I inevitably find myself playing catch up so I can keep keeping up with stuff. In this case, a wedding in the family (which was simply wonderful) and a couple of campus tours for my daughter (who will soon make us empty-nesters by heading off to college in the fall) kept me away from everything else for the past few days. So here I am again, trying to keep up.

I know what I have to do so this does not happen in the first place, but I somehow never do it each time. However, I do know not to stress out in the aftermath (like now). So first up, the things I know I should do to avoid this from happening and the things I keep in mind so I don’t stress out when I don’t do all that and am playing the eternal game of catch up!!

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Keeping Up With Life: How to Do it Without Burning out

Like I said earlier, I know exactly what I need to do to prevent this chaos from happening in the first place, yet somehow, I find myself in this situation time and time again. It’s a familiar dance of procrastination and distraction and life itself, leaving me scrambling to catch up.

But amidst the chaotic frenzy, I remind myself of a few key things to keep my sanity intact.

First, I acknowledge the importance of prioritizing tasks—the importance I failed to recognize that got me into this loop-hole in the first place. And I make a note of the lessons I vow to implement next time around. I really hope I do so.

And when the inevitable catch-up game ensues (like right now), I practice self-compassion and sing “let it go!” out loud. Let go of perfectionism, let go of a couple of things so I can catch up easily. After all, stressing out only adds fuel to the fire.

These thoughts ensure and let me know that balance is always within reach, and help keep me sane!! And my family will let you know that my sanity is crucial to all 🙂

Things I Know I Should do So I Can Succeed in Keeping Up With Life

• Keep Current
• Stay Ahead actually if I can, or at least
• Plan Ahead
• Pause
• Take a Step Back

Tips to Play Catch Up so I Can Keep Keeping Up

Easier to point you to 5 Tips from an Expert at Playing Catch-Up I wrote for this exact thing! In addition, I read about the concept of time set aside for catching up (maybe an hour, or a day, depending on how much you need to catch up). And switch off the TV/all other distractions/other work as well at this time. Just catch up.

I enjoyed this video about playing catch up with life. Inspiring, encouraging, and all that.

This K Book is a Keeper!

As with the other letters, these books were Poetry/Novels in Verse category finalists (and/or winners) in the Cybils Awards over the years.

Keep a Pocket in Your Poem

Keeping Up With Kool Knick-knacks

Well now I am trying to catch up so I can keep keeping up with the challenge. Starting today (17th apr), I will post a couple (or more) posts each day to do so. Today is the turn of the letters K and O! I KnOw, kind of weird but hopefully it wOrKs out in the end. It always does.

Note: I will post date the posts so I have an illusion of having kept up!

Keeping up with K-everything!!

The popularity of “K-everything” has surged in recent years, fueled by the globalization of Korean culture and the widespread availability of digital platforms for entertainment and communication.

1. Music: K-pop refers to South Korean pop music characterized by its catchy tunes, elaborate choreography, and visually appealing performances. My kids certainly listen to some K-pop and even those of us who are dinosaurs in this world can’t escape knowing BTS or BLACKPINK!!
2. Films: K-movies or Korean cinema has received critical acclaim worldwide for its diverse genres, compelling storytelling, and innovative filmmaking techniques. Films like “Parasite,” “Oldboy,” and “Train to Busan” have achieved international success, earning accolades at prestigious film festivals and awards ceremonies. Everyone in our family loved watching Parasite.
3. Beauty: K-beauty products are certainly trending now. Known for its emphasis on hydration, brightening, and achieving a youthful glow, K-beauty has revolutionized the global skincare industry. My daughter loves these products and swears by the ones she uses (I know I have bought them often enough for her already!!! After all, I am her wallet!)
4. Television: So many of my friends (and me too, to one extent) watch K-dramas. They are certainly addictive with kool storylines and k(c)ompelling characters. One of my friends binge-watched “Crash Landing on You,” and is watching other shows as well. While I started watching (and am enjoying) a show called “Something in the Rain.” I do find that everyone in the shows glow with youth and beauty (maybe something to do with those k-beauty products!!
5. Food: Of course, K-food or Korean cuisine is very popular too. It offers a rich variety of flavors, ingredients, and cooking styles, with dishes like kimchi, bulgogi, bibimbap, and Korean barbecue gaining popularity globally.

I Know Someone Kool!

For the tall tale prompt on NaPoWriMo’s day 12, I took inspiration from a previous prosery attempt here.

Write a poem that plays with the idea of a “tall tale.” American tall tales feature larger-than-life characters like Paul Bunyan (who is literally larger than life), Bulltop Stormalong (also gigantic), and Pecos Bill (apparently normal-sized, but he doesn’t let it slow him down). If you’d like to see a modern poetic take on the tall tale, try Jennifer L. Knox’s hilarious poem, “Burt Reynolds FAQ.” Your poem can revolve around a mythical character, one you make up entirely, or add fantastical elements into a real person’s biography.

A Tall Tale of Someone Kool

The Ballad of Kyra Lonebird
Do you know of Kyra Lonebird,
Her tales you must have heard.
What I know from hearsay,
Is kool and amazing, this I must convey.

In the land of eternal frost and snow,
Where the bitter winds ceaselessly blow,
There lived a heroine, brave and bold,
Whose story in legends was often told.

In the land where frost holds sway,
She stepped forth on a fateful day.
Soon swallowed up by the icy blast,
She vanished from sight, gone too fast.

With axe in hand and courage fierce,
She journeyed forth with nary any fears.
Through valleys deep and mountains high,
Underneath the cold, unforgiving sky.

In tales retold by fire’s warm embrace,
She battled beasts with icy grace.
With every step, her legend grew,
In that land where the cold winds blew.

The village waited with bated breath,
For her return from the jaws of death.
Days turned to weeks, hope hanging thin,
But still they believed, victory was her’s to win.

Then from the storm, a figure emerged,
And the villager’s hopes surged!
For she had braved the tempest’s roar,
And emerged victorious, forevermore.

A heroine of the frost, her legend grand,
In the annals of time, she’ll forever stand!
A heroine, indeed, of the tallest tale,
In the land where winter’s winds wail.

~ Vidya tiru @ LadyInReadWrites

Kool Tunes and Names too

(k)Name

K is for Kavya which means poem.

The Tunes

Kabhi Kabhi Aditi” from the movie Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na. I love this song for its playfulness and warmth.

This is a favorite of both my hubby and mine. We

And this one was one of my dad’s many favorites, that I heard him sing many a time

“Kabira” from the movie Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. One my kids and I love for its sufi vibes.

And Now, the End of This Post

Dear reader, the usual list of questions for this challenge:

Do let me know if you have read any of the books listed today? Which book would you pick first? Will you attempt a poem today? Do share any book recommendations, poetry you loved or wrote, and of course, all and any thoughts on this post.

I am linking up to A-Z, Blogchatter, UBC, NaPoWriMo

And you can find all my A-Z posts (this year and previous years’ as well) here:

A to Z Challenge Posts