I can’t believe that summer is already over. I feel liked I blinked and missed August and was shocked to see that I hadn’t written a blog article since July! Now it’s back the craziness of getting the kids off to school every morning, then to after school activities and homework.

I’ve done it. You’ve done it. At some point everyone has said one thing and thought another.

“Sure, I’d love to help you move on Saturday. I wasn’t doing anything.”

“No. That’s alright. I don’t mind seeing that movie.”

“No problem. I’ll stay late to get the job done.”

We think we are being polite and doing someone else a favor. That’s good, right?

So, I’m writing a book. Yeah. Good times.

I do ask myself if I am crazy trying to do this with work, the kids, and trying to have a life at the same time. Seems crazy but I still feel compelled to plug away at it.

I drew this cartoon at a really excellent trauma therapy workshop (I know, only a psychologist would be excited about something like that — but in my defense — it was really, really good). The speaker was talking about how a traumatic memory can be activated later by something or someone that reminds the person of the original traumatic event. Basically, someone or something pushes a button.

Sometimes it all gets to be a little much. Chasing after kids, commuting to work, running errands and trying to keep the house clean. All work and no play makes Jack or Jill very dull in deed. Actually, the consequences can be much more serious than simple dullness.

I'm not a big fan of sucking it up or putting on a brave face. It's both exhausting, and in the long run, ineffective. Eventually, the house of cards tumbles down and you have to face the reality of the situation you have been trying to suck up.

If we want to make significant changes in our lives we also have to embrace the difficult work that lies ahead of us. Whether you want to lose weight, get over a fear of flying, get a degree, or quit your job and run away and join the circus.