The craft show went well. The Stone Soup Storytelling festival was relatively successful given the weather, but I wouldn’t call my vending a huge success. I sold some things and received many compliments, though, so that makes me happy. We ended up leaving early because of a storm. As I said to a friend, my dolls can’t stand up to the magnificence of Thor. Now I’m home, dreaming up new things to sew, and preparing for a new, full week…
This month, not even half over, has been a mixture of extreme stress, fatigue, and many obligations. I seem to have long-distance trips each weekend which further complicates my life. Last weekend saw me in the Utica area for a dear friend’s bridal shower. I just couldn’t miss it. The craft show, also in the Utica area, was self-imposed due to my love of art and a desire to help a friend put together a great event. This coming weekend, we are going to Syracuse to participate in a Folk of the Grove vigil and celebrate Midsummer before running back home to celebrate Father’s Day. Just to make things more interesting, I work full time during the day and spend three nights each week in four hour classes. Oh yeah, I’m also planning my sister’s bridal shower. And I’m behind on reviewing a DP submission. And working on a doll commission… This month is just too busy.
All the while, I find myself trying to fit The Nine Moons in. This is supposed to be the month where things really take off and I’m doing more. And yet… I just can’t. Summer classes are the real coffin nail in the situation. I have no energy most days, I hardly see my husband, and spend hours traveling to and from classes and other cities to fulfill social and family demands. Trying to fit a three day vigil in last week, and only being able to do it for two days, was a real blow to my self-esteem. I was hoping to return home earlier today and do my 6th night retreat but things didn’t work out like that…
I was really beating myself up about it when it dawned on me – I should just take a month off. I can’t do everything. As much as my spiritual development is important to me, I realized the value of spending time and doing quality work instead of rushing through exercises and trying to fit everything into a tiny time slot. That’s not how to learn and progress. It’s not fair to me or the spirits. Thus, I will do my fourth moon work in July and do my best to meditate daily and maintain my shrine devotionals for the rest of June.
I look forward to devoting more time to my Druidic studies in July… Hell, I look forward to my vacation in July… It’s going to be great…
And now that I vented, time for some homework before bed.
Author M. A. Phillips 
I agree its very important to know when to say no, especially to yourself! There have been a few commitments this summer that I have just had to drop, otherwise I would be going insane, and I don’t have half of what you have going on!
I think you’re on the right track…and not that I know a whole lot about your practice, but maybe the things you have to focus on could be viewed as an extension of the rituals you would rather be doing?