Features - Work

When you’re an entrepreneur the world is your oyster, but more often than not, the oyster can smell a little foul. Don’t get me wrong, I love the freedom of being my own boss, but truth be told, my boss can sometimes be a little flaky.

I’m a writer and I set deadlines for myself, which I always meet. But I’m often compelled to go above and beyond when I notice my colleagues working over-time on various social networks, making their fans happy and continuously connecting with them. I want to do that. I want to be that, but I also have twenty-seven pounds of toddler to contend with.

How do I keep from unraveling? I remember that I’ve been given gifts and opportunities, but I’m also learning it’s okay to have limits. It’s okay to put the laptop away in favor of date night. It’s just fine to spend a half hour at the park instead of promoting my work. After all, the oyster is only sweet when your taste buds have the chance to enjoy its savory goodness.

-Ericka Clay

Once Overwhelmed

What if?
What then?
Tormenting thoughts
of random fears,
torrential rains
of worry pummeled
my sanctity to a flooded swamp
of muddy misery.

No more
what ifs,
what thens,
cascading through my
consciousness,
uncontrolled.

I seek You
when the raindrops start,
before the skies turn
bleakest black.
You steer me
through the fury into
the comforting warmth
of the horizon.

-Karen Laven

"How do you keep from unraveling
when you're trying to meet deadlines and do more?"