I could write a book alone on the life lessons I’ve learned. One lesson in particular is behind me, thank goodness. Once learned, I like to move on and see what others I might gather.
Lessons, I’ve noticed come in two categories; the easy and hard. The easy ones appear, and a light bulb goes on and, while you don’t forget them, the pain is barely noticeable. You just know something valuable came out of the experience, and you won’t forget, therefore you won’t repeat whatever prompted the need for it in the first place. End of lesson.
The difficult ones can play tag with you forever, if that’s what it takes. We all get them, and in my opionion it can fall under the evolve or don’t evolve subtitle. I prefer to evolve, so if I notice one coming back for a repeat performance, maybe even a third time around the mulberry bush pattern, I take a closer look and delve inside.
The lesson I speak of is the, Staying on a Writing Schedule one. Yep, the ol’ you lose, you snooze heading. And this can be painful, I know you know what I’m talking about. The holding stage where you skip a few days of writing, then that can turn into a month, then more excuses as life around you gets hectic, or so you tell yourself. And most times it’s true. Life is that way, it’s called living.
I was determined to get on-track again, and this lesson for me entailed belief. That’s it, just belief that if I show up to do my morning pages, it’s where story will happen. Repeating this lesson in the past was difficult, and was this time around I might add for mood-setting purposes. I know you feel the pain right alongside me.
After I made the decision to show up, I found the door open. Once in, you wonder how you ever forgot in the first place. It’s like childbirth or something, you get amnesia. For me and my process, showing up is essential. I don’t plot, so it’s even more important for me to show up.
I’ve discovered, setting a story aside is like leaving a party early…real early. You’ve met your characters, and the getting-to-know-you stage is jelling. And then, you disappear for a few days. It’s a wonder I ever find them again. This vacation from my story a while back wasn’t a long one, but significant enough that I forgot the importance of showing up again. How can that be, I always ask myself. And when I fail to keep my end of the bargain, the curtain lowers on whatever current lesson I’m dealing with, and I’m in the fog again trying to find a way out.
So, this pic is the crux of my lesson this week. I write in the a.m. and the chair signifies butt-in-chair. Pointing to the lovely Adirondack chair there with my pastel wand. So, when the light bulb went on again and my lovely story was there (thank you Universe) I made a promise to myself and creativity. I’m done with this lesson, okay? Let’s move along, and celebrate my graduation day. No more tip-toeing-through-the-tulip days, and meandering down a muddy rut for me. I’ll show up, I know you’ll be there, and we’ll forget this ever happened. File folder closed, lesson show up is officially closed.
My question today is, what repeat lesson regarding writing have you conquered recently, or vow to soon? Or if you want, any life lesson since they all count!
20 Responses to “Lessons”
LaDonna, poignant post. I’ve traveled in your shoes; taking time off from writing out of necessity, and then out of sheer laziness. Getting back on track after leaving a story out in the cold is hard.
The lesson I’ve conquered lately is that if I don’t believe in my story, no one will.
Thanks, Kathy. And belief is key in everything, I’ve discovered. Protect it; it’s that valuable.
I’m right there, LaDonna…fighting myself to show up.
Here I am, but I’m 3-5 chapters in to two different stories and neither of them is speaking to me because I’ve ignored them too long.
LaD, I keep learning that same lesson — but then life gets in the way. Today I won’t get a chance to write until tonight. Tomorrow I’m busier. My Saturday is full. I’ll try to write at least a page to keep a connection to the book.
Just writing is a challenge in my life. I’m very busy with family and a small business, so any writing I accomplish at times can be a miracle, espeically this time of year. So I try to show up early in the morning, to write before life gets in the way…Like right now…
Lainey, first off a big hug your way!
It’s painful, I know. And showing up for me is along the lines of what Edie said about connection. That’s where my focus is now, just showing up and claiming my story regardless of how many pages I do. If I show up enough, the characters are bound to speak. So far, so good!
Edie, you managed to get to the jewel of my tale!
Keeping the connection! I thank you for your get-to-the-heart insight…again. It’s that Twinkie thing again.
Lee, I’m so with you on that! Early mornings usually does it for me. Hubby just walked out the door, and I guess it’s my time to write now. Earlier, I fixed a package to mail, and bundled some Christmas cards for the mail lady. Tis the season and all that!
I wish you more miracle time with your story too! I look forward to reading your work.
While Nike takes credit for the phrase ‘Just Do It’ it’s been my life motto. When I feel myself slacking, on anything, I repeat those three words over and over again, because quite frankly, the last time I checked no one was going to ‘just do it’ for me. and that is the biggest life lesson of all, despite the fabulous support system I have, no one else it going to write my books, take care of my family, and be Karin. It’s all on me.
Karin, Nike needs you for a spokesperson!
I love how you phrased that about, “being Karin.” Priceless! And when you think of it, I know you wouldn’t want anything stepping in and being Karin but you. I feel that same way. There’s only one imprint for each of us, and no imposters allowed!
I would totally agree with the “show up” lesson.
Another one for me is: “Stop watching what everybody else is doing, unless it’s to strategically study it.”
In other words, comparing yourself to other people is pointless and non-productive. The only way it’s productive is if you see something good someone is doing and know how to leverage the strategy for your own use.
Zoe, love your lesson message. I’m a big advocate of the, “Not watching what everyone else is doing,” viewpoint too. Since I love orginality, I’m one for doing it my way anyway.
LaD, I’m much more likely to watch other people on the business aspects. Art is subjective, but many aspects of business are testable and tweakable. So watching what’s working for others is at least a starting point.
LaDonna, wonderful post, and, wow! The reader comments are right on.
Woody Allen said, “Ninety percent of life is showing up.” Or, “Eighty percent of success is showing up.” (The words and percentages vary with who is quoting him.) However he’s quoted, what he said is true. So, when I’m tempted to think showing up at the keyboard isn’t a biggie, I remember this nuget of wisdom.
Have a terrific weekend, everyone!
Light,
Nancy
Hey Nancy, thanks for stopping by GF!
And I love Woody’s wisdom there. The interesting thing I always remember in hindsight is, showing up is taking action. Being proactive gets the job done.
You have a great weekend too!
Zoe, good observation on the business side of things.
I don’t have too much of a problem with showing up. It’s the leaving once the show is over that’s killing me. I dive from on project to the next without refueling the creative juices, so there are times when writer’s block runs rampant in my house. All I can do is sit there and look at a blank page, pissed at myself because I can’t draw water from a dry well.
I’ve gotten better. Sort of. This time, I finished my project and took three days off to catch up on some DVDs and reading. Then, I dove into revisions on another story like a crack addict shooting up.
Hey Marcia, that’s a problem I don’t mind hanging around.
But, I know what ya mean there. I do remember the, rushing into a new novel stage, and finding myself putt-putting along on empty a quarter of the way through. Three days is a good rest period. I remember my shortest rest period once was a shower for cripes sake! That’s when I knew I loved being in the flow, but needed things like R&R to balance that creative energy.
Man, “those were the days my friend!” Go ahead, sing along with me.
LaD, poignant, as usual
. I am a firm believer in showing up. Even if I’ve had such a busy day and its so late I can only write two paragraphs, I will write them.
Michelle, you have so got this lesson nabbed in the bag!
I’ve always admired your focus. And I hear ya on the write what you can. My little munchkins just left from a sleepover, and I’m going to do some pages now.