Here’s what I’m learning about writing: you have to deliberately write. You have to set aside time and approach the writing process with intention. I don’t do this. That is a problem.

Just as I tell my dance students that Amazon Prime does not quickly deliver strength, flexibility, and technique, it also does not deliver inspiration, blocks of free time, and a distraction-free environment for writing. If only.

This whole thought – be deliberate and intentional about writing – is both a nonsensical and profound thought. It is nonsensical in that it’s a big, fat “DUH!”. Of course, of all people, it’s ME usually spouting on about “live with intention” and “design your life”. I’m even busy doing it…apparently in all arenas of my life except writing. It is profound in that it’s an easily overlooked or forgotten pursuit that we must DELIBERATELY and INTENTIONALLY seek. Oh, how easily we find ourselves spinning inside life’s mouse wheel! Not cool.

Another thing that’s very uncool is that I spend a lot of brain power on writing but never put hand to keyboard or pen to paper in an effort to actually write. I write in my head. I scribble in notebooks. I text concepts, words, phrases, and sentences to myself. I read about writing. I research writing techniques. I recently watched James Patterson’s “Master Class” series online. To be considered a writer, I think you have to actually write.

So, Amanda, why? Well, I’ve narrowed it down to this ridiculousness…

Fear.

Yep, the girl who really isn’t afraid of much and rarely, if ever, lets fear dictate her life is afraid. I’m not even going to tell you all the things I’m fearful of either, because, just like I said, it’s ridiculous.

I’m only telling you this now for a few reasons…

  • I need a kick in the pants. If I admit my fear and face it, I can get through it.
  • I must start somewhere. This is a good time and place to release my emotions, channel these emotions into fuel, and use that fuel to propel me forward.
  • I can’t keep playing the negative track in my head. My inner Mean Girl is loud and incessant. She needs to hush.
  • I need to take my own advice. Stop whining, and do. Stop worrying about approval, and take risks. Stop worrying about failure, and go for it. Stop agonzing over what to write about, and write. Own your talent and your strength, and run with it.

Whew! Thanks. I needed that brain dump. You can send me a therapy bill. And listen…this isn’t a fishing expedition. While encouragement is always welcome, I didn’t come here seeking an ego boost or a dopamine hit. I came here to actually use my hands to write, to turn thoughts into words, to put my inner foolishness out there so others might be motivated to clear out their inner foolishness, too.

Now I’m off to go create a writing schedule and organize my thoughts into some writing prompts. I WANT to write. And I want it bad enough to after it. Deliberately and intentionally.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,