Write the novel.
Or the flash piece. Or the poem. Or the short story. Whatever it is you are looking to create, a painting, a screenplay, a TikTok video, do it.
I know. I know.
But I don’t have time. But I don’t feel well. But I’m tired.
When I was teaching I had about zero energy after a school day to give to anything, let alone a creative project. And I DEFINITELY did not have the mental capacity to write a whole novel.
However, I did know that I loved telling stories and that I felt better overall when I was writing. And I owed myself that. To feel good. To have something that was mine that no one could take away from me.
I joined writing groups. Attended write-ins and workshops. Took courses. Because it was FUN. Because I ENJOYED being surrounded by communities of people who loved the same thing I did.
And I’ll let you in on a little secret…up until 2020, I never wrote anything longer than 1500 words. But I didn’t care. You can find your voice doing that. I did.
So, give yourself five minutes with a pen and a blank sheet of paper. If you’re more inclined to tech, then a blank Microsoft word or Google doc. Most importantly, start telling your story.
Don’t worry what it sounds like. Just write. And when the timer goes off, stop.
Do it again tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow until you’re done. See how good you’ll feel.
Because time is passing and will continue to pass. It’s time to start filling it with your stories.
Robyn Neilsen 