Fretting, hand-wringing, pacing, foot-tapping, sighing. What's a worry to do except hold us back with our creating? Worried thoughts funnel into what-if ideas, stopping our writing, or painting, or sewing, with unfounded fears of failure. So let's beat this thing called worry. Take today to kick back and put your worries out there and set them free.We'll vent. Venting has a way of evaporating doubts and fears. Saying them, chewing on them, turning over the words, scrutinizing them, lessens their impact. There, we can think. I said it, and nothing happened. Announcing our worries also lets others offer reassuring words to dispel them.
So today we're giving voice to any little thing bothering us. Maybe too many family interruptions stopped you from finishing a painting. Or a disappointing agent rejection stung too much. Maybe last night's dinner ended up in the disposal and you don't want to cook again. Or a blog post didn't get the response you'd hoped for.
What's worrying you today?
Anything ... Let's chew on it in the comments ...
~Joanne
The weekend was way too short and I actually have to work five days this week. Lol
ReplyDeleteThe kiddo is home sick today and now I'm stuck home and can't do the errands I needed to do.
ReplyDeleteAlso, feeling a bit unmotivated in writing, but will try today since I'll be home.
Right now, I'm worry free. But wait, I've yet to go work.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day.
Teresa
Miranda - Oh that's a good one, not having enough time to get all the writing done. Somehow, we find a way though, don't we ...
ReplyDeleteJennifer - Uh oh, lack of motivation can be tough ... Sometimes when I read some really good passages from books, I'm inspired to make my own words shine. So maybe try reading for awhile?
JW - I hope that worry-free feeling lingers throughout the day ... Enjoy!
I'm beginning my research and outlining for a new MS today (!!), so it's an exciting, inspiring day with no worries - unless you count my quickly dwindling computer ;-)
ReplyDeleteMy number one worry-that what I create is never good enough. I'm obsessive compulsive about that. And it doesn't matter how many times I hear how nice my work is, either. That old self doubt is just waiting...
ReplyDeleteWill I get all of my marketing plans done on time?!?
ReplyDeleteSomeone in my family isn't doing well
ReplyDeleteKaren
Shari - What a fun place to be, so full of possibility. Happy writing, and best wishes with your computer choice ...
ReplyDeleteValerie - That is the scary part of art, the vulnerability that comes with it. We put ourselves out there, open to scrutiny. But the vulnerability is necessary, and worth it, in order to make those amazing connections with our audience.
Mary - Oh no, now I'm worried too! Think positive thoughts ... Yes, it'll all happen :)
I like to call worry 'wondering.' :) I'm wondering if I will get all my work done today.
ReplyDeleteNumber one for me is thinking I'm not original enough. Someone else has done that before...or better...or whatever.
ReplyDeleteCatherine Denton
same thing as every day lately. will we ever get more commission work? Will the galleries ever sell some of mu work?
ReplyDeleteKaren - I'm sorry to hear this, and sending positivity your way ...
ReplyDeleteLynn - Wondering ... I like that! A very positive spin indeed :)
Catherine - From what I see in your art, your paintings are very uniquely you!
People who don't know how to say sorry or who lack the self-awareness to know they might want to consider doing so.
ReplyDeleteAh, I feel much better. :D
Oh, and I do the same thing w/commas (er...um, I mean my phantom does).
~ Wendy
Right now I'm feeling behind on my writing. The holidays really threw me off my groove. But now that everyone is back to work and school I should get caught up. I worry I'm a write-aholic.
ReplyDeleteAlways worrying how to strength the days out to get things done and wondering how to get organized.
ReplyDeleteBTW, beautiful horse. Being around a horse is a great way to relax and let the stress flow out. They are wonderful listeners.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
Like some of the writers here, I usually worry that what I put out there just won't be good enough! I have to work to realize that if it pleases me, there's quite possibly someone else who will enjoy it too.
ReplyDeleteI'm worried that I won't be able to pull myself away from this computer and all the blogs I like to read!
ReplyDeleteOh, Lord! This could go on for quite some time... :) I'll spare you the grief of my worries, but thank you for the much-needed post.
ReplyDeleteEllen - I'm hoping that with the beautiful glass work you do, things turn around and you get more work than you can handle! When it rains, it pours ...
ReplyDeleteWendy - Glad to have you vent here, it's amazing how airing worries has a tendency to dissipate them.
L.G. - LOL, I KNOW I'm a write-aholic. Own it, I say, and Happy Writing to you as life settles down a little now ...
Mason - To-do lists organize my writing life. I like your idea of a visit with our equine friends, too, to ruminate a little :)
ReplyDeleteOne MN Writer - I think that fear comes with the arts. But maybe vulnerability is part of what people connect with too?
Anita - Uh oh, it's a blog hopping Monday for you? Have fun :)
Since you said today, I'm pulling from my immediate worries. ;) (These change from day to day.) Today it's for my kids...hoping I can balance work, travel and time with them over the next few months. It's so, so, so important to me that my kids feel loved and valued...I don't want them to get lost in the shuffle.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of letting it go for a day. I should totally do that. ;)
ReplyDeleteMy worry today is my son's going on for a state school competition and his project is humongous. I should stop worrying and just let him do it. (But it's so hard!)
I got nothing accomplished yesterday. Instead, I sat in front of the t.v. practically all day and hung out with my hubby. I normally like to get a huge block of writing done during the weekend, but it just didn't happen. So now I feel behind.
ReplyDeleteWhat's worrying me...I returned to my pre-holiday diet today and I'm hoping I can stick to it, LOL!
ReplyDeleteIt's 3:30 and I'm just starting my blog rounds. Ack. I need to turn into Speed Racer.
ReplyDeleteIroning is done! That is a relaxing activity for me & now I can think some more about the week ahead.
ReplyDeleteI often worry about trying to worry less. Today has been a wonderful day thus far...a great friend of mine is heading to the hospital to deliver her first child! Praying all goes well.
ReplyDeleteWishing everyone a "worry-free" week!
I'm worry free, and tomorrow I'll be happy. My kids will finally be back at school and I can write again. *does happy dance*
ReplyDeleteHi Joanne, your words on worry are very true. I know just what you mean. I think I worry the most about not having the physical strength or stamina to complete certain creative projects I start. Sometimes this worry can make me doubt myself before I even begin. But on the flip side, having to slow down physically, has also made me a bit more thoughtful about my choices and has opened up some other creative outlets I might not have seen otherwise. Have a wonderful evening! Delisa :)
ReplyDeleteI like a nice vent now and then.
ReplyDeleteMy vent is mean. My husband has been off so many of the days I've been off lately. I was looking forward to big stretches of writing. He gives me some time, but I don't get as much as I'd like. He's of for MLK Day too. Oh well!
Well, I think you know mine already: the cats will never adjust to the addition of our new dog member of the family. All the words of encouragement and reassurance from my readers are helping to give me hope, although it looks pretty bleak right now...
ReplyDeleteTalli _ I kind of did the same thing, sparing everyone else the grief of my worries while tending to theirs. Hope you worries are few ...
ReplyDeleteLinda - I'm not sure that anything can inspire greater worry than our children. Can you somehow tie your weekly journeys into your relationship with the kids? Make some connection through it?
Carolyn V - Well. Maybe help a little? Then you'd probably both feel better.
Melissa - Sometimes we just need a tv day. I could go for one right about now. And, btw, WHAT were you watching?
ReplyDeleteSarah - We had your French fries again this weekend. Sigh.
Carol - I'll try to make my posts shorter just for you, maybe even multiple choice comments. Stay tuned for Wednesday's.
Patricia - Ironing is relaxing for you? I've got a stack for you. You'll be very mellow by the time you're done.
ReplyDeleteAndrea - Sending out the first Blogger Welcome to the new baby :)
Stina - You'll be saying TGIT!
Delisa - Kudos to you for finding the positive in worry. Let's all turn Worry into Wonder ...
ReplyDeleteTheresa - You can work on Character Development maybe? Observing the interactions between you and your hubby?
Carolynn - That's a "ruff" situation. Hope the worry only barks, but doesn't bite.
I thought I had a full cast for my debut play, but today, someone called to say "No." And, the other guy I asked was a maybe, probably no. It makes me think that the timing STILL isn't right for the show.
ReplyDeletePlay off the Page
I worry about everything. I worry that I worry too much.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you visited my blog! Loved the post - worry is the anti-muse :)
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading more...
Too many choices can be paralyzing ... not knowing which to go after! I have so many ideas in my head for 2012, but a small amount of time to carve up.
ReplyDeleteMary - Or, you're about to work with the most amazing actor, just perfect for the part ... Fingers crossed for you!
ReplyDeleteMargaret - I declare today a worry-free day in your life ... Enjoy!
Kim - Oh, is it ever. That's why we're depositing our worries here ... Bring on the muse :)
ReplyDeleteClaire - I agree. I actually prefer my decisions to have few choices. Good luck choosing ...
Homework. More specifically, homework for my Finance class. Hopefully it isn't as bad as I think. :/
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect post. Those darn thoughts can tear us apart before they're even a reality.
ReplyDeleteMy worries of late are about sending my manuscript out there into the world. I actually blogged about this today. I have some pretty tough skin, but then I think, "crap, what if I really stink as a writer and everyone completely hates it." There I said it and now I will move on:)
I try not to voice my worries too much for fear of getting a negative attitude! But, of course, I always worry that I'm not good enough to make it as a writer. Although I will never admit it ;)
ReplyDeleteHi Joanne .. need new springs - they're colour coded, so can't be ordered til the car's jacked up and checked .. life's fun isn't it! So I'm chewing the cud .. and thinking oh well such is life .. new springs will be sprung - rather have matching colours though! The car's blue - wonder what colour the springs are ..
ReplyDeleteGrey as far as the weather tells me .. lamplight colour here .. tea coloured nearby .. sounds good! Cheers - Hilary
I think I'm the same as everyone else - thinking I'm not good enough. I like your idea of venting. I think it really works and unfortunately my husband gets the majority of my venting.
ReplyDeleteHi there! Having enough motivation to get ALL THE THINGS DONE! *sigh*
ReplyDeleteCafe Fashionista - Your Play It Again Songlist should include J.Geils Can't Do My Homework ;)
ReplyDeleteDeana - You see? It works! You said it, and are moving on! Good luck with the reading ...
Patti - I agree, venting has a way of releasing and dissipating all those petty worries ...
ReplyDeleteChristina - I have the motivation, I just wish I had a couple more hours a day!
I didn't get today's writing goal (edit a chapter) finished because I have too many other obligations. Darn life getting in the way again!
ReplyDeleteI think the main worry that I try to keep buried is that I won't have any more success with my writing.
ReplyDeleteWhen it does raises its head, it often interfers with everything that I do as it relates to writing.
Susan - I know, life happens. Maybe you can squeeze in that revision this evening?
ReplyDeleteG - I've felt something like that in the past, and usually took it as a sign to try something completely new with my writing, or direction. It always worked, somehow, to move me along.
Can I have a Tuesday vent? I need to do my hour of exercise today, but I feel really sluggish and unmotivated.
ReplyDeleteBleck.
Miriam - And one hour of exercise is the perfect antidote to the sluggies ... Time to warm up!
ReplyDeleteI worry that I am never going to get good enough to get published, I never have enough time in a day to work on all my manuscripts and get them the way I want them, etc etc.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I'm usually a worrier. Like a lot! But this week, I've had an attitude epiphany and I'm just not choosing to worry - I'm leaving things in the Lord's hands. It's been a WONDERFUL week. I wonder how long I can remember to keep it up...
ReplyDeleteJanet - I think that worry is all part of being a writer from time to time. One page at a time, and we get there ...
ReplyDeleteNisa - I LIKE that, an attitude epiphany! It's amazing how just a different outlook changes how we feel.
I just escaped the tunnel of a big worry (and on the happy end), so I'm good to go. But cheers to venting!
ReplyDeleteNo worries here...I'm kinda of a obsessive happy camper. 'Can't help myself...it's just the way I fly.
ReplyDeleteGod bless and have a stupendous day sweetie!!! :o)
I worried today at 2:30 when I had to give a presentation to the faculty. Am so happy it is done - Phew!! :)
ReplyDeleteWoa, how long have you got. Nice idea though. we should talk about our worries more. I find Twitter a good place to vent frustrations.
ReplyDeleteCynthia - Hooray for your escape. It's exhilarating when that happens ...
ReplyDeleteNezzy - Thanks, your optimism makes me smile :)
Jen - I'm happy too, what a relief! Glad it went well :)
ReplyDeleteRosalind - I like venting a little too. Just a little, then onward!