Tuesday, December 31, 2013

A Word, A Thought, And Kicking Resolutions to the Curb

 
         Believe me, I understand the overwhelming urge to sit down and do the only unscripted writing, maybe for the first time this year, on the day before the New Year rings in for 2014. Unfortunately, resolutions serve as a written failure for so many creatives (not just writers) throughout the year

        Sure, you could lose 50 pounds, gain back 20; write a 1,000 words a day, a month, or in your dreams only; you could sign up for classes; or you could be nicer to yourself, your family, or your friends. Instead, consider how you could spend that hour writing something that brings you joy.

        Also consider the minutes or hours throughout the coming year when you decide that mentally beating yourself up is justified. What we don't see in the ups and downs of each day throughout the year may reign at these minutes.

       So on the last day of 2013, I suggest a few tricks for acknowledging what we do accomplish or can accomplish in the seconds, minutes, and even days between the self-doubts.
  1. Write a word, a sentence, or even a paragraph when you first wake up in the morning.
  2. Carry a pencil or pen with you everywhere you go and slip a pad or piece of paper into your pocket or purse. (Electronic means can help, but connecting to the paper through a pencil/pen or paintbrush tends to encourage creativity for many people.)
  3. For writers, visual artists, and even coders: steal moments for yourself each day. What do you hear, see, smell, or touch that grabs you? Put down just enough on paper to keep it going and to fuel your imagination.
  4. Acknowledge each week the words, visions, or coding you created. Depend more on the vision than the count, please. [This is qualitative (rich experience) rather than  quantitative (based on numbers or a misplaced ROI-return on investment strategy.]
  5. Take a moment or two each month just to feel good about what you are building, creating, experiencing as real in your creativity.
        Time is an illusion, although survival is based on the concept. But as we go toward the arbitrary beginning of the new year, please understand the freedom that writing brings to each of us. Embrace the small steps that lead to revelations.

       

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