With the start of a new chapter, my hope is to establish some new rhythms.
New rhythms of daily life. Rhythms that move me away from burnout and toward balance. Rhythms that facilitate making the most of my time and prioritize creating/writing, not only for my job, but also — first and foremost, actually — for myself.
One of the ways I’m doing this is by scheduling time each day to write.
November is the perfect time for this, not only because it’s a cold and cozy month, but also because it’s Nano Poblano. Also known as NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month) or NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), Nano Poblano is how my group of fellow bloggers, who affectionately call one another the Peppers, refer to this magical and challenging month which is just as much about writing goals as it is cheering each other on.
While it is my goal to write every day, it’s a bit daunting. I’m hesitant to state it here so publicly on the internet. In case… I don’t make it. But, accountability is an important part of establishing new rhythms, so I hope you’ll join me this month to cheer me on and help motivate me to stick with it.
Are you starting something new, or trying to? Whether it’s a writing goal or otherwise, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or daunted like me, I offer a quote that’s been in my mind all day as I’ve thought about this undertaking:
Start close in,
-David Whyte
don’t take the second step
or the third,
start with the first
thing
close in,
the step
you don’t want to take.
One step, one day, one post at a time: we got this!
Are you doing Nano Poblano / NaBloPoMo? Thanks for stopping by! Drop a link in the comments so we can cheer each other on!
Breaking Moulds 
I also told myself that I would write every day. But the very first day, things at work shifted and affected my plan. However, I always tell myself that the real plan is to keep writing. If I can’t now, I can do it tomorrow or some other day when I am able to and when the mood strikes me. So I am only now trying to catch up. And I WILL catch up, like the last time. I enjoyed that one actually…Cut yourself some slack when you can’t write. You’ll have that moment when you’re really ready. 🙂
Yay for daily writing time!
But I’ll give you a hint that works for me. Don’t follow that poem’s advice when sitting down to write – it’s too daunting to write a first sentence, too scary. There’s always so much at stake. So write the second or third sentence instead, promising yourself that you’ll revise them later. Then let yourself go without worrying about the beginning. You can go back to it later when it’s easier to do.
Have fun!
That’s a good tip! The beginning can be the scariest part. Thanks!!! 💜
Writing every day is no small feat, so I respect you for giving it a go. Just thought I’d drop by and spur you on for today’s post!
Thank you!!! You rock 💜
I’m newly an empty nester so that’s something new I’m trying 🌸
I imagine that must be an adjustment! Hope you’re enjoying it 😊