Roadblocks

For the last year I've been really frustrated with my inability to sit down and write. Maybe I've thrown out a blog or two here and there, but nothing consistent.

I've even checked out books at the library to help motivate me - that didn't work. Most just tell you how to get published, or how to write a paragraph. Totally not what I'm looking for. I wanted something to kick me and scream "JUST DO IT!".

Several factors are really helping me to refocus on this awesome outlet.
One, I have a sweet friend that just started her own blog. Reading hers has helped to re-inspire me to add to my own.
The second? I finally found an awesome book that has helped me to get past all the roadblocks I set up for myself. It has blown all of my excuses away so that I have nothing left and at least take a few steps in the right direction.
Writing Brave and Free -Encouraging Words for People Who Want to Start Writing

The Ten Minute Exercise
In this book, the authors talk about The Ten Minute Exercise.
This is where you write about anything in any style you would like for ten minutes.
I have actually tried this before. Did it work? No.
So what makes me think it will help me this time? Nothing.
As a matter of fact, it's exactly that thought that keeps me from even trying.

I'm old enough to know that I'm really good at starting things - it's the follow through I struggle with. I've seen myself do it over and over only to fail at keeping up with the challenge. Oh, I've started strong and even kept different things/activities going for a long time, but they all fall by the wayside as life progresses. Sometimes it can take months to see something slowly unravel and sometimes it can drop as quickly as the next day, but rest assured I'm very aware of this struggle. So much so that I've let it stop me from even trying, especially something as public as the blog.

Enough! I'm tired of the guilt I've put on myself and I'm tired of not trying because of fear of failing.

In Writing Brave & Free I found this quote that I can totally hang my hat on right now.
If you want to start writing you have to start.
The road is made by walking.

So for now, I'm going to try writing for ten minutes a day. Some I may not post, some I will. Either way, I promise to give myself grace and learn to enjoy the process again.

It's good to be back.


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