Or maybe this post should be titled, Life's Too Short. Either way, this post for the monthly *IWSP is oddly enough not about insecurity. Rather, it's about taking a sucky situation, examining it closely, turning it around, and choosing to move forward.
I’m not here to whine, complain or mope today. Instead I’m filled with a renewed hope and an appreciation for all things important in my life in my little corner of the world. I’m alive, I’m healthy, I have a great family, and friends who care about me. I have a warm home, plenty to eat, and clothes on my back. I have a job that suits my way of life perfectly.
I've known quite a few people and families who have suffered loss over the past couple of months: the death of a loved one - sometimes expected, sometimes sudden and tragic. Friends facing tough health issues. I've hugged my husband and kids a little tighter knowing how fortunate we are to have each other. I chose to put my writing aside while I grieved with these friends, helped my son apply to colleges, supported one of my daughters with a particular issue. All requiring my time. Precious writing time that was sacrificed to be present to those I love. Although I've missed writing, I don't regret one moment.
The grip of a grueling autumn is finally beginning to loosen its hold on me. The stress isn't as severe; though still tired, I feel lighter. Even though the holiday season is hectic, there’s joy in the air and the promise of fun days and sweet memories in the making. Have you felt it?
And while I, like everyone, have my insecure moments, I’m brimming with excitement over new ideas and hope that the next novel I work on will be something special. Sometimes all we seem to gather are extra large sour lemons. But more lemons means more lemonade to share with friends, right? [Ugh! Did I really use the "when life gives you lemons" cliche? I like mine with extra sugar, please.]
*For more info about the Insecure Writers Support Group, visit Alex J. Cavanaugh for details and a list of participants.
Hehe! Good post, even if you did use a cliche at the end. It is a good one to live by. Sorry to hear you had a stressful couple of months. It always seems to be the writing that is sacrificed during these times, but we do what is most important.
ReplyDeleteI used to be obsessed over my writing. If I missed even an hour of it, I'd feel depressed (not good when you NEED to clean the house). But that feeling has changed in the last two weeks. Maybe because I'm getting busy for Christmas. Maybe it's because I've started querying one project and am planning another (which is never as exciting as writing and editing). But whatever the reason, I'm enjoying the break. :D
ReplyDeleteThere are always times when writing doesn't seem like the right thing to do, being there for others is more important. Though it sounds like you're attacking your writing with renewed vigour!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post! I'm so glad to hear that you've found a place of contentment and are ready to attack your writing!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Grief brings a different perspective to our lives. Losing a loved one transforms our lives if we allow that to happen...
ReplyDeleteall too true :) I'll take a glass!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the reminder that I have so much to be thankful for. I'm sorry you've had a stressful time of it, but glad things are easing up for you.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about the losses in your friends' lives but glad that you could be there for them. Sometimes we've got to jump off the writing wheel and be part of the life around us. Like you, though, I prefer the "(lemonade)glass is half full perspective. :)
ReplyDeleteI like my lemons with a shot of tequila and some salt! Hey, why not make the most out of those lemons!
ReplyDelete@Caledonia Lass - Stress is a part of life. Accepting it and finding an outlet is how I handle it.
ReplyDelete@April Plummer - Thanks and welcome, April! You have a new follower :)
@Julia - I agree. Even though the losses seem overwhelming, they've given me pause to reflect on my blessings.
@Jessica - How do you take your lemonade? There's plenty to go around.
ReplyDelete@Sarah - Your welcome. I'm so grateful for my family. Everything can change in an instant so I need to appreciate and love them to the best of my ability every day.
@Liz - You're so right about jumping off the writing wheel. I'm looking forward to jumping back on.
ReplyDelete@Stephen - I vote that you make the lemonade!
So glad to hear things are lightening for you. Real life, family and friends should come first. Every time. Good choices :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I found the group. It's so good to be able to turn to a community that has "been there, done that" in times of questions, hardship, & uncertainty. Especially when life seems to be tossing so many lemons at so many people all the time lately. Also nice to share when we are able to make the best of those times. Thanks for giving me such a great blog post to read on my first visit.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the uplifting blog. I am often reminded at work just how blessed I am. It never hurts to be thankful for what you have. I hope you have time to write soon. (I hope I do too.)
ReplyDelete