Start Digging In
this isn’t what you think.
This is something better.
I know, I know… you came to this looking for answers, but the answers aren’t always so clear and immediately at your disposal. There will be times when they are, and for that, you’re welcome. More often than not though, you will have to dig for the answers you are seeking. When I was a coach, I would often yell, “dig, dig, dig,” to the skaters, trying to get them to push themselves harder.
Dig.
That is what I have to tell myself too, but sadly not often enough. Lately, I have become complacent. Finding it easier to flip on Netflix than open the laptop. Zoning out is my newest Winter pastime, but today I consider myself a student of finding out what I want. It’s not sitting well with me to retreat, and I want to settle in with the feelings that have otherwise made me hide. Allowing all the angsty emotions to surface is a lesson in finding something better. It’s no secret that my mind has a way of finding the darker side of any situation - often creating way more drama than is actually there.
I always thought it was just my writer’s mind going to work.
But now I think it’s a defect that needs to be changed. Maybe defect is too strong of a word, but over the last few months, I’ve come to see the effects of my constant negative thoughts, and it isn’t pretty.
In short, I needed to dig my way out of this hole.
The characters I created with the Frankfort series found a way to overcome the issues and circumstances I put them in to rise above and create a new way of life for themselves. It wasn’t easy for any of them - couldn’t be if I wanted it to be authentic - but now I know what it truly takes to makes changes. It’s not something you can figure out in a weekend or a weekly planning session with yourself.
It’s daily.
No, it’s more than that.
Sometimes it’s minute by minute, and eventually on the hour.
What I’m getting at is this requires a constant awareness you will have to maintain, if you truly want something to change. You also have to have a crystal clear vision of what you do want. Health, wealth, or a better job? Do you want to write a book or start a blog? To be in a loving relationship? Everyone wants something, but not everyone allows themselves to dream.
I’ve giving you that permission.
Take it and run. See what it is that you really want. It is time to finally let go of all the things that are holding you back. Let go of the past and all the negativity attached to it.
It’s time to fall in love again. With your choices. With who you are. Yes, even with the baggage. Begin to look at your faults not as faults, but rather as the opposite of what you truly want in your life. As Jerry boldly said to George, “If every instinct you have is wrong, then the opposite would have to be right.”
Take a moment today and think about something that's been bothering you. Now, flip it upside down and imagine exactly how you would like to see it instead. What steps can you take today? Tomorrow? It isn't about immediate resolution - just something to feel better about it now. It's about taking action and digging in, one scoop at a time.
Oddly enough, this is exactly how I process writing a book.
Start with a problem. (beginning)
What is the opposite or resolution? (ending)
How do I get from beginning to the end? (middle)
Simplistic for sure, and obviously, that pesky middle part is quite time consuming. However, in keeping it simple like this, I know that plotting it out won't take me forever. Every author has their way of creating a story, and I have learned that this works for me. Write Your Novel from the Middle by James Scott Bell, is an excellent resource for plotting this way, if you want more information.
Okay! So we're solving our own problems and applying it to plotting a book. Win-win! I told you writing would help you figure out how to live in this world. See what I did there?
Have a wonderful week!
Happy reading and writing...
xo, MJ