Insecure Writer's Support Group: Relief

Last month, I decided to take a break from writing. I had finished a collection of 200-word stories and with Christmas craft show season starting, it was perfect timing as I'd need more time to knit. As with other times when writing has taken a back seat, I expected some guilt. Or to get a bout of inspiration that drove me to write despite me declaring I was taking a break. But I didn't feel any of that. Instead, I felt...

Relief.

This year has been eventful. Hubby and I bought our first house. I painted almost all of the interior. I cleaned up and planted some little garden beds. I went back to work at Salvation Army and got a year around position. When school started I went back to crossing guard. Hubby lost his job and we lost health insurance and all financial security. We've had some family deaths.

It's been a lot.

I feel like so much has been piled on my plate. (Some of it self-inflicted, mind you.) To take something off was a relief.

All year, I've been struggling to fit everything in. It doesn't help matters that both my jobs go against my natural inclinations. I'm a night owl but my shift has me up before the sun rises. I'm anti-social but I'm the cashier at Salvation Army. (Which I weirdly like. I have quite the interesting stories from people being people.) By the time I get off work, my batteries are depleted and I am conked out on the couch after dinner.

It's even affecting my knitting! 😱

But I do have to say, despite all this, I'm not despairing. Life is always crazy. It's always butting in to my creative endeavors. The crazy ebbs and flows, though. It will calm some and more writing will happen. Same with knitting. I just have to be patient and steal whatever moments I can.

Created by the ninja captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh, it's a group for writers struggling with writing insecurity (AKA all of us) to gather and discuss their fears or to celebrate writing victories. If you are a struggling writer or need encouragement and friendship, join us. (Someone might have cookies!)

Remember to visit the co-hosts and give them a shout-out for helping. Ronel, Deniz, Pat Garcia, Olga Godim, and Cathrina Constantine!