How to Justify Writing with A Busy Life

I entered a writing contest recently with Cupid's Literary Connection. (see her blog here:  http://www.cupidslitconnection.blogspot.com/). Amazing experience, and "love" (code for adore and despise, the twin branches of a young sapling) the intensity of a writing competition.

Heart racing, palms clammy.  The same anticipation as that first kiss:  Will they pick me?!  PLEASE pick me!  Pick me!  It feels a bit like a flashback to P.E. in the fifth grade when you had to line up and pick country line dancing partners.  What?  You never had to do that?  Don't take it for granted.

I just about cried when I didn't make it to the agent round.  Miserable.  Sad face for two whole days.  Colleagues asking, "What's wrong?"  Not wanting to admit anything...feeling like a loser, like I can't even make it to round TWO of a writing competition?!  Why don't I just give it up and stick to my day job?!

For two days, I did.  I gave up my writing dream.  (Well, unless stalking the other contestants' posts, figuring how to post on twitter, reading articles about "Blog your way to being a paid writer!" counts as giving up...).

Like many of you, I asked the question:  how can I even justify spending so much time writing when I have three children to mother, a husband to befriend, and a full-time teaching load?

I didn't have an answer at first.  But then, I did.

And it's not "because I deserve it," or some such modern psychologist-friendly admonition.

I decided...what else would I be doing? REALLY doing, if I'm honest with myself?

Here's a list of what else I would be doing in the time I spend writing:
Spending time playing games with my kids
Making cookies (and eating them)
Browsing the Internet for articles like:  "Blog your way to being a paid writer!" (or, more likely, "How to Dress Like Megan Fox!")
Watching TV
Watching TV
Watching TV
Reading
Cleaning (nah...I'm lucky because being an expat in Malaysia means we can afford live-in help...more about that later)
Dates with my husband (no, probably not really this either, unfortunately.)

So....of that list, what is important?

Reading, yes, but writing could be just as important--kind of like an even exchange there.  Then of course playing games with my kids is important.  But, honestly, am I going to spend hundreds of hours a year more playing games with my kids?

SO.  My conclusion.

Like anything, writing is probably good and healthy as long as I'm not addicted.  (definition:  writing to the point where I damage my relationships with everyone around me.)  Write when I can, a little every week.  Do my best at my job.  Love my kids and husband wholeheartedly.

And only enter a writing contest if I'm okay with it ending in another REJECTION.