Usually, I write or re-post three blogs a week. This has been a difficult couple of weeks, though, and I need an emotional health break. We lost our church pastor after a horrific 10-month period following his catastrophic car accident. I’m also many miles away from my 96-year-old father, who tomorrow makes a difficult transition to an assisted living community.
Social Media Frustration
The last several posts I’ve shared on social media got caught in the Facebook algorithm craziness and marked as “spam” and removed as against community standards. Really? One was on dog ear infections, another on trimming pet nails, and the third about why cats attack ankles. While not a tragedy, the frustration makes me crazy and distracts from what I need to accomplish.
Overwhelm R Us!
This past year I’ve joined several professional mastermind groups to brainstorm next steps in my career. My calendar overflows with scheduled Zoom meetings. Sometimes it just feels like…TOO MUCH. I feel sad, overwhelmed, flat-out tired…I need to regroup and recharge.
Pausing the Blog
So, I’m taking a brief break from posting new content here on the blog. I may come back and post only one or two a week for a while…or none at all right away. But I’ve got you covered–Y’all can do a “search” on the blog for a wide range of topics dealing with dog and cat behavior and care. Don’t worry, I haven’t stopped writing, just need to focus on the current project, and come back energized and ready for more writer-icity!
Next Thriller
My focus these days is my next thriller #8, PLAY OR PAY I hope to release in late October (paws crossed). Stay tuned for the NAME THAT HERO PET contest! Also, I will share the new covers created for the series in the future…hope y’all love ’em as much as me.
I suspect I’m not alone in feeling this way. Please take care of yourself. Listen to your heart, and schedule emotional health breaks in your life. Cuddle a cat, walk a dog, play with little kids, paint or read or have tea outside, or meet up with friends. I’m very lucky to have a supportive family and furry muses supporting me.
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter.
Stay up to date with the latest book giveaways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE! Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified cat & dog behavior consultant, a consultant to the pet industry, and the award-winning author of 35+ pet-centric books and Thrillers with Bite! Oh, and she loves bling!
Just go for it! You deserve it, and you’ve earned it. The thing about work is that it’ll always be there. Enjoy!!
Taking a break from all types of stress is a must-do task. I have a 21 lbs rat terrier I adopted when she was 6 mos. old and weighed 8 lbs. Miss Lily (my terrier) is my therapist. She senses when I’m unhappy and does her best to be the comedian and make me laugh. She takes me out for walks, which usually makes both of us feel better. Miss Lily is 12.5 years old now, gray fur surrounding her eyes. It makes me sad to think that she’s probably my last dog to own. I’m into my senior years, and not many retirement homes allow pets.
Thanks so much, Mary. Our pets really do help us a lot!
Take that much needed break. We will be here when you return. Sleep till noon curled up with those
furbabies. They can be a great comfort.
Thank you.
Any , it’s time to take care of yourself! I send hugs and I say don’t worry about us . Love your fur babies , it’s amazing how good they are with us . May I say a prayer for You and for those You love and care ? Hugs 🤗
Please be present for your life and don’t worry about us. Lie down on the floor and let your animals tuck themselves in around you! Thinking of you as you weather these issues and milestones with your father. I’ve taken several breaks over the past year and have come back feeling more complete, and energized with new ideas that worked better for what I want to accomplish. Enjoy your writing!
It takes courage to just unplug and work on getting life back on track. Sounds like you’ve been hit with triple whammy. Do what you need to do; we’ll be here if you need us or when you’re ready.☺
I’m right there with you my sweet friend. It’s been a sad 10 months for us, and now we all need to recharge. Always a hug for you on Sunday or our random grocery store gatherings. Hugs and love.
Love you dear friend.
Enjoy your much needed break! Am sure that Karma, Shadow and Trinity will really enjoy having their hooman’s undivided attention for a while!