Lake Atitlan, Panajachel, Guatemala

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Resistance is Futile

For the past few months my routine has been focused on one thing: get the big house empty and ready to sell and then move to Guatemala. That's a huge "one thing!" As a result, my writing goals took a back seat to all my other responsibilites.

Until I got here. Three days in, I dusted off the six month old first draft of my current book, gritted my teeth and took a look. Hey, not half bad-- whew!! And then I read through this badge on my side bar. It serves to remind me of my commitment to myself as a writer:

 I look at it daily for inspiration.  I love it!!! I thank S. A. Larsen for creating it, along with the sign up link here. It's open to anyone who wants to join in with her Writer's Rebel Creed 2014.

One thing I learned during this six-month dry spell is how avoiding one's purpose and commitment leads to a heavy feeling that brings a sort of unexplained sadness. And finally embracing and pursuing it, even for just a few hours a day, brings lightness and joy. This is how I know I'm on the right track. I'm doing what I was meant to do. Yes, I love being an editor, and I do a darn good job at it. But it's not enough.

I made a promise to myself years ago that when my kids were older I'd follow my dream of being a full-time writer. An hour a day isn't exactly full-time but I'm working up to it. Finally and at last.

I know my purpose, I know what I'm meant to do, resistance and avoidance is futile. Write on!

27 comments:

  1. Good for you Karen. Sometimes, though, life makes us take a break and it can be just what our body and mind needs. Now that you are back to doing what you love, let the juices flow.

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  2. I have a friend Karen, that always wanted to be a minister - with a house full of young children, she never had time to follow the dream in her heart. When the children were last graduating and others off to college, she applied herself and went to College along with her Children - She graduated and found a position as Minister in a lazy little village called Browns Flats, spent many years there until called to small city Church called St. Luke's in Saint John NB. There are those that follow dreams, and those that follow dreams later, however, in the end the dream happened. I think your promise to yourself of being a "full-time" writer is just a "futile" step away. Have a wonderful day :)

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  3. It's a big goal indeed. Hope you get back to normal writing again soon.

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  4. Great post! My hubby is my constant reminder to never give up on a dream but often life gets in the way. Right now writing is just a hobby because my job which is only supposed to be part time but right now full time hours takes so much of my time. Even on weekends I often find it hard to make time. Enjoyed reading your post!

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  5. Love that commitment! Don't give up.

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  6. Speak it. Believe it. And you will achieve it :-)

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  7. You're still closer to your goal. Enjoy the new joy in writing.

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  8. I love that Karen! I've been away from the blog world from way too long. You're moving to Guatemala! How exciting!!!

    I love the creed. I'm working on 1.5 hours of writing a day. It makes a huge difference in my writing and helps me balance everything else going on in my life.

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  9. We all need those reminders. Glad Sheri helped us out this year! And glad you remembered to put that creed to good use.

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  10. Building up to it is wise. Diving into exercising leads to discouragement and sore muscles.

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  11. Yay, you for getting back to your writing. But the past six months did appear to be a wonderful diversion. It looks as if you're now living in Paradise. I hope the new locale will spark your imagination. If it's anything like Hawaii, lucky you. :)

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  12. I think I cursed my luck by writing this post. I woke up this morning to a completely dead laptop. Fortunately I always email current edits on my and others' work to myself. So on my husband's laptop I opened my email and saved the documents. Guess I'll be working on his from now on until I can replace mine. It feels weird but guess I'll get used to it. Where we are living, you don't just run down to the local Costco and get a new laptop.

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  13. Dear Karen, thank you for writing this posting as it is just what I needed to read today. Really it's serendipitous. Just today I spoke with a friend who's had two historical novels published by HarperCollins. She encouraged me to set some deadlines for myself so that I would get back to my daily writing. It's time. Judy said it and now you're saying it also. Thank you. Peace.

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    1. Dee, I'm glad it was what you needed at this time. Basically why I love blogging with writers-- I'm always coming across posts (and comments) that speak to me and keep me informed, inspired, encouraged at just the right times.

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  14. Glad you're in the pool again. Toes first, then...

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  15. Glad you settled in enough to get back to it. I always feel a little lost when I don't write for a few days.

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  16. And I also love your determination to get used to centigrade instead of fahrenheit! Good for you! Take care
    x

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  17. Beautifully said! I also waited until my kids were older before I really began to write on a regular basis, and now I have to write or I don't feel complete. Good luck revising your latest novel.

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  18. Oh, I love this creed! Somehow I totally missed it. Thanks for sharing, I want to go sign up now.

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  19. Those are good words to live by (in a writing sense).

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    1. Right, Pat, "resistance is futile" may not be the best guideline for a happy and successful life in other areas besides writing lol.

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  20. That's the spirit! No laptop? There's always pen and paper. ~Miriam

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    1. Miriam, And I made sure to bring plenty of pens and paper! But the laptop situation was easily solved-- I just took over my husband's hehe.

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  21. Hi Karen - you have done lots during the last few months - so now is the time to get back to your first love - and what a place to write in ... I looked at the temperatures and the sun style and thought - oh I think I just want to move!!

    Happy writing and have fun now you can relax a little .. cheers Hilary

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  22. Good luck with your writing. I like to write at least a page a day!

    Thank you. Love love, Andrew. Bye.

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