You may be familiar with some of these things -- The dishes NEED to be washed, the floors NEED to be vacuumed, the dogs NEED to snuggle. I NEED to check Twitter, I NEED to look up something on the internet, I NEED to get dinner started.
I'm sure it's not a funny coincidence that all of these NEEDS pop up when I am writing (or not writing) something hard or I feel stalled in my writing life.
Add to this that I am a napping girl. I love naps.
But napping and writing don't mix well. Napping always wins out.
This past Sunday, the weather was really miserable--cold and rain all day long. It was the perfect day to write, but the only way that was going to happen was if I left home and got away from all of the NEEDS and the seductive call of the sofa.
So I packed up my notebook and my laptop and took myself on an artist's date at nearest Panera. After getting myself a cup of lemonade and a cinnamon crunch bagel, I found a table and settled in.
That's when I made a big mistake.
I checked my phone.
On my phone was a frantic text that NEEDED to be handled right away. Before any writing. Before even unpacking my laptop. I knew that if I didn't handle this text right away, there would be no way I would be able to focus on my writing. It was as if the writing angels had all conspired against me. Again.
This text led to an email that took me 45 minutes to type. When I was finished, I had little energy left for working on my writing project, or much else for that matter.
I packed up and went home.
No writing for me.
I NEED to try again.
Oh my house is never so clean as it is when I have a writing deadline. Isn't that the truth?!?! Keep showing up. This is a struggle for all of us. Keep fighting the good fight. :)
ReplyDeleteI love naps too but I love the fact that you took yourself on an "artist's date". I know we have good intentions, but oh darn it, life gets in the way. The struggle is real but I'm glad you keep plugging away!
ReplyDeleteOh, I really get this, Jen. It's why I like to get up extra early, feed the dogs, take them for their walk, and then sneak in about 30 minutes of writing before my husband rises. The dogs are quiet and will stay by my side without complaining if they are fed and have had that walk. Otherwise.....well, they have needs! The phone can get in the way. When I respond to e-mails first, my writing time slips away. I love that you went to Panera's as a little get away. Can you leave your phone in the glove compartment of your car? The artist's date: I am going to try that on a Sunday morning! Best of luck to find that writing time!
ReplyDeleteAnd you had such a great plan! I'm reminded of Robert Burns: "The best-laid schemes o' mice an 'men /Gang aft agley" Good wishes for next time, and you did write a slice! We've all been in this confusion!
ReplyDelete