Steal Time, Not Sleep

A guide to conquering cognitive overload

Like a thief in the night, I steal these precious hours before dawn. The world slumbers, unaware of my heist—a heist of time, of silence, of the words that flow like stolen secrets onto the page.

Photo by Jr Korpa on Unsplash

I'm a writer. I am a creator of worlds, a weaver of emotions, and a storyteller who transports readers to other realms. But I'm also a full-time employee, a mother of one—a teenager who needs a chauffeur for his ever-growing list of activities, a daughter sandwiched between the needs of my aging parents and my own family, a housekeeper, a chef, a personal assistant… the list stretches longer than my dwindling patience some days.

This is the untold story of creation.

It's not all flowing inspiration and Instagram-worthy writing nooks. It's a messy, chaotic, beautiful struggle, a symphony played on frayed nerves and fueled by lukewarm coffee.

The Invisible Weight of a Thousand To-Dos

What they don't tell you about creative life is the sheer mental load it carries. It's not just about finding the time to write; it's about the constant mental juggling act, the invisible weight of a thousand to-dos pressing down on your mind, threatening to crush your creative spirit.

Imagine...

Finally, you wrestle an hour out of your schedule to write. You settle into your "office" – the corner of the dining room table, papers and bills threatening to engulf your laptop. Your fingers hover over the keyboard, ready to unleash the words swirling in your head.

But then, the mental cacophony erupts: Did I pack my son's lunch? Is it my turn for school pickup? Did I remember to call the pharmacy for Mom's prescription refill? Does my teen have his permission slip for the field trip? Did I reply to that urgent email from my boss?

This is cognitive overload in its full, unadulterated glory.

It's the constant switching between tasks, the fragmented attention, the relentless demands on our already depleted mental resources. It's the insidious thief that steals our focus, leaving us feeling scattered and drained, our creative well running dry.

The Unseen Labor of Love (and Laundry)

We celebrate the glamorous side of the creator's life – the book deals, the glowing reviews, the speaking engagements. But what about the unglamorous reality? The mountains of laundry that seem to multiply overnight, the dishes piled high like neglected monuments to our exhaustion, the endless cycle of meal prep and grocery shopping, the school runs, the doctor's appointments, the parent-teacher meetings… the list goes on and on.

These mundane tasks, often invisible and undervalued, are the silent undercurrent of our lives. They chip away at our time and energy, leaving us with precious little for our creative pursuits. They are the constant hum in the background, a relentless reminder of the never-ending domestic responsibilities that tether us to reality.

Finding the Flow: Strategies for Creative Survival

So, how do we navigate this chaotic landscape and still find the space to create? How do we nurture our creative spark when our lives feel like a never-ending to-do list? Here are a few battle-tested strategies I've discovered along the way:

Embrace the Power of "No": Learn to say no to the things that drain your energy and steal your time. It's okay to decline that extra commitment, to delegate tasks, to prioritize your own well-being. Saying no is not selfish; it's an act of self-preservation, a way to protect your creative energy.

Transform the Mundane: Turn those mundane tasks into opportunities for creativity. Listen to a writing podcast while folding laundry, brainstorm plot ideas while washing dishes, or dictate your next chapter while driving your teen to soccer practice. Find ways to infuse creativity into the everyday, turning chores into moments of inspiration.

Schedule Creativity: Treat your writing time like any other important appointment. Block it out in your calendar, set reminders, and guard it fiercely. Even if it's just for 30 minutes a day, make it a non-negotiable part of your routine. This is your time, your sacred space to connect with your creative self.

Find Your Creative Oasis: Create a dedicated space for your creative work, even if it's just a corner of your bedroom or a cozy spot on the couch. Surround yourself with things that inspire you – a favorite candle, a calming playlist, a view that sparks your imagination. Make it your sanctuary, a place where you can escape the demands of the world and dive deep into your writing.

Embrace Imperfection: Let go of the need for perfection. Some days, the words will flow effortlessly, and others, they'll feel like pulling teeth. Some days, the house will be a mess, and the laundry will remain unfolded. That's okay. Give yourself grace, embrace the imperfections, and focus on progress, not perfection. Remember, done is better than perfect.

The Power of Community: You Are Not Alone

Connect with other creators who understand your struggles. Share your experiences, offer support, and celebrate each other's victories. Understanding that you're not alone on this journey can significantly impact your journey. Find your tribe, your community, and your fellow warriors in the creative trenches.

The life of a creator is a symphony of contradictions. It's a blend of chaos and calm, of frustration and fulfillment, of exhaustion and exhilaration. It involves balancing between the demands of life and the constant desire to create. But within this chaos lies a profound beauty.

It's the beauty of finding inspiration in the everyday, of creating something meaningful from the mundane, of carving out space for your dreams in a world that demands your attention.

Are you prepared to elevate your writing skills, despite the demands of motherhood and daily life? Join the Courage to Create community of aspiring writers and creators, where we share tips, support, and encouragement.