In my defense, I've always been a little lazy. Sure if something had to be done, I would do it. But, if I could put it off or forget it all together, I was good. I have no trouble just sitting and staring out a window for a long period of time. Or, just sitting and staring at the wall. I know a lot of people who balk at the idea of not being busy all the time. Not me. I'm most happy doing nothing. But, that doesn't get you very far in life. Sitting and staring into space, twirling your hair with your fingers, doesn't make dreams come true. In fact, it might land you in the loony bin if you do it in front of too many people.
So what's the answer? Ignore my true self that loves being lazy? Kick that person to the curb and go full steam ahead? Or should I accept I'm not going to change who I am this late in the game? Perhaps somewhere in between? A compromise. Quit beating myself up for not being as productive as others and attempt to get back in the groove of making my dream come true. As a fellow writer friend and I were discussing this weekend - we are getting too old to waste much time hoping and wishing. But, there's always going to be time to sit and stare. Just sayin'.
I love a good sit-and-stare. Amazing where the mind goes when there's free time to let it.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see a new blog post! Yay!
Your work ethic is amazing. If I could just have a little of that please.
DeleteTake a deep breath and write, write, write. you are good at it.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteNothing wrong with sitting and stareing. Sometimes the best ideas come that way.
ReplyDeleteThat's so true!
DeleteI think it's the long, dreary, cold winter that makes us all lazy. Five o'clock is time for pajamas and a cup of Earl Grey tea. And a book.
ReplyDeleteAt least that's my excuse.
Wish I could blame it on winter. But I'm lazy every season!
DeleteI'm the opposite. I can barely sit still. If I want to read, I almost have to combine it with exercise or on a plane trip. If I am able to sit and enjoy a coffee, I try to sit by people who look interesting and usually end up making notes for a story idea or dialogue.
ReplyDeleteI need a little of what you have, Wanda! Glad to see you blogging.
Too bad we can't trade some of my laziness for your amazing energy!
DeleteThe key thing to remember, my dear, is that it is YOUR dream and how you choose to achieve it is entirely up to you... though you know I'm going to naw at you once in awhile for a word count hehe. Just because I know you are insanely good at writing. Must be all the time you spend staring of into space :-)
ReplyDeleteHugs!
Thanks!
DeleteI so understand that when you're working 40 hours a week it's hard to strap on a laptop after hours when you just want to relax. When I was first published I worked as a banker (My DH claimed I enslaved people to debt by day and lust by night! LOL!) but I wanted to be able to write full time someday. So I made myself keep to a writing schedule. I wrote 2 pages a day each weekday evening, 10 on Saturday and 5 on Sunday. It was grueling, but doable.
ReplyDeleteThe trick is to find something that will work for you to help you meet your goals. Start small, say 250 shiny new words a day, and see where it takes you. Even if you don't write on weekends, that's still 65,000 words a year! It's important to leave yourself some dream time, but don't forget to share those dreams by letting them flow out your fingers and onto the page. You can do it!
Thanks Mia. I appreciate the encouragement.
DeleteWanda, I can so identify. By the time I get home, I'm tired. Even though I don't have the in-office hours you do, I usually bring papers home at night to work on. And a day that has no "read" (i.e. relaxation) time is a lost one for me. Actually, though, some of the best ideas for my stories come when I'm reading something way different from what I'm writing. It's somehow as if while one part of my brain is diverted, another part is working on my story. One of my best story discovery times?--When I'm driving.
ReplyDeleteI've heard your writing in ORA critique, and be assured, you're a good writer. You have great ideas and a lovely, deft touch with the words. As Mia said, sometimes just starting slow will get you back in the swing of things (cliche alert :). The blog is a beginning!!
Thanks! Your opinion means a lot to me.
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