Just Say No(vember)

“Usually, when the distractions of daily life deplete our energy, the first thing we eliminate is the thing we need the most: quiet, reflective time. Time to dream, time to contemplate what's working and what's not, so that we can make changes for the better.”

~Sarah Ban Breathnach

I’m not going to sugarcoat it for you: This year has kicked my ass.

I’m betting it’s kicked yours too.

In fact, I don’t think there is anyone in my circle that isn’t nodding knowingly right now.

For the last month or so, I have found it impossible to write anything. A little journaling here and there, but nothing with regularity. Writing it the thing that makes everything okay in my world, and without it, well… let’s just say my coping skills are not doing me any favors. A little too much Netflix with a side of wine. How about a batch of cookies?! And yes, I have been reading more—which is good—but not when it’s replacing the writing.

I prefer my writing to be at the top of the list. Crossed off, preferably.

It’s not necessarily writer’s block—I don’t really believe in that, anyway. It’s more like a mental paralysis for me. After a day of work, politics, and social media, I honestly prefer to just check out at night. My mom always said, ‘If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.’ So, for me, a night of West Wing is just what the doctor ordered.

Or is it?

I want to do something drastic and try and remember a time when no one knew I was a writer. A time when I wrote for the sheer love of it. I didn’t post about it. I didn’t try to sell books. I didn’t give myself crazy deadlines to miss. It was all about the process and less about the outcome.

I just wrote. I created the cast of What We Know Now before anyone saw a glimmer of the Frankfort lighthouse. Or Lakeside Landing. Or Babs.

Somewhere along the way, I’ve replaced the love with a stressful side hustle and lost the almighty WHY. Starting today, I’m going to work on getting that back. From now, until December 1, I am taking a social media break.

No Facebook.

No Instagram.

No Twitter.

I’ve just had it with the negativity and comparison trap I’ve turned it into, and I’m hopeful and excited about this idea. I want my life back - my own life - and not care what anyone else is doing. It’s how it should be, anyway.

So, of course I’m wondering what you would give up in November that might make your life more positive? No complaining? No drama? No excuses? There has to be something that’s been nagging at you, especially this year.

Let’s take this month to gear up for the holidays by bringing something we can truly be grateful for into our lives. Our sanity and mental well-being.

Until December then… if you need me, text me. If you call, I probably won’t answer, and don’t ever leave a voicemail. I’ll never hear it. Pretty sure I wrote that in a book, somewhere.

And when in doubt, read something fabulous.

xo, Mo

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