Today was a rough writing day. I opened three different word documents and tried to make sense of things I typed up in October. I opened my notebook and wrote for all of six minutes before writing "This is shit," closing the notebook, and going to the kitchen for tea and Oreos. Then I took a nap. It happens. I expect there to be more rough writing days as I figure out my rhythm in this new life. I also expect there to be plenty of good writing days.
Armed with tea and Oreos, I opened my notebook to the first entry of the year. Here's what it said.
January 1, 2014
Resolutions? No. Affirmations?
Maybe. More like promises to myself. Gifts to my own heart and soul. A vision
for the next twelve months.This is hard because while I am great at planning
for others, I find it challenging to put myself first.
But I need to try for my own happiness and strength and security. What are
these things I can do for myself in the second half of my 41st year?
Push my own limits emotionally
and mentally. Find a new place in the world. Make room for myself in it. Learn
new things. Be braver, be gentler, be more open, be more protective of myself, trust myself more. Love more deeply – not just others but myself. Find my center. Protect
it. Make it count.
What about tangible things? What
will I do?
Get paid for writing
Make good contacts with other
writers
Apply for writing jobs and get one
Write in a notebook a minimum of
three times a week (it’s a start)
Have more solo dance parties
Purge the unnecessary physical
items
Write more letters,
put more love into the world.
Read more of the unread books on my
bookshelf
Up yoga to two times a week
Be: brave, scrupulous, fearless,
loving, calm, centered, active, considerate, animated, balanced, generous,
thoughtful, kind, intense, ambitious, understanding, patient, fabulous, chic,
empowered, enriched, enamored, fruitful, voracious, prolific, unencumbered,
believing, rhythmic, engaged, rapt, ridiculous, game, open, cautious,
concerned, discerning, romantic, free, freeing, freed, subtle, outrageous,
enigmatic, enthusiastic. Be.
So, yeah. That's a lot. But, you know what? I'm getting some of it done (especially the yoga and the solo dance parties). And I'll keep working on the rest.
