Monday, November 19, 2018

Write Tomorrow

(Did you just make a similar expression?)

There are so many articles on so many sites telling you that you should write. You are told how to write, how to schedule, and how to one of a thousand other things, each with a thousand variations on every topic. The tried and true "write every day" sure pops up a lot because, let's face it, even 5 words adds up over time. 

Now what does it all have in common? You just gave that expression again, huh? Yeah, it is an easy answer. Writing!

Everyone wants you to write in one form or another. Challenges such as so many words per so many days demand it. Tips from best selling authors demand it. Writing prompts demand it. S...There is that facial expression again. Demand? Such a strong word. They don't. They wouldn't. Now you're getting it.

Nudge. Suggest. Recommend. Propose. Offer. (All I got at the moment. Feel free to go back to the above face.)

What do the above have in common besides a thesaurus? They don't have anything to do with demand. You and your face were right. No demand. Now think about that.

Have to write. HAVE to write. HAVE TO write. HAVE TO WRITE.

How many times have you progressed like the above? From nudge to demand? And who brought forth the demand? The man in the moon? Nope! The Easter Bunny. Wrong again. Santa Claus? Strike three. There is no joy in Mudville.

YOU! Now you got it. You brought forth the demand. You made it exist. Yes, there are deadlines to contend with in many cases, but you decide how much of your time they demand. And in a lot of cases, you made/make the deadlines. You demanded them on yourself.

Now you're in demand's grasp. Now you're stressed. Now you've missed out on moments with the kids, parents, spouse, friends, pets, events, or just taking care of your health. All of this because of the demand you've imposed on yourself.

What for? Are you planning on croaking tomorrow? Is the world going to end? Are aliens going to blow us up? 99.99% not going to be the case.

And this all means? (Pssst. Go back and read the title.)

That's right. Write tomorrow. Or even the next day. Heck, a week from today. 

The holidays are coming. Moments with those in real life are important. Sometimes more important for your writing than actually writing. If you try to go too many ways, everything will suffer, writing may become a chore, and you may come to dislike it. All thanks to the demands that you put upon yourself.

So the next time you sense demand creeping up on you, take a breather. There is no harm in writing tomorrow. Just don't use it as an excuse to never write again and procrastinate. The world isn't going to end if you don't write for a day. In fact, sometimes your day and your writing may benefit.

Pssst...if you like to play in traffic forget all you just read. You are the 00.01% and better get it down before your untimely demise.

Have you ever put unnecessary demands on yourself? Do you take a day when needed and enjoy life a bit? Do you fear the world is going to end? Should I ask if you play in traffic?

15 comments:

nashvillecats2 said...

I write as often as I can......or if I have something to write about.
As I don't get out and about much I find it theraputic.

Enjoy this new week.

Yvonne.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

LOL! It's a good thing playing in traffic is not on my list today.

Anstice Brown said...

This is a great reminder about finding balance between writing and the rest of our lives. Often, I beat myself up for not writing enough because writing is so important to me. But taking care of my wellbeing and being present for my family are even more important.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I'm writing about aliens blowing thins up...
With the frenzy of NaNo right now, that's a good reminder to just relax.

Tyrean Martinson said...

I tell myself to write every day, just a little, but the reality is, if I count text messages to family (including the emoji texts), I already do. :)
Thanks for the reminder to take a break!

Chemist Ken said...

I try to write every chance I get. Even if all I can get are ten minute slices of time. Motivation is not my problem.

Juneta key said...

I tell myself every day Just Write. However, I am great at distracting self with website stuff, email, and other projects related to writing but not quite writing. I still have a lot of work to do on finding that balance. Great post.

Pat Hatt said...

Nashvillecats - therapeutic is a win
Diane - haha yep, no need to write then
Tizzy - well being and being present sure need to be done too
Alex - Sometimes we have to relax indeed, unless aliens are blowing things up
Tyrean - it all adds up, sorta anyway
Chemist - ten minute slices add up in the end
Juneta - Balance sure can be tough to get some days

Natalie Aguirre said...

You are certainly an inspiration for writing everyday. I do too, but it's for my job or the blog.

Empty Nest Insider said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Empty Nest Insider said...

Thanks for making me feel better about my lapses in writing. I’ve cut back a lot, but try to file notes away for future stories, Happy Thanksgiving!

Julie

cleemckenzie said...

I think I do play in traffic every day that I drive into town. It's not wise, but it sharpens my survival skills!

As to unnecessary demands...I make them of myself daily: get out of bed, open eyes, not necessarily in that order.

Writing fits in daily, but it's not always very creative. I count it as writing if it has two things to buy and one thing to accomplish. Anything else is gravy.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

How dare you spit in the face of all the wisdom of 'write every day.' LOL I'm in the middle of one of those challenges right now.

Neurotic Workaholic said...

I almost always carry my journal with me. That way, if I see or think of something interesting, I can write it down right away, rather than wait until later when I might forget it anyway. As a workaholic, it's hard for me to take a day to just enjoy life because I always have work that needs to get done. But I've finally learned that it's important to have something in your life other than work because otherwise you'll end up missing out on so many good things.

Pat Hatt said...

Natalie - ah, but I haven't written a blog post in going on a year lol
Empty nest insider - Filing notes away is a win indeed
Cleemckenzie - sometimes forcing ourselves to get out of bed can sure make the list
Susan - lol are you saying I spit when I talk?
Neurotic - yep, have to take a breath or you'll miss life indeed