Lydisms
By Lydia Rueger
Pursuing The Thing This Spring!
A few months ago I went to a writing workshop entitled, “Make 2012 Your Best Writing Year Ever.” Many attendees commented that if they could just put aside (fill in the blank), then they could focus on writing. The “fill in the blank” answer was different depending on each person’s stage in life, but I could relate.
The leader of the workshop, writing coach Cynthia Morris (www.originalimpulse.com), had us write down saboteurs that could get in the way of staying on track with our writing throughout the year. I mumbled “children,” to the lady next to me (although it’s the truth, I found it ironic, because my reason for attending the workshop was so I might move forward on publishing children’s books). The next section of our worksheet said, “Strategies to continue on despite saboteurs.” This seemed a nice way of saying, “That’s unfortunate that you are busy and stressed, but what are you going to do about it?!” I thought this was a good point, and again ironically, not so different from lessons I try to teach my children when it comes to school work, sports, friendships and many other things. The words, “I know you don’t like____, but you have to try” come from my mouth again and again and I expect my kids to listen. So, why is it so hard to take my own advice?
For you, writing may not be the “thing” that is continually being interrupted. Maybe it’s trying to change careers, get organized, finish your children’s baby scrapbooks before they graduate high school, run a marathon or speak in front of a group, but the point is, I have begun to believe that I can do “the thing” because I am a parent — this is the role that equips me! Somewhere in between cleaning up countless potty disasters, holding it together while a child screams in my face, running behind shaky bicycles and comforting physical and emotional hurts, a new perseverance and strength has developed. It’s one different from the kind of tenacity it takes to finish a project or start something new, but it is, for me, equally important in mustering up the courage to pursue my passion or my “thing.”
No, there is not time for it all. But isn’t it true that there is time for that which is most important to us? As Spring is in full bloom around me, I am reminded of the Anais Nin quote… that there comes a time when remaining a closed bud is more painful than the strength it takes to bloom. I encourage you to take steps toward blooming this season. I’ll be trying to do the same. And, we can do it because we are parents and not in spite of it.
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