Two days to go. This is kind of like releasing the “Best Of 2017” list on 12/28/2016, but I can’t imagine I’ll learn anything new in the last two days of this experiment. It’s what’s on my mind, and that’s what I write about.
I do have time for this
Even with a load of work and distractions, even 15 minutes is enough time to create something. I’ve been able to squeeze time in every single day for this, sometimes five minute “cheat” posts, sometimes an hour. Every little bit counts, if only to exercise my brain and solidify the habit.
Getting started is the hardest part
There are some days I’ve putzed around online, hoping to get inspired (erm… procrastinating). There are some nights I got home and didn’t want to be bothered. There have been times I’ve sat down to write convinced I have nothing to write about. And yet, even if I start a few times and delete what I write, eventually something will come out. Maybe something as simple as, “I don’t know what to say but I’m going to say it anyway.” Maybe something more surprising. The point is, not to wait until inspiration strikes and I just HAVE TO write. Perfect conditions almost never happen, but giving myself permission to stop after five minutes or write about something seemingly trivial means I’ll at least start. And then…
See where it goes
Some of those times I really didn’t think I had anything to write about, I went places I didn’t know I wanted and needed to go. It’s a lesson in letting my mind escape from out of the control of my brain—letting my instinct lead instead of my reason. It’s also a lesson in the power of writing as a true form of therapy and processing. I can start out writing about superficial things, like mussels and fries, and before I know it, I’m commenting on being alone in a public place. Which then led to real-life conversations with friends and family about eating out alone.
I do have something to say
When I let the words come, without processing them first or overanalyzing or thinking about how they may be interpreted, they’re usually more clear and well-received than if I wordsmith and structure. I’ve been happy when someone tells me they’ve read my blog and like my writing; I’m even more honored when someone thanks me for sharing my voice.
I do this for me
And although it’s of course motivating to keep writing when I know people are reading it, I’ve rekindled my love of writing in a way that I hope translates to writing on days when it won’t immediately end up in a post or something completed. I think it took a while to get out of the “what will people think” mode (even though those people are mostly Facebook friends who already know me in person), and once I did, the words came easier, and I enjoyed myself more. A true reminder—
Don’t overthink it
Just write. It will come. And…
It doesn’t have to be perfect
It just has to be written.
Bank of Erin 