LIVING ROOM MEMORIES  183 

(August 24, 2008)

I’m healthy, but – I think quite understandably – feeling overwhelmed about all the things I have on my plate. I feel as though I’m trying to live the lives of half a dozen people, all at one time. And I don’t know how I’m going to manage to do all I need to do. In fact, I don’t think I will manage. What I need to do is figure out what is most important – be efficient with my time. Good thing I’ve had a holiday and I do have energy. I just wish there were more of me.

I’ve been studying how to publicize and market books…and wow! All the things I should be doing! No wonder publicists are so costly. They have a huge job to do. And, not being able to afford one, I will have to do that myself. And I need to try to do this as well as I can, because I believe A Firm Place to Smotand is a book that will help fight stigma, and that is so very important. I want the book to be out there and read by many people.

The Vancouver Sun had a series of pieces about mental illness last week, pointing out the effects of stigma on the welfare of people with mental illness. It’s a terrible situation. This has to change. And I believe my book and the things I have to say can be a building block in helping change come about. I want to speak to the media. I want people to learn more. I want to help compassion grow.

But I also have a 94-year-old mom who needs me. And I have Living Room and its people. Not just my group, but the other groups I’d like to help grow. I want to keep time for the people that come to me for support. I want to write articles. I want to blog.

This will be a busy week. I’m getting ready for a family barbecue at our house. We will be going through some of my mother-in-law’s things to divide up the memories of her between us. I still need to go through her boxes. (a huge mess to clean up and organize) I’ll need to clean house and cook.

I am overwhelmed with all the things I need to do, especially raising awareness about the need for support of people with mental illness by the church. I know I’m in a position to do some good. I feel the responsibility in a big way. But how can I best do it with the little resources of time I have? Where should I concentrate my efforts?

Please, God, lead me in the best way to go. I know I’m not on my own with this. This is, after all, your work and not my own. I shouldn’t worry so much. I should realize that the burden is not all mine to carry. Help me to take aim with my writing tools and publicity in a way that will do the most good.