.

I hope you enjoyed this post! If you like articles like these or want more life updates, just let me know. It always brings me joy to read what you have to say. And, this weekend, be on the lookout for an Easter post!

—Julie