If we were having coffee, or tea, definitely tea for me right now, I’d reintroduce myself because I feel like it’s been quite awhile since I’ve (me the personal person, writer person, not reviewer person) been here.
November is like that though, for me anyway except this one had to be slightly different as I’ve been…get this…sick since Tuesday. There is a target on me this year. It’s an invisible one if it’s there. Because I’ve looked! But I’m not having it. Not any more.
I think that attitude has so much to do with avalanching sickness (I thought I made that word up, but google says it exists 😞). The more you hold pity parties, which I’ve been doing far more than usual this year (aren’t you glad I didn’t invite you?), the more your immune system weakens. I’m not just making this up. I read it somewhere…sometime. And, hey, I just googled it too. 😉 So it must be true! All hail google!
If we were having a hot beverage in a really cool mug, I’d confess another observation. I’ve realized how easy it is to undermine your own steps forward. Self-doubt seems to be the first entrant into the contest. It plays out a little like this:
Self-Doubt: What? You? You think you can write a novel?
Me: Sure. Why not? I’ve written them for NaNo. I write serials. I write and write and write.
Self-Doubt: And, you think you can get published?
Me: Why not?
Self-Doubt: You’re you.
Ah, there it is. You’re you. It’s like being told, you’ve never done it before, what makes you think you can do it now?
Why not? That should be the constant answer, but sometimes it’s not. Sometimes it’s: Yeah. You’re right.
No, not catch-up bottle again! 🙄
If we were sharing, a quickly chilling hot beverage (it’s 37F/3C and falling!), I’d tell you that the month’s not half done yet. I plan to catch up with some of the things that I’ve somehow managed to fall behind on (writing, books, blog visits OMG 😱; btw, the expression OMG is not a recent invention. It first occurred in 1917.). Yes, I do realize that some of this is counter-intuitive. How does this help a mind that’s lately been prone to self-pity/sadness? Good question. I see your point. Because if I fail, won’t I get sadder or whatever?
Hold that thought. Tea mug is empty (and very cold).
That took longer than I expected and I’ve lost my train of thought. (That’s an interesting phrase…Thomas Hobbes and nothing whatsoever to do with trains, in case you were wondering. Geek Alert!)
While it’s true that there is always the possibility of building up too many things so that if you don’t actually do them, you feel like you’ve failed. I think it’s also possible to be happy with what you do accomplish. Let’s just say, I’m making a plan to be happy!
Thanks for joining me. Til the next time, stay safe, happy, and comfortably temperate.
This is very real and true, Sascha, although I don’t have the mug. Mine has Pablo Neruda surrounded by lots of little birds. As you say, mind and body, and I remember winter. These days I don’t beat myself up as much while I fail at everything. Really, it’s a waste of time isn’t it?
One curious thing I’ve noticed: when I’m sick, maybe with a fever, I come up with lots of ideas. Alright, they’re crazy ones, but still… BTW, my prediction is that you’ll finish that novel, and *whatever* happens, be rightfully proud that you did. 💚
Thanks, Steve. I really appreciate it. Let us hope that your soothsaying comes to fruition (that sounded almost smart 😉 )
I come up with my crazy ideas when I’m dreaming…and sometimes when I’m awake and coherent and me. 🙂
My pleasure, Sascha. I’m often disappointed with my dreams: there are holes in the narrative and startling non-sequiturs. I’d like to send a strongly worded complaint to the author but I don’t have their email address. 🐒
It’s interesting that the author(s) of your dreams is/are plural. 🙂
I suspect it’s wood ducks. 🦆🦆🦆
I shouldn’t.
I cry “fowl!”
Possibly unbelievably, I’ve now realized I actually love puns, thank you so much Sascha for that humorous gem. 😸
are you feeling okay?
You’re right, I’m not. I think I may be suffering from “liking puns” sickness. And I’ve read that it’s incurable. Oh no, what will I do? 😸😸
a pun stun gun?
a pun pill?
a punectomy?
self-*pun*ishment?
puntificate?
punt?
Gasp gasp … I’m in the final stages … there is only one escape … ☠️
punitive measures?
😵…💀…👻
You Po-Po Thang! (How’s that for a name of a character?) So, Po-Po, you may be overthinking this. Come back to the moment (I bet Scout can show you how), and for inspiration, Thoreau: “…if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours..”
Me–overthink? Hahahahaha. That’s never happened before.
She is then struck by lightning.
I always overthink. It’s one of my superpowers. 🙂
But what about the *uncommon hours*, Miss Maggie?
Unfortunately, I have to agree. When you feel less than, it’s easier to get sick. When sick, if a pity party pops up, it seems to take longer to get well. Just remember youre loved and adored and thought special by many. Sending beautiful sunshine your way, as you are so delightful and in my book wonderful. You deserve to write that book, and you can. You’ve already proven beyond the shadow of a doubt your talent! Don’t underestimate your talent ability and worth. Go for it dear heart and soar!
Likes, Phyllis. I always feel lucky to have such a great support system. Here and everywhere. 🙂
How awesome is that!
Very! 🙂