Live, play, and dream

As the involuntary hibernation of the pandemic starts to ease up, go away, take a back seat to normalcy, I also realize that I need healthier habits at home. Not many years left until sitting at home day after day is the new normal, so I want to fill that normal with something better than surfing or games.

To that end, I attended a free webinar for beginning writers, (re)invested in the software Scrivener, and started going through an unfinished year-long writing class (mostly prompts to get one thinking).

Do you ever surprise yourself in a good way? Like discover you described something really well, or your own writing had you laughing or crying?

I think we should surprise ourselves. It’s an unusual but welcoming feeling, being pleased with yourself.

Going back over old writing exercises is a lot like decluttering stuff. As you reopen boxes, each item brings back memories: Some items are rediscovered treasure, while others are milestones for who we once were and no longer need to be. Most is mundane, but some of my writing has moved me to post again, on Instagram or here.

Some of it is just diary entries: A note on where I was and what I was doing. Such as emerging from a spell of depression and anxiety.

While I’ve been working from home, my home computer’s screensaver has been showing my old photos, another reminder of another life, of travel, of fun—and loss. It all stirs me.

The main takeaway for me is that getting words and thoughts and feelings back out is as important as taking them in. The creative process is healing and affirming.