The hardest thing about being a writer or blogger, or you-fill-in-the-[ ]er, is to keep going. You have another job, the kids and/or partner want your attention, someone’s criticized your work, you’re suffering from insomnia so the ol’ gray matter’s not cooperating, you feel like crap . . . the reasons are many.
I’ve been feeling overwhelmed for a wee while now. My writing’s not happening due to an overbrimming plate. The Japanese course is tough and, although I’m studying/reviewing every day, it’s not sinking in the way it should (or I’d like it to). My grades are “ech”. Sure, I could apply myself more—I could quit my day job and study all day long. Then maybe, just maybe, I’d do [a lot] better.
Like others who may be in a similar boat, I am beating myself up. But I do excel at that, having been doing that for years. I learned it from others who were good at browbeating [me]. As such, it’s tough to shake the I’m-not-as-good-as-others mindset; it was “programmed” from a very young age.
So, here I am. Poor little old me (emphasis on the “old”). <sigh> I can’t get it right. I should give up. <moan, groan> Why bother? <sniffle>
You know why I shouldn’t give up . . . why I should bother? Because no one has the right to put a damper on how I feel. I’m doing the best that I can [at this juncture]. Maybe I’ll do better. Maybe not. But I’m doing. And that’s all that matters.
So, my friends, if you’re experiencing a dry or downward spiraling spell, don’t give up. Sure, easy to say; difficult to do. But “difficult” is only a word. And as writers/bloggers, we’ve been known to through those around . . . in abundance. So, let’s throw them back.
It’s within us to persevere. To push through. There may be a bad day (may be ten), but there will be a good one (may be ten). When you [truly] think you can’t keep going, take a long deep breath, square those shoulders, and say—shout!—I can and will keep going!
. . . Yes, you can.
The Writer's Grab-Bag 