Escaping the cycle of never-ending busyness

Name: Caroline Starr Rose
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Occupation: Children’s author
Blog/site: Caroline Starr Rose

Tell us one way you are simplifying your life.

I made the seemingly crazy decision to stop teaching to pursue writing full-time without an agent or a contract. It felt way counter-cultural but was the best and right decision for me. Five years later, I have a wonderful agent, one book out and three more under contract. But even more than that, I have escaped the cycle of never-ending busyness. I won’t say I’ve got time management all figured out, but I have a much saner, healthier, kinder approach to my days.

What’s the background story —what compelled you to make this change?

As much as I loved it, it was overwhelmingly stressful to to mother, write, and teach. I didn’t feel I could sustain it all or give my best. Many people can pull this sort of thing off, and I applaud them. But I’m not wired that way.

What were the obstacles?

The decision sounded downright illogical. I had a great position at a school I loved and where my boys attended. The money was necessary. I had written for over eleven years with nothing other than a few published poems to show for it.

How has this simplified your life? Or, how does it help you to live simply?

My world has grown much smaller, but I’m deeply satisfied. My days start with my family, include the gym or a morning run and a walk with the dog. Then it’s time alone with my thoughts and the kids again in the afternoon.

Honestly, I still find things like keeping the household together stressful when I’m on deadline. But then I think of what it would be if I were also teaching…

What inspires you?

Quiet. Beauty. A good read. Nature. Courage. Kindness. Old friends.

Emily Freeman’s Chatting at the Sky is daily must read.

Children’s authors Katherine Paterson and Karen Cushman.

The lovely, lovely, lovely Jamie Martin.

Teacher/author Donalyn Miller (her Book Whisperer made me sob in a good way).

This interview with musician Adrienne Young on NPR. I heard it in 2004. It sustained my writing life for years.

Share a favorite quote, guiding motto, or perhaps your life’s purpose statement.

“Listen to your life; see it for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it, because in the last analysis, all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace.” -Fredrick Buechner

How do you celebrate everyday successes, no matter how small or large?

Hmm. Not sure this is something I do regularly. Perhaps I should.

—

Want to share your own story about simplifying life? Head here—and maybe we’ll feature it here on AoS. (Head here to read the first post in this series.)

Friends of The Art of Simple:

• Stay at Home Yoga. - A Virtual Yoga Studio. • Arttero - Art of the Earth. • My Frugal Adventures - Where Less Is More. • She Plans Dinner - Taking the Planning Out of Dinner.

Download your free ebook!

I'm so glad you're a blog subscriber! As a thank you, here's a free copy of my latest ebook, 20 Things I'd Tell My 20-Something Self. It's a short, fun essay about growing up—feel free to pass it on to someone you love. Click here to download it!

Escaping the cycle of never-ending busyness is a post from The Art of Simple