Key Thoughts

on January 9, 2011
in All Posts

Well, my trail run didn’t happen as planned this morning.  Nicole and I both decided we were too busy to drive to a trail.  So, no workout so far today, but I’m hoping to run later this evening. 

 

So far I’ve spent the whole day doing this:

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I’m in the midst of writing the second Operation Beautiful book.  I wrote the first Operation Beautiful book in two and a half months, from September 2009 to December 15, 2009.  I have a similar deadline for this book; it’s due February 15th.  Yeah – that’s intense.  Fortunately, it’s not a ‘traditional’ book in that I’m only really writing 2/3 of it; the rest are based on awesome reader submissions.

 

I don’t talk too much about the book-writing process on the blog, but it’s been… interesting so far.  I kind of think writing a book is like running marathon (or having a baby?) – you have to forget how hard it was before you want to do another one.  Well, I forgot how hard OB1 was and now, I’m remembering as I write OB2.  :)  Don’t get me wrong – I absolutely love writing and there’s no way I would’ve inked the deal for OB2 if I didn’t want to do it!  But it’s such a long, creatively challenging process.

 

I’ve been writing about 3 – 8 hours a day, depending on the rest of my schedule.  Things this time around are a lot more complicated because of the clinic.  For OB1, the book was my only real priority but now I have to share my attention between a lot of different projects.  Not really being able to take weekends off because of my looming deadline is hard, too.

 

But last night, I realized something.  This thought hit me like a lightening bolt:

 

If I’m already doing everything I can, what else is there for me to do?

 

Then, I was reading a tween’s submission for the book this morning and noticed a line in her entry: “I always think, ‘What’s the point in getting upset? It won’t get me anywhere and who likes feeling mad?’ It’s not a great way to go and live, so I just don’t do it!”

 

Oh, sweet relief – seriously, I cannot tell you how liberating these two thoughts are for me!  I’m doing everything I can do; why freak out over my deadline?  And what’s the POINT of getting so stressed out?  12 year olds can be so wise.  :)  

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Amen!

 

Breakfast was whole wheat pancakes, grilled banana, and almonds:

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Mini lunch was leftover pizza (only one slice left; wahh!) and salad:

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Back to work I go… Cannot wait to relax later, though!  🙂

{ 60 comments }

 

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine January 9, 2011, 1:52 pm

    So. True. Ahh I can’t even tell you how much this applies to my life right now…I’ve noticed that in general bloggers are a people-pleasing, perfectionistic bunch, and we all stretch ourselves to thin. Thank you for the reminder to :)!! Good luck with your writing- OB1 was awesome, and I can’t wait for #2!

    • Caitlin January 9, 2011, 1:53 pm

      Thanks, girl. I appreciate it!

      I think on some level we are ALL perfectionistic and people-pleasing. It’s so hard to limit these negative qualities!

    • Jessica @ The Process of Healing January 9, 2011, 1:54 pm

      Gah, I think we’re all “Type A!”

  • Kristy @ Kristyruns.com January 9, 2011, 1:53 pm

    Yep. You just gotta do the best you can do and not stress about the rest. We all believe in you and your mad skillz. 🙂

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing January 9, 2011, 1:53 pm

    That girl is SMART. I get so upset and anxious and whatnot SO easily. And most of the time, over things I CANNOT control. What’s the point?!

  • Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner) January 9, 2011, 1:54 pm

    That’s a great philosophy! ‘Don’t stress just :)’ LOVE IT!

    And your breakfast looks SO delish! 😀

    I’m sure OB2 will be just as great as OB1, if not better! Just remember that it’ll all be worth it in the end, and that this book will also impact thousands more people’s lives in the same positive way the first one did 🙂

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) January 9, 2011, 1:54 pm

    Your positivity is always so refreshing. 🙂 I love those quotes and will write them down. I’m currently struggling with juggling many tasks in my life and it’s easy to get in those self-defeating moments.

  • jen @ taste life January 9, 2011, 1:56 pm

    It is so true that our thoughts/fears/attitudes shape how our days and our lives go – it’s nice to reminded to just do what we can and let it go!

  • Emmanuelle January 9, 2011, 1:57 pm

    Great submission, smart girl, she’s sooo right! I’m sure you’re doing the best you can, and it is a lot. There are things beyond your control, so why stress over them?
    Good luck on the writing 🙂

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) January 9, 2011, 1:59 pm

    I can’t wait to read your next book!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey January 9, 2011, 2:00 pm

    oh. my. gosh.

    This was exactly what I needed to read right now.. and to think it was advice coming from a teenager.

    I just got into such a slump because I spent an hour and a half making homemade gnocchi that the husband didn’t like. I took it waaay too personally and have spent the last half hour pouting. Seriously, who else is it hurting except for myself?

    Thanks Caitlin!

  • Chelsea @ Strawberry Sweat January 9, 2011, 2:00 pm

    It’s so true. Sometimes we are stretched a little bit thin, but it doesn’t help to get angry/upset/stressed about it. From what I can tell from your work ethic and your blog, everything will get done and you will do it all beautifully.

    Can’t wait to read OB2!!

  • Kara January 9, 2011, 2:02 pm

    No, writing a book is harder than having a baby. You don’t have the option of a wonderful epidural to make evvvvvverything better. I know you talk about wanting a home birth and all, but when I think about childbirth, I just remember how awesome that epidural was 🙂

    Good luck with the writing and staying relaxed doing something so exciting/stressful!

  • Ashley P. @ The Vegetable Life January 9, 2011, 2:02 pm

    Like always your breakfast looks like HEAVEN!!! I really want to write a book at some point in my life, but the task seems overwhelming and intimidates so. In fact, I have even tried a number of times but always stop… hopefully someday I can overcome my fear!

    I love that OB post-it. It is so true about not stressing and over-worrying about the small things we can’t change. 12-year olds are so smart sometimes!

  • Lynne January 9, 2011, 2:20 pm

    What a wonderful philosophy! Just what I needed to read today. I am in the midst of writing a dissertation proposal and really need to remember that getting stressed out about it really won’t help! OB2 will be amazing, I just know it. 🙂

  • Maryann January 9, 2011, 2:21 pm

    I love reading your posts because you always offer such great advice about everything! On a daily basis!

    Good luck on the writing, you’ve got it you, just pretend you’re writing a blog post to a younger audience 🙂

  • Lauren January 9, 2011, 2:21 pm

    Sometimes the simplest words mean the most. What a great way to think. There really is no point in stressing over things we can’t control.

  • Camille January 9, 2011, 2:23 pm

    Good luck on the book. It seems so stressful now, but it will all be worth it!

  • Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun January 9, 2011, 2:25 pm

    I have to remind myself that on a daily basis – all I can do is give my best today. Nothing more. We want to be super women too much.

    And I love how you compare it to having a baby! Funnily enough, my 1st pregnancy was SO easy. This one has been evil (I’m having false labor AGAIN as I type) and I can assure you, there will be no 3rd. Not if I have anything to do with it anyways. LOL

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing January 9, 2011, 2:35 pm

    Glad a couple submissions got you through a tough spot! Just keep swimming! 🙂

  • Carrie (Moves 'N Munchies) January 9, 2011, 2:41 pm

    i love all the positive quotes you share with us! i can tell this book is going to be a winner!!.. just like that breakfast 🙂

  • Natalia - a side of simple January 9, 2011, 2:46 pm

    Happy Writing, Caitlin! Isn’t it so ironic how you can get inspiration just when you need it and least expect it? Try not to worry. Of course, we’re only human, but I remind myself that worrying is just wasting positive energy that I should try to tap into instead. A slice of pizza here and there sure works wonders, too, though 🙂

    • Baking 'n' Books January 9, 2011, 3:10 pm

      Yes, I like this. It’s just a waste of energy. I realize how much energy I waste on worrying, guilt, anxiety, etc.

      Really…Just Let It Go already! (easier said than done of course) 🙂

  • Michele @ Healthy Cultivations January 9, 2011, 2:46 pm

    It’s never easy to not worry about deadlines or the massive amount of things that need done. But I try to stay in the moment… doing what’s best right now knowing that it will work out. Someone once said to just keep doing the next right thing.

  • Baking 'n' Books January 9, 2011, 3:09 pm

    Wow – I needed to read this today. Thank you. Very much.

    I can only imagine the difficulty in book writing as well! And that deadline seems intense. I assume the rest of your time is mostly at the clinic? Or are you still freelancing? I hope your Hubs thanks you everyday! 🙂

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) January 9, 2011, 3:14 pm

    I hear ya, I am trying to put together my first cookbook and trying to organize everything I have seems overwhelming! I am trying to focus on one thing at a time and hopefully not stress too much with it. I find you to be an absolute inspiration and thank you for sharing…you make me feel normal! Have a great afternoon Caitlin!

  • Ashley January 9, 2011, 3:17 pm

    I like those thoughts! I told myself when I was trying to lose weight and looked at myself in mirror. As long as I’m trying I can’t be mad or upset, I’m doing my best and that’s all that matters. That pizza looks yummy :d

  • Emily January 9, 2011, 3:19 pm

    I *love* that advice. It’s such a great feeling when you realize that you’re doing all you can do, and no one can expect more of you than that.

  • Elizabeth @ The Sweet Life January 9, 2011, 3:33 pm

    What really fabulous perspective that Tween shared with you! And yet…some things are so much easier said than done!

  • Nicole, RD January 9, 2011, 3:44 pm

    I feel the same way about getting upset and stressed. Life just has a way of working itself out when we remain calm and collected! I love your analogy of writing to marathoning. I’ve never written a book, but I know that, “Oh crap, I told myself I wouldn’t put myself in this position again!” when it comes to marathoning…but it’s ALWAYS worth it…in the end 🙂

  • Caroline January 9, 2011, 3:46 pm

    Those are such important thoughts for me right now! And perfect timing too. I’m about to start a crazy semester working 40 hours a week and taking chemistry 2 and anatomy and physiology (though north Georgia is hoping for a snow day tomorrow :D). This could go really badly or I could surprise myself. Hopefully with these two thoughts in mind it will be the latter!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) January 9, 2011, 4:07 pm

    I think that OB note says it all 🙂

  • Lee January 9, 2011, 4:07 pm

    It’s true. You’re going to get what you need done regardless if you stress about it or not, so choose not to stress and it will make the process more enjoyable!

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) January 9, 2011, 4:24 pm

    I love that you gave yourself your own little reality check and realize that you’re giving to the max, giving 110% and yes, you need to cut yourself slack and not stress. Easier said than done tho….great messages for sure 🙂

    Having a baby…yes, never tell anyone you’re “trying” once you are. Then every time you see them…they ask, OR stare at your belly looking for signs 🙂 I learned that the hard way..good thing it didnt take long b/c i was sick of the nosy questions! haha!

  • Ashley January 9, 2011, 4:51 pm

    Don’t you just love leftover pizza?! I swear it’s one of those things that tastes just as good (maybe even better?) leftover! : )

  • carlee January 9, 2011, 4:51 pm

    That is what my dad always says! Stess gets us no where! so you might as well enjoy it, or at least relax a little! You got this girl!
    You have a nice lookin breakfast ( yummm!!!) and lunch in ya to keep you going!

  • Faith @ lovelyascharged January 9, 2011, 4:53 pm

    Kids are incredibly wise. I learned some of the most incredible lessons from my 3rd and 4th grade class 🙂

  • Jenna @Eating Green, Staying Lean January 9, 2011, 4:55 pm

    That’s a great way to look at things, and similar to what I’ve been trying to remind myself of lately: taking one step at a time in a positive direction will get you where you want to go. Most of us bloggers are so used to working hard with many full time jobs and blogging in our “free” time that we forget to congratulate ourselves on all of the great work that we have done already. 🙂

  • Jessica @ Jessica Balances January 9, 2011, 4:57 pm

    I’ve never written a book, but I can imagine how stressful it must be to have such a tight deadline — I freak out over 500-word articles that I have a week and and a half to write! You are definitely doing all you can and it’s so inspiring to see you live your dream! <3 I hope you enjoy some relaxation today; you deserve it.

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit January 9, 2011, 5:48 pm

    Caitlin, I honestly cannot believe all the things you do- you are such a strong and inspiring woman!

  • Amanda (Eating Up) January 9, 2011, 6:04 pm

    No way! I just had a similar thought a few months ago about why getting angry? I mean, sometimes your body needs to destress and it doesn’t hurt to scream or punch something, but most of the time negative emotions don’t help. And it makes things worse. Staying positive and having perspective makes life a LOT better.

  • Erika @ FoodFitnessFun January 9, 2011, 6:09 pm

    I haven’t tried grilled bananas yet, but yours sure look delicious! Hope everything goes well with the new book! 😀

  • Marie-Journey to Body Zen January 9, 2011, 6:31 pm

    Great post. Very encouraging!

  • Shari January 9, 2011, 6:47 pm

    It’s amazing how your entire perspective can change once you let go of the pressure. It’s easier said than done, I know, especially when you have such a stringent deadline, but when you stop thinking about having to write and focus on wanting to write, it’s like a breath of fresh air engulfs you.

    I often compare the process to having a baby, too (not that I’d know exactly what that’s like, but still). You nurture it for so long, give it all your love and devotion, and then you set it free and hope that it embraces the world and vice versa. And then you do it all over again …. and you wouldn’t have it any other way 🙂

    Good luck with the rest of the book!!

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss January 9, 2011, 6:59 pm

    Wow, that is an intense deadline! You can do it, though. And plus..you’re writing a book with tons of inspirational sayings in there! Just read them whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed. 🙂

    • Caitlin January 9, 2011, 8:16 pm

      OOO that is a good thought. Thank you for reminding me of this 🙂

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin January 9, 2011, 7:02 pm

    Lately I’ve been trying to live by that girl’s philosophy. Stressing out never helps me accomplish anything, so I’ve tried to eliminate it from my life. It’s so much better just to do our best without stressing out about being perfect! 🙂

    Good luck with writing!

  • Morgan @ Life After Bagels January 9, 2011, 7:49 pm

    ahhhhhhhh thank that 12 year old for me as well . . .

    I was the DD last night for a family dinner and I was driving my dad’s girlfriend’s car – when I backed out of the driveway I didn’t notice a gate that was slightly encroaching onto the very dark and narrow driveway and hit it with the side mirror and ruined the mirror . . . oh my I felt so horrible. But honestly I can’t go back and NOT hit the gate now can I . . . and I’ve been moping around all day feeling bad instead of doing my homework, and that’s not going to help anything is it 🙁

    • Caitlin January 9, 2011, 8:16 pm

      You were DD! 🙂 All is forgiven.

  • salah@myhealthiestlifestyle January 9, 2011, 7:56 pm

    I’ve never grilled banana before just baked it, and mashed it and tons of other things! haha I’ll be trying that soon!

  • Kaitlin January 9, 2011, 7:56 pm

    I love that thought! Why be mad all the time, no one likes feeling that way. It’s so true. Good luck pushing through your work– you’re a rockstar!

  • Kate January 9, 2011, 7:57 pm

    http://www.ifeelunmotivated.com

    found this randomly while studying one day, you should check it out whenever you`ve hit a writing slump

    • Caitlin January 9, 2011, 8:17 pm

      Oh I love this!!!!!!

  • Paige @Running Around Normal January 9, 2011, 9:10 pm

    You will get through this!! Come February 15th everything will be so worth it 🙂

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] January 10, 2011, 1:10 am

    You’re the grilled banana queen – love it!

  • Julia @ Brides Up North January 10, 2011, 6:01 am

    I know where you are coming from – I am sooo busy launching the new blog on top of my day job, and I dont have enough hours in the day. I have decided that if I can just do what I can do, and do it to the best level I can, thats enough and I should feel proud.

    Julia x

  • Melissa @ Running with Needles January 10, 2011, 12:11 pm

    I feel the same way about getting mad about things. Getting mad won’t get me anywhere good, so why bother? When I’m feeling frustrated or stressed about something I usually go for a run and leave it all on the pavement – it’s much cheaper than therapy and better for my body as well.

  • Sarah (Sarah Learns) January 10, 2011, 12:15 pm

    i keep a couple ob notes on my mirror in my bedroom. my fiance noticed them this weekend and asked me about them. i told him about ob and why i put them up (just feeling blah about my appearance for a while), and he told me that he thinks i’m beautiful every day. 🙂 i love that man.

    but great thoughts in this post – and awesome things to remind yourself of when you’re under pressure.

  • Amber K January 10, 2011, 1:20 pm

    It can be a little crazy to think about how much kids (even really young ones) can teach us!!

  • Laurie January 10, 2011, 9:55 pm

    Some day I would love for you to write a post about the book writing process, I don’t know anything about it, and don’t want to write a book, but am interested.
    For example, why do you have a deadline now and it won’t be out until next summer? Edits and stuff? What do I know? I sit in an office all day and listen to people…that could be a book on it’s own!

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