perfect, imperfections. that's what's it's all about. Her I am at 73, and I no longer keep track of beginning again. Here's how I see it. When we're in the position to "begin again", we somehow think thats a bad thing, meaning we surrendered, or gave up. but those life hiccups, are very important. So important, they might be thought of as spiritual spacers if you will. So when the time comes to begin again, you're in a better place. Whatever the reason or distraction that caused the interference with one's original intention, may have nothing directly to do with your intention, yet its impact might be most valuable. Keep in mind you can not jump into the same river twice. Congratulations on your return, and blessings on your new insights and perspectives. well done
"You sit your ass down each day and do the work." After all the excuses we make to ourselves, it is the only solution, damn it. Your story is not going to write itself. Very effective use of the second person here, Lyle. Allows the reader to try on and identify with the challenge. ( BTW: What I know about tech, is nothing, but I have heard there is a recording device that will transcribe what you say into it into a word file? Now THAT sounds like a real time-saver. Imagine getting your notes , your rough drafts down like that. I am going to look into it.)
Thanks, Sharron! Otter is an app that does this. I have a friend who wrote a collection of poems by using it on walks and then going back and editing what he said. https://otter.ai/
Wow! Thanks for this. I am so behind, I will never catch up. First drafts are always the hardest part for me. I love doing the second ( third, fourth, fifth, etc) revisions.
I am currently in my post-new-year-vacation slump and have been feeling particularly demotivated before starting work next month. I guess I needed this sort of a motivation right now. Thanks :)
"Because the gratification is delayed. You can’t get feedback on a weekly basis like you can in other ways." YES, the sentiment I quickly finger-scribbled into the chat box this afternoon - you captured it perfectly here, along with the entire heart-soul-sink that is trying to muster up the courage to complete a large-scale writing project. WHEW! Not for the faint of heart! But you totally got this!!
I wanted to let you know how much I loved this when I saw it on the weekend but then I was interrupted and am only now getting back to it. I am happy for everything you write in here and for everything you are doing. I was thinking last week about a somewhat related theme and came to the conclusion that starting again -- as many times as we need to -- could be the hardest work there is. You are doing that hard work. This is me, cheering you on.
You're so right, Betsy. Starting again can be tough. It takes a certain amount of humility and honesty with yourself that's not easy to confront. Thank you!
Wow Lyle, I feel like this was written directly to me--every last sentence in this essay has been part of my own thought process at some point or another. Thank you for the reminder and the encouragement to do the work.
perfect, imperfections. that's what's it's all about. Her I am at 73, and I no longer keep track of beginning again. Here's how I see it. When we're in the position to "begin again", we somehow think thats a bad thing, meaning we surrendered, or gave up. but those life hiccups, are very important. So important, they might be thought of as spiritual spacers if you will. So when the time comes to begin again, you're in a better place. Whatever the reason or distraction that caused the interference with one's original intention, may have nothing directly to do with your intention, yet its impact might be most valuable. Keep in mind you can not jump into the same river twice. Congratulations on your return, and blessings on your new insights and perspectives. well done
I needed this. Thank you, A.C.
“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end”. The end of worrying about starting over (sunk cost fallacy)
Yep, exactly!
Nice one, Lyle. Great phrasing, great pace, excellent message. A really enjoyable and uplifting read.
Thanks, Terry!
"You sit your ass down each day and do the work." After all the excuses we make to ourselves, it is the only solution, damn it. Your story is not going to write itself. Very effective use of the second person here, Lyle. Allows the reader to try on and identify with the challenge. ( BTW: What I know about tech, is nothing, but I have heard there is a recording device that will transcribe what you say into it into a word file? Now THAT sounds like a real time-saver. Imagine getting your notes , your rough drafts down like that. I am going to look into it.)
Thanks, Sharron! Otter is an app that does this. I have a friend who wrote a collection of poems by using it on walks and then going back and editing what he said. https://otter.ai/
Wow! Thanks for this. I am so behind, I will never catch up. First drafts are always the hardest part for me. I love doing the second ( third, fourth, fifth, etc) revisions.
I am currently in my post-new-year-vacation slump and have been feeling particularly demotivated before starting work next month. I guess I needed this sort of a motivation right now. Thanks :)
Hope it helps in some small way!
"Because the gratification is delayed. You can’t get feedback on a weekly basis like you can in other ways." YES, the sentiment I quickly finger-scribbled into the chat box this afternoon - you captured it perfectly here, along with the entire heart-soul-sink that is trying to muster up the courage to complete a large-scale writing project. WHEW! Not for the faint of heart! But you totally got this!!
I love that phrase "heart-soul-sink"
I wanted to let you know how much I loved this when I saw it on the weekend but then I was interrupted and am only now getting back to it. I am happy for everything you write in here and for everything you are doing. I was thinking last week about a somewhat related theme and came to the conclusion that starting again -- as many times as we need to -- could be the hardest work there is. You are doing that hard work. This is me, cheering you on.
You're so right, Betsy. Starting again can be tough. It takes a certain amount of humility and honesty with yourself that's not easy to confront. Thank you!
💖
Very true…I’m sure just about EVERYONE can relate! Great job nephew 💕
Thank you!
Great essay Lyle. One of my favourite things you’ve written, brutally honest insight into the battles we play with ourselves.
Wow, thanks so much, Kevin! Means a TON coming from a great essayist like yourself.
Wow Lyle, I feel like this was written directly to me--every last sentence in this essay has been part of my own thought process at some point or another. Thank you for the reminder and the encouragement to do the work.
Wrap it up, everyone. She figured out we’ve been reading her mind.
In all seriousness, thanks, Samantha. So much of these struggles we have as writers, or even creators more generally, are universal. Keep writing!
I take my tin foil hat off for TWO SECONDS...!
But you’re so right that these are universal struggles--this is a nice reminder that none of us are alone in it. Thanks again for sharing.