Summertime is vacation time! Many folks travel, but I needed time away from the day job to pursue my passions. I took a “staycation” this week to do all those things I’ve been only able to dabble in: build a new website; send queries to media outlets for a couple essays I’d love to see published; and work on a writing project.

My recent essay about the negative impacts of fireworks shows on animals published in Laguna Beach Independent

By Monday, the reality of being free from the corporate grind kicked in. I felt giddy and light and ready to attack my tasks. It’s now Thursday, and I’ve been trying to focus on these “must do” tasks ever since, yet only feel scattered and unmotivated. Website building became fraught with technical difficulties. I would stare at the list of potential outlets for my essays with no motivation to make any submissions. I had no inspiration to write.

My attention had been diverted to other activities. With the sun in full swing after a summer of foggy weather, I’ve been gardening and running around the yard with Samantha Jo playing “chase-the-ball.” I attended a concert at a fabulous outdoor venue, the Festival of Arts. I did lunch at The Tea House on Los Rios. And for a little escapism, I watched the latest season of Emily in Paris.

Although I enjoyed these engaging happenings, my lack of commitment to my intended tasks spurred frustration. I was free from the corporate grind, yet I became a prisoner of self-imposed demands. I wanted to enjoy the rest of my time off frustration-free, but all I could think about was what I was not getting done.

This morning I watched as Samantha curled up in her new favorite place to relax, a carved wooden bowl. Cats know how to unwind—they shamelessly own it. Samantha stretched and let out a soft “mew.” I wanted to feel that carefree.

I let go of the list.

Things will eventually get done.

Mama! It’s happy meowr!