Writing a weekly blog can definitely be challenging! I sometimes find myself struggling to choose my topic for the week. This week, in particular, has been difficult. Why? I’m not quite sure. Maybe I feel that I’ve covered all the topics where my expertise lies? Or possibly, it’s just one of those days when the thoughts don’t flow fluently and freely.
Whatever the culprit that's responsible for this writer's block, screw you! I’ll continue to show up on the page. As a writer, I have no choice; It’s my calling. One thing I’m sure of - if I don’t write, my anxiety will rear its ugly head, and I will slowly fall into a deep, dark emotional hole. Judging and criticizing myself for not writing, thinking that I’m not good enough, wondering, “what was I even thinking when I decided to become a writer.” I often wonder if other writers experience the same sort of thing?
When I get in this rut, I have to remember the reason I started writing in the first place. For me, it was strictly therapeutic. I’ve been journaling for years as a way to get my thoughts onto the page. I find my day runs smoother and is less overwhelming if I dump my to-do list, worries, and emotions onto the page first thing in the morning. It seems my journal has become my therapist!
When I first started this weekly blog, my intention was to help as many parents and professionals as possible. It has always been my passion to provide children with the tools needed to navigate the jagged shores of life. Although this is all true, at times, this has stolen some of the joy out of my art. I must return to the basics during these times and ask myself, “why do I write?” Is it for others, or is it for me?
I must remind myself that writing should be fun, and I must never lose the fun in writing. It should be a playful art; not strictly business. I must remember, I write because it’s fulfilling!
Writing can be a very solitary life, a lonely endeavor. All we have is our thoughts and imagination to keep us company. Sometimes, my thoughts are not the greatest companion. I used to believe I could do this all on my own. Boy, was I wrong!
Writer’s need like-minded people; a supportive community that includes others to connect with, and to share our passion, our fears, frustrations, and triumphs. We need people who understand what we’re going through, give us constructive feedback, and be our biggest cheerleaders!
I recently discovered that this is what was missing from my life. I’ve been trying to do this all on my own, and I’m craving connection to like-minded individuals. Although there are writing communities on different social media platforms, it’s social media and doesn’t feel like a genuine connection.
So, I did what any lonely writer would do! I started my own writer’s group! Do I know what I’m doing? Not yet… but what could go wrong? It’s all about meeting new people and friends, and finding supportive people who will encourage, inspire, and hold me accountable. I’m beyond excited about our first meeting!
To all you aspiring writers out there, don’t ever stress about if your writing will be awful. The most important thing is to write every day! Some days I look at what I wrote and think, “Wow, did I actually write that? Damn that’s good!” There are other days when I read what I wrote and think, “that’s the worst piece of writing I’ve ever read!” There will be days when your writing will be good, bad, and everything in-between. The most important thing is that you write every day and not worry about the quality! The more you do it, the better you’ll get.
So, to all the lonely writers out there, I’m so proud of you for showing up every day, believing in yourself, and giving us avid readers daily material!
Until next time…write for the fun of it!