Writing through the seasons of life
In my last IWSG post (2 months ago! Bad blogger!), I mentioned that there are seasons in life–times when we focus on career, family, side gigs, hobbies, or just taking care of ourselves. I also mentioned that I was and would continue to pull back from blogging for a little while because of exhaustion, work, and health challenges. All of that is still true two months later, only now I’ve jumped feet-first into a new adventure:
I’m moving to California.
Yep, you read that right. I’m saying goodbye to cactus and desert and monsoon storms and returning to the San Joaquin Valley where I grew up. And I’m learning that sometimes when I’m tired and too busy and dealing with health issues, what I really need is to upend my life completely and do something entirely new. In this case, a new–and even more demanding–job. Yeah, I know–if I’m exhausted and dealing with health stuff, why would I do this to myself? Well, because sometimes a big challenge is just what I need to kick myself into a higher gear. And, so far, it’s working. I have more energy and more focus, than I’ve had in a long time, even though I spend almost every waking minute working or getting my house ready for sale.
What I’m not doing, though, is writing much. And you know what? I miss it. I’m starting to think about my stories more, and my fingers are starting to itch to tap the keyboard. By depriving myself of time to write, by taking on an all-consuming new challenge, I’m renewing my desire to write.
I’m not sure what lessons to take away from this experience, but here’s what I think I’m learning:
- Exhaustion and burnout are real, and I can’t ignore my way into being less exhausted and burned out. I have to do something about it: rest (definitely) and maybe a change in focus, something to reinvigorate my life.
- It’s OK to take breaks, even from writing. Sometimes it’s necessary, at least for those of us who aren’t Stephen King (I love On Writing, but he sets quite a high standard for writing every day). It would likely be different if writing were my main source of income, but it isn’t, so I can slow down or even step away when I need to. And this year, I need to.
- I am adaptable. I can learn to live with a chronic health condition if I give myself the time and grace to do so.
- Writing brings me great joy–when I don’t push myself beyond my limits.
- And most of all, life can be an amazing adventure if I’m open to new opportunities. If I’m willing to take risks. To make big changes.
I’m excited about this new season in my life. I’ll continue to write and likely resume something closer to my previous pace as I settle into a new home, a new routine, a new season in my life.
This post is part of the IWSG (Insecure Writers Support Group) monthly blog hop. On the first Wednesday of every month, we IWSG-ers share our doubts, fears, struggles, and triumphs. Our awesome co-hosts this month are Liza at Middle Passages, Shannon Lawrence, Melissa Maygrove, and Olga Godim. Stop by their blogs and leave them some comment love.
Each month, Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh gives us an optional question to answer. This month’s question: In this constantly evolving industry, what kind of offering/service do you think the IWSG should consider offering to members?
I’d like to see the IWSG resume publishing its anthology and maybe help IWSG members find other places to publish their work as well. But most of all, I hope we continue the monthly blog hop. Even when I’m in a weird, non-writing season of my life, that monthly deadline helps keep me engaged.
The memery
Time to trade seriousness for silliness.
Stop – story time!
There I was, busily decluttering my house and packing stuff for storage and being a productive soon-to-be-home-seller, when Long-Suffering Husband brought in the mail. Smiling at me from the top of the pile was Jon Bon Jovi. Now you’ll never catch me complaining about seeing Jon Bon Jovi, except: he was on the cover of the AARP magazine. (Yes, I’m a member. Why? Because I’m an Old Fart, and Old Farts join AARP. Plus, I like the discounts.)
Now despite my AARP membership, I live in total denial of my actual age. I’m a teenager who has unfortunately been transplanted into this saggy, wrinkly middle-aged body. As long as I avoid mirrors and ignore the results of my annual physical exam, I can usually perpetuate this self-delusion. Or I could, until I saw Jon Freakin’ Bon Jovi on the cover of the AARP magazine.
Let’s keep the classic rock theme going, shall we?
As long as we’re talking about old pop culture:
And finally:
That’s it for me this month. May the seasons of your life always have great weather and no allergies.
25 Comments
ArleneS
Many hugs to you on this next stage of your constant adventure life. Thank you for always being willing to live somewhere I want to explore!
Janet Alcorn
Thanks! Fresno is close to Yosemite, Sequoia, King’s Canyon… you must come visit!
Natalie Aguirre
Congrats on your new move and new job. It might be just what you need. And it’s great that you’re getting the desire to write back but aren’t going to pressure yourself to write.
Janet Alcorn
A very belated thanks! I think it is just what I need. At least I hope so 🙂
Esther O'Neill
California – Home, for my cousins/friend, one of them my writing buddy., and how I found IWSG.
Wonderful adventure. – as is writing again.
Janet Alcorn
Thanks!
melissamaygrove
You spoke to a fear of mine. I went part-time at work so I could write more, and now I worry that being less busy with work will douse the fire to write. I hope not. Time will tell…
Good luck with your move!
Janet Alcorn
It’s quite a conundrum, isn’t it? When we’re busy, we don’t have enough time to write. When we aren’t busy, we don’t have the pressure to write. Sigh.
I hope the change to part-time works out great for you.
Loni Townsend
Best of luck with your move! I hope it goes smoothly and you don’t lose any of your AARP magazines in the process.
Janet Alcorn
Thanks! And LOL. Those dang magazines give me a twinge every time I see them.
csuhpat1
Welcome back to Cali.
Janet Alcorn
Thanks!
joylenebutler
I love your blog! And I trust your move will be easy and stressfree. Yeah-right! Is there such a thing. I do hope you have fun. What an adventure!
Janet Alcorn
A very belated thanks for your kind words! Definitely not easy or stress-free, but we’re coping.
emaginette
I’ve been spending quite a bit of time looking for joy in my writing. It’s what made me start and why I’m looking backward to see how I did it in the first place. It’s still there. I know it. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
mlouisebarbourfundyblue
I wish you all the best in your move, Janet. I find the draw of “home” stronger as I get older, even though I left fifty years ago and couldn’t wait to get out. But I think I’ll stay here in Colorado. I could not go back to rural Nova Scotia. I hope that your move rejuvenates you. Take the time and grace you need to manage your health issue. Jon Bonjovi on the cover of AARP ~ too funny!
Janet Alcorn
Thanks! Yeah, the pull of home is strong, though I’ve learned I can thrive anywhere. And so far I seem to be thriving, even though the move stress is hot and heavy right now.
alexjcavanaugh
Yes, Jon BonJovi is that old.
That is a big change. Hope it makes a big difference in your health and writing.
Janet Alcorn
He is, and that means I am too, because I’m not much younger than he is. *sigh*
Thanks for the good wishes!
Barbara Ann Mealer
Good luck with the move and new job. I’ve learned to set time to chill, and only do what I can. Like you, I’m that teen in a body that’s not what it used to be. Missed you.
Janet Alcorn
I’m learning to build in chill time too. Though, weirdly, I’m feeling better now than I have in literally years. Some of it is probably the medical treatment I’ve received, but I think some of it is that this move and job change are lighting a fire in me that’s been missing for awhile.
Miss you too! If you ever find yourself in Fresno, look me up!
Elizabeth Seckman
Good luck with the new job, new house, and the move! That is exciting stuff.
I’m also okay with taking writing breaks. I never want writing to be a chore. I love it too much. Fingers crossed for good health!!
Janet Alcorn
Thanks! It is exciting – and terrifying and stressful and… yeah. But great too.
I hear you about not wanting writing to be a chore, and it was definitely feeling like one. I’m looking forward to getting back to it once I’m done packing and moving.
trentpmcd
I hope this new chapter in your life goes well, even with the more demanding job. Oh, thinking of chapters, I hope things settle pretty quick after your move so you can find time to write!
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