Well, it’s the last day of National Novel Progress Month, and I have to thank Lauren from LaurenWayne.com / Hobo Mama. I’ve had so much fun being part of this and making writing a player in my life again.
I came nowhere near my goal, and that bums me out. However, I’m not one to dwell on the negative and I’m really good at praising the tiniest victory in myself, so I give this month a huge thumbs up. I’ve re-connected with my novel and we’d been estranged for oh so long.
Now, that skill has a downside….(as I’m learning with my 4 year old, over-praising is a whole other kind of problem.) It turns out to be the same with myself. My fear of crushing my own spirit and motivation by being overly critical of myself has led me to a place where I can fail to execute even my deep desires.
Lauren’s post today is EXACTLY what I need to read and re-read and enact in my life. Now I need to learn that it’s okay to push myself and to expect things from myself. Of course, I do rise to the occasion of my role as wife and mother, friend and citizen of earth (that last one needs work still…) But, when it comes to my own dreams, wishes and desires, I can flounder.
Blah, blah…. I’m so boring. Sorry.
What’s pertinent is this. Progress will continue. My novel lives, my writer self lives. Time to settle into the long term care and feeding of both.
Thank you to all of you who participated and those of you who didn’t but shared encouragement and to anyone else who thought, “that’s a good idea!”
It’s so easy to put our own dreams and wishes to the side and focus all of our energies on mothering, isn’t it? It feels oh so good to nurture the self, though – I have loved following along with you as you did just that this month. May you settle into a beautiful rhythm with your writer self!
Thank you so much, Melissa. You’ve been such a wonderful support. I really appreciate it!
“Of course, I do rise to the occasion of my role as wife and mother, friend and citizen of earth (that last one needs work still…) But, when it comes to my own dreams, wishes and desires, I can flounder.”
It’s so true, isn’t it? It’s hard to think ourselves and our dreams worthy. Thank you so much for sharing in this month of progress and pushing ourselves with me. We are all a step closer to realizing our dreams, and that’s a beautiful thing.
Teresa – I received my wonderful package from you. I love the necklace and the symbolism of the stone. As I write this, the last of the candle you sent is burning away. (I’ve bookmarked Big Dipper Waxworks, and plan to order more, to keep me company as I work in my little office.) Thank you so much.
Have you though any more about hosting / participating in another novel progress month? Perhaps for January? I would be willing to host it – it looks like I could figure out the linky thing. What else was involved, beyond posts of encouragement?