Well, I am glad I got that little whinge over with. As expected, it didn't change a thing. Funny about that. This would seem to confirm that there is simply no point or purpose in complaining about things you cannot control nor change. This won't stop me from doing it again, I expect. Like I said, consistency is key!
While I am here, I may as well join in for Friday Reflections. At any rate, it will stop me from whinging.
This week I have decided to go with the prompt:
- Pick up the book you are currently reading, go to page 27 and write a post starting with the first line on that page.
Dutifully, I pick up a book I have already read and am re-reading. It's a non-fiction book called Use Your Words: A Myth-Busting No-Fear Approach To Writing by Catherine Deveny.
Upon flipping over to page 27, I discover these words:
After a quote attributed to Dorothy Parker: "I hate writing. I love having written".
Then, the first complete sentence is this:
I tell my Gunnas: 90% of writing never sees the light of day. But 100% of writing makes the writer feel better for having written it.
Oh, how I love this sentence! In fact, I really love this book. This is coming not long after I had written a post proclaiming that I didn't think books about writing were helpful. I've changed my mind after reading this book. It's tremendously helpful. I recommend it, especially if you are feeling stuck about writing in any way.
I definitely relate to the above sentence. You see, this is really the main reason why I write and have a blog. It just makes me feel better. I liken it to exercise. I'm actually inclined to be rather lazy, easily distracted and a procrastinator. Not very palatable to admit, but there it is. The truth hurts. OUCH.
There is never any day when I wake up bursting with inspiration and/or motivation to either a) exercise, or b) write. But boy, when I make myself do these things, do I feel better. SO much better. So, if nothing ever comes of my word vomit, and nothing ever has, it's worth it just for that.
By the way, Catherine Deveny runs a writing master class which she calls "Gunnas", so that's what she is referring to.
She also notes elsewhere in the book that there is no forced sharing in these groups. The reason behind this: it doesn't matter what anyone thinks of your writing. It doesn't even matter what YOU think of your writing, the only thing that matters is that you write. Genius!
I expect writing makes me feel better because I can express myself better through writing, not talking. For some one who has considerable anxiety, it's a calming activity. Scribbling or tapping away is comforting for me. Furthermore, it's something I can do with my hands besides shoving food into my mouth. Ahem. It also allows me to connect with others in a way that I'm unable to do in person. I'm introverted, shy and autistic, so people skills are not my forte.
Often, if I'm over thinking, the very act of 'writing it out' and brain dumping helps tremendously. I don't necessarily need to share it. I have so many notebooks scattered everywhere about the house. They would make for very tedious reading if anyone got a hold of them. However, notebooks are so much cheaper than therapists! So I'll call that a win.
And with this bloody weather, what else can one do? Whoops! I'm whinging about the weather AGAIN. Time for me to go and do some more scribbling I need never share! Over and out.
Do you agree? Do you think most writing isn't shared, but still makes the writer feel better?
Ah love the quote and I know how true it is. Sometimes I forget why I started blogging and it becomes a chore. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteChecking out the book immediately.♥
It's a great book. I'm sure you'll get a lot out of it.
DeleteIt's too bad my brother in law with autism never got into writing. You're right - it is a good relief valve for anxiety. Not only that, but writing helped me through grief and many other things. And, it was the escape from reality I sometimes needed.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad writing helps you. We definitely all need that escape sometimes.
DeleteYes, I have millions of words that are never read but I feel good having shared them with the Universe. Writing is one place where no one tells me to shut up and that's why I'll never stop. Love your blog by the way. Can totally relate to it being an over the hill granny to three ......
ReplyDeleteYes, NEVER shut up. Keep writing! And thank you for the kind words :)
DeleteEverything feels damp and my hair is frizzy! Sounds like a great book :-)
ReplyDeleteYOUR hair is frizzy? You should see mine!
ReplyDelete