Interesting. Thanks to an often grueling career in education for over 30 years, I have a state retirement plan for life. Now that my income necessary to make up for retiring at age 55 is soley from writing, sometimes I feel like I've "made it." I will write my 100th newspaper column next week. I'm employed as a writer at the horse and cattle ranch. I contribute regularly to a print magazine. AND YET... Somewhere, there is a large personal project waiting for me. I have yet to grapple with how to set up my life up to make that happen. I can't even find the overarching thread of this looming, elusive THING. I know there's resistance in me somewhere, and I can't put my finger on that either. Maybe I need to read The Artist's Way one more time. That'd make five times. :) Maybe Craft and Current will be the push I need to get into that river!
An excellent subject and question. I ask myself about setting up my life just about every day about my work with horses and writing, which run neck and neck with me for my life's passion and endeavors. It seems to come to overcoming resistance, as Mary Dansak mentions in her comment, and choices. You have to make your choice, which then negates other choices in your life. Then you have to stay the course. Some days are better than others. I feel as if I am in the infant stage of setting my life up, as it can be a struggle. Thank you for this, Janisse.
This is a good question; it gives me hope. I need hope because I'm not writing as much as I'd like to be, especially the work I want to do, but I am setting up my life to give myself that space. It will take time, maybe a couple of years, and I feel pressed, every moment I feel pressed for time. For now, all I can do is write regularly if not daily, and keep the faith. And remember the communities for whom I am writing. I think one thing that has helped me is understanding that those communities may change over time. I'm learning the hard way that, as Janisse has said, what I've got ain't for everybody; it hurts, but I'm in the process of accepting that.
Yes, glad you're learning that. You can't let that stop you from doing the work. Read Seth Godin when he's talking about "least viable audience." Also, would you be willing to try a mantra that you say daily or many times a day? Write it as if you're NEGATING the lack of time. Tell yourself (and the universe/god) the opposite. I have this challenge too, and mine is "I am the source of time itself."
Interesting. Thanks to an often grueling career in education for over 30 years, I have a state retirement plan for life. Now that my income necessary to make up for retiring at age 55 is soley from writing, sometimes I feel like I've "made it." I will write my 100th newspaper column next week. I'm employed as a writer at the horse and cattle ranch. I contribute regularly to a print magazine. AND YET... Somewhere, there is a large personal project waiting for me. I have yet to grapple with how to set up my life up to make that happen. I can't even find the overarching thread of this looming, elusive THING. I know there's resistance in me somewhere, and I can't put my finger on that either. Maybe I need to read The Artist's Way one more time. That'd make five times. :) Maybe Craft and Current will be the push I need to get into that river!
I hope C&C gets you there. I think it will. So keep me posted on this, okay? I too believe you have something more to offer. I'm thinking of you.
An excellent subject and question. I ask myself about setting up my life just about every day about my work with horses and writing, which run neck and neck with me for my life's passion and endeavors. It seems to come to overcoming resistance, as Mary Dansak mentions in her comment, and choices. You have to make your choice, which then negates other choices in your life. Then you have to stay the course. Some days are better than others. I feel as if I am in the infant stage of setting my life up, as it can be a struggle. Thank you for this, Janisse.
Jenny, I truly believe that it's never to let to set it up & do the good work. I can't wait to watch all this happening for you and for Mary.
Thank you, Janisse.
Horses and writing. Sanity savers! ❤️
Are they ever! 🐴💖
This is a good question; it gives me hope. I need hope because I'm not writing as much as I'd like to be, especially the work I want to do, but I am setting up my life to give myself that space. It will take time, maybe a couple of years, and I feel pressed, every moment I feel pressed for time. For now, all I can do is write regularly if not daily, and keep the faith. And remember the communities for whom I am writing. I think one thing that has helped me is understanding that those communities may change over time. I'm learning the hard way that, as Janisse has said, what I've got ain't for everybody; it hurts, but I'm in the process of accepting that.
Yes, glad you're learning that. You can't let that stop you from doing the work. Read Seth Godin when he's talking about "least viable audience." Also, would you be willing to try a mantra that you say daily or many times a day? Write it as if you're NEGATING the lack of time. Tell yourself (and the universe/god) the opposite. I have this challenge too, and mine is "I am the source of time itself."