Heather Masterson

This is a story about being stupid.

Really, it’s about starting something new and getting so involved that you forget about the little things. Like sleeping. And eating. And maybe showers.

Starting a new project is fun and exciting and scary and you never really know how it’s going to turn out. Sometimes, you start down the path and realize that this really isn’t working for you. Maybe you’re just not as interested as you thought you would be. Maybe you realize that you just don’t have the bandwidth to pursue it.

Maybe you fall in head first, and things like “self-care” and “hydration” accidentally fall by the wayside.

Passion can be a good thing. It can drive you to create, to act, to fight for things worth fighting for. It can also lead to sleep deprivation, stress, and burnout. Doing things in moderation is NOT my strong suit. I can tell myself to quit and go to bed at a reasonable hour, but actually doing it is a whole ‘nother thing.

I know I’m not alone in this.

Sleep is important. Eating right is important. Staying hydrated is important. Being dedicated and working hard are good things, but it’s a lot harder to get things done when you’re sick. Or exhausted. Or when you’ve burned right through your mental and emotional reserves.

I’m almost finished with the latest pass through book 2. We’re getting close. This new project is fun, and it could be cool, but after the last couple of days, I’ve spoken very sternly to myself about setting schedules and being reasonable. I need those at-least-six hours of sleep that I used to get, because maybe-four just doesn’t cut it.

Who knows? If I actually listen to myself, maybe someday I might even get nearly-eight!