It’s been quiet on this site for the last week.

Actually, it’s been quiet for my writing in general. It certainly isn’t because I’ve stopped thinking about writing (I never stop thinking about writing), or any other world event that has forced me to retreat, but rather life has overwhelmed me.

This year has been a tough one to get through because it’s a classic case of biting off more than I can chew.

The sheer amount of projects that are coming due, coupled with my regular full-time teaching duties and commitment to my young family (one of whom isn’t sleeping very well at night…) has left me utterly exhausted. By the time the kids go to bed, there is no energy left for anything else.

Yet, even through all of this (and being sick for the past week as well), I still haven’t stopped thinking about my writing. Writing itself is easy, and I’ve got a post ready for that, but a commitment to writing is brutally tough. Harlan Ellison said the hardest part about being a writer is staying a writer.

Even when life happens, a writer still gets to the chair and continues writing.

Regardless of what season you’re in, life will always happen – good, bad and everything in-between. I needed the hiatus to just focus on getting through the days.

After all, if I’m not taking care of myself, I won’t be in any condition to take care of anyone else.

If there’s anything I’ve learned from the wise sages who have imparted their wisdom to me, life will always happen. It’s what you do afterwards that determines the course you sail.