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If you were around me for very long, you would soon equate me to a spinning top. I am very focused but can veer off on a random trail very quickly and with as much focus. My husband calls me a whirling dervish and shakes his head often, in my direction. A longstanding relationship with someone like me would show you that we are effective, just in a very ‘around the bush and in the backdoor’ sort of way.
My writing career is also a reflection of my character and traits. It’s true I cannot write, paint or grow things without inspiration being the first ingredient in the buffet of my life. When I started blogging, I was very ill and could not really do much for over four months. The idea of blogging was simply an outlet during that time that turned into a website, that eventually turned into products and a family business and now is spinning back around to more writing. But, it's a funny thing; the idea of writing consistently. There are days when I am embarrassed by my lame blog post and wonder why I'm in here laboring over something that may never be read by anyone other than my husband. I should be outside and give up this whole writing thing, right? As hard as I try, I'm struck with ideas and must write them out. Someday my kids will find all these ramblings and I pray they will know me more deeply.
Many years ago, I had to narrow down a few areas of interest and really discipline myself to stay the course. Although I wanted to have an opinion or research many topics it became overwhelming and impossible to produce quality work, therefore I captured myself and gave myself a ‘job description’.
My "on hold" list:
I can paint, create, craft & design but not write about it other than blogs.
I can develop recipes, teach cooking techniques, discuss it but not write about it.
I can home educate and help others who need encouragement, but not lead a group or write about it.
My "now is the time" list:
I can garden, further my education in this area, teach it, lead it AND WRITE about this. I speak and have written about sustainability more in recent years.
I can write, speak and encourage others in faith and God’s amazing interaction with us.
I have finished one novel and have two more started. I have one very special project that awaits my next burst of motivation and my latest endeavor is a creative DIY sort of book. It will probably be the next one to see completion and concentrated marketing efforts. Most recently, an article I wrote was picked up by the Chicago Sun Times, about teaching kids financial responsibility.
It seems hyper-vigilant to be this firm about what I can focus on, but being a spinning top can make me exhausted rather quickly, therefore I must have parameters. A couple of years ago I hit a dry spell. I didn’t paint a single picture, I rarely went into my yard to enjoy it, I stopped writing completely and cooking was a tremendous chore. I was overloaded by my own goals and dreams therefore I quit everything. Through reflection and prayer I knew that I needed to have a plan, a way back to what I loved, but not as a band aid until I was exhausted again. Thus, my mental job description was formulated. As I continue on my writing journey I know I will rewrite this job description and write about new things, learn new things and focus on new things, but for now I love writing about what I am passionate about and that makes for some great stories!
