The Answer to Life is Love #AmWriting #IWSG
[I wrote this post as a member of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group where we share our worries and also offer support and encouragement to each other on the first Wednesday of every month. If you’re a writer like me and you’re looking for a bit of support, you can click the link and sign up here
Happy IWSG Day!
Thank you to the cohosts for the month of April: Joylene Nowell Butler, Jemima Pett, Patricia Josephine, Louise – Fundy Blue, and Kim Lajevardi!
Thank you to you, and thank you to the wonderful cohosts who are spreading the writing love this month.
Writing Updates
I made it past the turning pointing in my book, but now I’m on to other complicated loose strings. Sigh. I know I’ll get it. I’m just running a little low on steam and time.
My Insecure Thoughts for the Month
Quite a few years ago, one of my relatives asked me, with what time do you write?
I smiled at her and said something to the fact that I get up really early and I write while everyone is sleeping. Back then, my kids were small. We had our simple routines and they’d go to bed fairly early. But now that I’m getting older, and my kids are getting older, I see some of what she had to say.
This month, I admit, I don’t have a free minute and I guess that’s my insecurity. I’m not sure how to squeak out more time. Spring brings a plethora of responsibilities at my own job and with my kids both in middle school and extremely involved with school and after school life, it’s nearly impossible.
So I guess what I’d like to say this month is how the arts of practicing patience and grace are truly inspiring to me. I know how much I love to write, as the quote I found by Ray Bradbury speaks true to my heart.
Yet I’m learning to be kind to myself and to try to let go when I can’t be perfect. It’s hard for me. I don’t give up easily. Maybe it’s not giving up but realizing what you need to do for you, when you hit your max load.
So this month, if you’re anywhere like me, just be kind to you, do your best, and listen and learn along the way. That’s all anyone can ask. That’s the advice I give my kids anyway.
Final Words
“If I waited for perfection… I would never write a word.”
—Margaret Atwood
I love this thought so much.
So happy IWSG day. I hope you have a wonderful rest of your month.
Posted on April 6, 2022, in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink. 14 Comments.
Cloud Nine Girl 
As a wonderful writer once told me when life was getting in the way of my writing schedule, this life stuff that is distracting you, is also the fodder for future stories. While you’re busy with life, be taking mental notes. Consider it field research.
You always give the best advice 🙂 Maybe my next work should be about a dance mom jewelry thief lol
What Elizabeth said, and she should know with four boys!
Thank you Alex 🙂
Elizabeth’s advice is good. Also, keep in mind that when your kids getting older, you will have more time to write, even with a job. Your kids will grow up so fast and you don’t want to lose the time you have with them. I wouldn’t stress about the lack of time to write at all.
I really appreciate your words today Natalie. They are exactly what I needed to hear 🙂
Writing when everyone in the house is asleep is the best solution. I used to get up at 4 to write. I was assured of three solid hours of quiet.
When the kids are older, there will be more time. Enjoy time with them now.
I hope you find peace among the busyness that is life. The older my kids get, the more involved in extracurricular activities I seem to get. Here’s to finding balance in the middle of all that.
And in another blink they’ll be bringing home their kids. Time flies and you’ll want to remember all these moments. 😉
Anna from elements of emaginette
Yes, sometimes life interferes with writing. But like Elizabeth said, it gives you material for more writing later on. Take care of yourself and don’t reach for the impossible.
I think that’s really good about what you said about not pushing yourself too hard in your work. I learned to take it easy and not push myself too hard in my writing about a year ago. I think pushing myself too hard was one of the things that caused me some health problems last year. So I finally said to myself I’m just going to do what I can with my writing in the time I have to write in and just take easy. We have to take care of our health and loved ones first or we can’t function in other parts of our lives, including writing.
I know this one. I’m supposed to be retired but I do support my church and several voluntary organisations and I work a bit still, so I’m busier than ever. Finding time to write is very hard. You put aside time and then… inevitably… something happens, or somebody telephones.
I can so relate. There’s just so much to do with my kids and being there for my elderly parents and my job, not to mention taking care of the house both inside and out. There aren’t enough hours in the day. But as others have said, time spent with family is precious because they won’t always be there and those moments we have together are not to be missed. I hope, amidst everything, you can squeeze out a little time for you. Your sanity is important, too.