Have you ever had a comment that made you stop and think? Or a post that you can easily connect to? It happens quite often here in this writing community, but I rarely take the time to share my thoughts and reflections beyond my comments. Today, I am. I am writing to learn. To learn more about me.
I've thought a lot about Terje's comment:
Also, her SOL post about learning about herself through her writing has me thinking too. I can relate to her reflections:
"Blogging and being part of SOL community has helped me to learn about myself. Deciding what to write about and how to write has helped me to see what really matters in my life. Sometimes people who comment see things in me that have gone unnoticed to myself or they bring out the best in me."
And I'm exhausted.
No thoughts of a story. No hopes of creating a little magic. My brain was, is, and always seems to be tired.
So I did what I could do best: Write in the moment late Tuesday nights. Or as Terje stated, "what really matters in my life" right now.
But I learned about myself as a writer, even in the late, tired nights.
- My stories still mattered.
- My words still created a little magic.
- It's important to JUST WRITE.
- Writing in the now is as important as capturing little moments because that is what really matters in my life right now.
- I could not and would not miss a Tuesday Slice of Life. (I actually felt a sense of guilt waiting into the late Tuesday evening!)
- I did not want to miss the connection of words and support from those readers that stumbled into my little world to read my posts...
- because those comments teach me more about me and give my words weight.
- I did not want to worry my Mom and Dad if I didn't write!
I still need to get my priorities straight. I need to dedicate the time appropriately. I need to be patient and understand that I can't do it all right now.
But I will continue to write. And I took a step in the right direction: I wrote this Monday evening.
Michelle, I truly agree that we learn so much about ourselves when we write and share - things that we don't see in ourselves that others do. We can be so thankful for the comments to help us see what others see in us thru our writing. And, yes, we would truly worry if there wasn't a SOL every Tuesday! We know you, who you are and what you have become, but we learn something new each time you share. Love ya, Mom
ReplyDeleteYou will find your rhythm again. Having sickness surround you did not make matters easier either. I'm glad you were able to write Monday night. Words do matter!
ReplyDeleteMichelle you are an inspiration to many and your words speak volumes!
ReplyDeleteA bit tongue tied right now, but I hope you understand my short message: Surprise. Smile. Thank you. Hug. Go girl! Let's write!
ReplyDeleteI love to hear about how others inspire writing! It's amazing to me when I think of all the different places we can find inspiration and encouragement, but my favorite is this SOL community. Thanks for sharing this journey.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for writing on Monday night again, Michelle! That's a great first step to getting back into the groove.
ReplyDeleteOh, Michelle, I always look for your posts because we have many things in common and I can always see myself in your words. Today's Slice is no exception. I'm constantly adjusting, re-balancing, re-prioritizing....I'm thankful that you feel the importance of not missing a Slice and that you're making time. It is good for our souls. :)
ReplyDeleteYour stories DO matter! I post most of the time in the morning as I am worried that something would come up and I would forget (then I would really feel guilty). Thanks for being so honest in your post!
ReplyDeleteI do agree, stories matter, even short but they're always from the heart, Michelle. When I keep my two & four year old granddaughters I think of you, and my daughter and son-in-law too, wondering how you all ever get anything done unless it's nap time, which is going to be over soon for the 4 year old. Don't stop!
ReplyDeleteAww Michelle, I love reading your words and your stories. I think if we could add hours to our day, it still would never be enough. As mothers, wives, and teachers we always find things that need our attention. I am just thankful you still find the time to write.
ReplyDeleteI've been writing late on Tuesday nights, too, Michelle! It's kind of fun to know we've been struggling in the same way! (And I also wrote closer to my normal time today -- although my normal time is only earlier on Tuesday evening!) Sharing our words with each other is so important, in so many ways. I'm glad you thought about those ways, and I'm glad you keep writing! :-)
ReplyDeleteYou are enough.
ReplyDeleteYou have enough time.
You are living well.
No apologies for that, my friend!
Ruth
Michelle,
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to Slice of Life, you are always my inspiration. I'm amazed at the way you manage to write these wonderful pieces week after week ---- and with small children. You have some great lines and thoughts here I will return to again and again.
Loved this: "No thoughts of a story. No hopes of creating a little magic. My brain was, is, and always seems to be tired." ---- Oh I know this feeling.
Thanks for the list about the reasons we do work to get our fingers to the keyboard each week. So important!
Cathy
I love reading your writing.
ReplyDelete