The Greeks recognized that there are two entirely different aspects of time: chronos and kairos. Sarah Ban Breathnach, in her book Simple Abundance, gives us insight into the differences:
"Chronos is clocks, deadlines, watches, calendars, agendas, planners, schedules, beepers. Chronos is time at her worst. Chronos keeps track. Chronos is the world's time. Kairos is transcendence, infinity, reverence, joy, passion, love, the Sacred. Kairos is intimacy with the Real. Kairos is time at her best. Kairos is Spirit's time. We exist in chronos. We long for kairos. That's our duality. Chronos requires speed so that it won't be wasted. Kairos requires space so that it might be savored. We do in chronos. In kairos we're allowed to be. It
takes only a moment to cross over from chronos into kairos, but it does take a moment. All that kairos asks is our willingness to stop running long enough to hear the music of the spheres."
The best life is one in which there is a balance between Chronos and Kairos. Writing takes place in Kairos. If too much of your time is Chronos (which includes always doing for others and being the 'go to' person for everything - both at work and at home), your creative energy begins to dissipate - dry up - and it takes a lot more effort to find it, coax it into being, and get it going again. Schedule more Kairos time into your day and your week. Pick a few hours on the weekend (at least) when family and friends fend for themselves. You're first responsibility is to yourself. Only when you meet your own needs - both basic and creative - will you be able to fully give to others.
YOU DESERVE TIME TO WRITE. It is your right to have time for the things that make you happy. If writing is one of them, then tell whoever needs to be told when you are off limits so you can enjoy some Kairos. Note I said 'tell,' not 'ask.' Be gentle, but be firm. This goes for telling yourself too. At first it will be hard to ignore the kids fighting and the laundry, or the report that's due, or the phone, but be strong! Even if nothing comes and you don't write a word, sit still with a notebook and don't move until the time is up. You will at least be thinking, and your writing mind will be taking note of your efforts. Eventually it will come around and offer you something. You can't bully it! It has to believe you will make time for it on a regular basis.
Your writing, your voice, your ideas, your imagination - all precious and deserving of your attention. It's worth it. You're worth it. Make time. Kairos.
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