Act Now!
June 22, 2015 |
| Photo courtesy Jake Hills |
No, this is not a late-night TV ad: “For just three payments
of $29.95, you can have this beautiful Whatsit! But wait, there’s more…”
No, this is my current motto. Lately, I’ve been feeling
stuck, overwhelmed, frustrated…all squirmy and uncomfortable inside. As tired
of complaining to my long-suffering friends about my frustrations as they are
of hearing me complain. And the more I’ve stewed, the more drained and
frustrated I’ve felt.
June 10th’s quote offered me a clue about the
answer to this problem. I’m certainly uncomfortable, unhappy and
unfulfilled…what am I going to do about it? Sit and think some more, or act?
In the past, I’ve noticed an immediate surge of energy and
lifting of spirits when I do something, even if it’s as mundane as
cleaning out a drawer in the kitchen. So that’s what I did. I cleaned out two
drawers in the kitchen. Then I reglued the wood trim on the breakfast bar. Then
I dropped off the comforter set at Goodwill that I had been carting around in
my trunk for literally months.
These small actions relieved one tiny, itchy part of my
brain, but they were just the warm up. Lately I’ve felt especially stuck and
unsure of myself as a writer. I’ve been plugging away here on the blog, but
I’ve let all other aspects of my writing slide. I’m ready to get back into
freelancing, but I have a number of issues to deal with, including feeling
terribly rusty and out of practice locating markets and pitching articles. So I
took a small step towards correcting this by joining the Freelance Writer’s Den, and exploring the resources available there. My first goal: get a writer’s
website up as soon as possible. And, in the meantime, I’ve already collected a number of my writing clips on a
portfolio site, which you can see here.
Yes, I do believe in the value of contemplation and that doing
is not always better than being, but sometimes you must act. It doesn’t
matter what the step is, as long as you take one…and then another. So that’s where I am. Taking baby steps, looking
for “different ways [and] truer answers.”
8 comments
Dear Kathy- I identify with your feelings. The restless feelings come and go but the power of doing something helps. You are very talented friend. I am sure you will find something worthy of your wonderful gift and find joy in using it. The writer' s den may just be a baby step but it still takes a big leap of faith to join. I am sure you will do well and find what you are looking for. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI don't know how this happens, but so often i relate to where you are. I've been focusing on action for the past week.
ReplyDeleteI feel inertia too, so I just do whatever actions I can. Recently Goodwill and closets are part of it for me too . Right now I'm going to a library to read/study my French book because I never seem to be able to get it done here. A little action.
I relate to your snag in your writing process in relation to my drawing. I think it shows on my blog...
As I've said before, I do love your writing.
Anyway, thanks for sharing. Maybe we humans are not completely alone, it helps me to know that.
I cheer you on in joining the writer's den. I miss my old painting group in my old home town. I went last week and it did open up creative channels, while I was there...
Debbie--Thanks so much for your kind and encouraging words. Writing for the blog and "meeting" people through it have kept my love for writing alive.
ReplyDeleteRita--It's funny how often that happens to me, too--a blog or website will have just what I need to hear just when I need to hear it. I'm glad that you've found my writing to resonate with you. Congratulations on taking your first step(s)away from inertia. I think it's a common problem for all of us from time to time. Good luck with the French and with your painting. I do love to see your work on your blog.
ReplyDeleteYay for you!! So glad to hear that you're taking small steps and it's making a difference. I hope your new writing resources will provide the lift you need. It's tough to be the cheerleader and the creative person and the chief house engineer and the pet caregiver and the...you get the picture.
ReplyDeleteWe lose ourselves in the minutia and our brains spin to infinity. I often find the smallest things are what helps me to make the biggest strides.
Congrats for joining the writers den - I hope it helps you. I love reading your blog, both because we're friends and because you're a very good and talented writer.
ReplyDeleteLaure--I do get the picture...all too clearly. Thanks for your consistent encouragement (and kicks in the you-know-where).
ReplyDeleteCheryl--Thank you so much for your frequent and kind comments. I appreciate your friendshp and your encouragement!
ReplyDelete