My life became increasingly complicated lately. In addition to a day job, work with WOW and some freelance writing, I've been juggling the health problems of two family members. So many doctor appointments! There didn't seem like there were enough hours in the day and something had to go. I chose my "luxury" of creative writing. I could rationalize taking time to write when it was an assignment but writing just to write? Writing just for me? I convinced myself that it was a selfish use of my time.
Fast forward to a work meeting when a co-worker complained about making a follow-up proposal to upper management on some equipment our department wanted. We work with figures in our department and as she said, "I have problems getting the idea across to him. I just can't string words together." Words are my thing! (I know, how did I end up in a job that requires me to deal with numbers for eight hours?) I spent my lunch hour doing a little research and scribbling out a funny speech that I hoped would help her convince the bosses upstairs to see our point of view on the issue.
The verdict is still out on the new equipment but the verdict is not out on the importance of writing to my life. I was so EXCITED after writing that little speech. It felt great to write something fun and different. It was if I had woken up after sleepwalking through the past few weeks.
Writing is not a luxury.
It was clear that writing - the kind that isn't attached to a paycheck but simply to the desire to say something - makes a huge difference in my life. It is not something I can give up unless I want my life to resemble a deflated balloon. I want a life that is a bouncy, helium filled balloon.
My life is still complicated and I may have to take a break from my longer works but I'm embracing shorter pieces to fit my schedule. They also give me the boost of having a finished piece, even if I'm the only one who will ever read it.
I even found a perfect writing challenge that I can even work on during my daily commute to work. Six words stories. Yes, a complete story in only six words. I stumbled across this micro-fiction niche thanks to the Sherwood Public Library and discovered there are several markets that specialize in it. If you want a new challenge check out the library's contest HERE.
Have life circumstances ever required you to take a break from writing?
Jodi M. Webb writes from her home in the Pennsylvania mountains. She's also a blog tour manager for WOW-Women on Writing. Follow her writing and reading life at Words by Webb.
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